The Indiana University Alumni Association values service, loyalty, and volunteer leadership. During Alumni Leaders Weekend, June 23—24, the IUAA will honor nine alumni volunteers who exemplify these qualities.

2023 IUAA President’s Award honorees

IUAA’s highest award, the President’s Award. Established in 1990, President’s Award is the highest award for alumni volunteers and is for outstanding achievements by volunteers that are the most dedicated in their service. The 2023 honorees for the IUAA President’s Award are:

Clifford E. Hunt, BA’54, of Kokomo, Indiana

Cliff served as an At-Large Board Member of the IUAA Kokomo Region Board of Directors from 2018-2020 and spent countless hours helping at events, networking with students, alumni, and guests, providing insight into the history of IU Kokomo, IU Kokomo athletics, student athletes, and athletics across the state. Many times during alumni events, Cliff would approach the alum, student, or guest who looked worried and alone and work to include them…Cliff truly embodies IUAA’s value to cultivate belonging like no one.

Perhaps Cliff Hunt’s most notable service to IU and to the IU Kokomo campus is as the first coach of the men’s basketball team. Cliff helped bring men’s basketball to IU Kokomo and was coach of the formerly-named IU Kokomo Knights for 10 years. His connections and the foundation he laid paid off in 2013 when the Kokomo Cougars, as they are now called, was accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In honor of his service, a generous donor and friend dedicated the men’s basketball coach’s office in the newly constructed Student Activities and Event Center to Cliff.

Robert N. Johnson, BA’88, of Dublin, California

Robert’s volunteer journey began in 1990, just a few years after earning his bachelor’s degree by joining the IU College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board. According to Robert, he was a passionate advocate for “continuous improvement opportunities to make Arts & Sciences careers relevant…” during his six-year tenure. In 2004, Robert became a charter member of the International Studies Program’s External Advisory Council. The Council worked in lockstep with faculty and internal partners to create enriching experiences for students both in and outside of the classroom. Robert then endowed two scholarships in his academic homes: economics and geography. In 2012, Robert became an at-large member of the IU Alumni Association’s Board of Managers during the group’s expansion and then held officer positions on the Board, including Chair. He encouraged comradery amongst the board and staff members by sharing professional, personal, and other IU activities in their formal board meetings to show support and develop rapport.

Robert’s dedication to creating rich international experiences for the IU Community continued as he traveled with IU and IUAA staff to serve as an alumni ambassador and speaker on international trips, aide international student recruitment efforts, and create connections to advance intercultural understanding and appreciation. Robert Johnson is an influential member of the IU alumni community, with an inspirational record of volunteer service and philanthropic investment.

Dennis E. Sputh, BS’75, of Denver, Colorado

Dennis is best known as the long-serving and dedicated treasurer of the Colorado Chapter of the IUAA, a position he has had for more than 30 years. Yet, Dennis’s service is much more than that. Dennis is a proud Kelley graduate and he and his brothers are also very passionate about IU’s Family Camp in Wisconsin, Camp Brosius, visiting regularly and remaining a life-long supporter. During his time as a volunteer in Colorado, he has engaged and brought in countless other alumni through hosting at or running point on events. Whether it’s hosting a game watch, keeping the books balanced, providing historical context, or doling out his famous, home-made caramels – Dennis has been a rock upon which the Colorado Chapter has grown.

Dennis was on the board when the Colorado Alumni Chapter Scholarship was created in 2013 and has been a huge advocate for its growth – both as a donor and a promoter. Through his advocacy, Dennis has built strong relationships and continues to play an integral role in stewarding donors to the scholarship. Thanks in part to the relationships he cultivates, the fund has seen continuous growth and currently stands out as the second largest IUAA chapter scholarship in the country.

2023 Volunteer Leadership Award honorees

The IUAA Volunteer Leadership Award is presented to leaders who are not finished with their volunteer journey and continue to serve the IU Alumni Association in impactful ways. The 2023 honorees for the Volunteer Leadership Award are:

Rosmah Ghazali

Rosmah Ghazali, BS’84, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was honored at an event in May with Roy Hooper, her nominator, and director of global alumni engagement. Rosmah has been the president of the IUAA Malaysia chapter since 2019 following the passing of the previous chapter president. Rosmah has worked closely with the IU ASEAN Gateway office to support outreach in the country and connect with alumni of all ages and backgrounds. She has assisted in identifying and facilitating meetings with alumni in key positions to facilitate university priorities and strategic Gateway initiatives.

Kathy Koehler

Kathy Koehler, MPA’98, of Indianapolis was a founding member of the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs IUPUI Alumni Council and helped create a mentoring program connecting O’Neill alumni and students. She was president of the then-SPEA Alumni Association Board, the SPEA IUPUI Alumni Council, and the steering committee for the inaugural O’Neill Women’s Empowerment Summit. She’s been an invaluable member of the IUAA Executive Council, Governance Committee, and several subcommittees.

Millicent Martin Emery

Millicent Martin Emery, BAJ’00, of Richmond, Ind. was invited to join the alumni board of the School of Journalism as a new graduate in August 2002. She soon moved into the secretary position and remained in that officer role until July 2018, when she transitioned to vice president, president and finally immediate past president. Her service has spanned a critical time in the history of the journalism program, as the School of Journalism transitioned into The Media School and then through the COVID pandemic. She’s been diligent in attending each meeting and is always willing to help nominate fellow alumni for the distinguished alumni award, assist in grant applications, write thank you letters to event participants, and share accolades about our students and faculty on social media.

Janelle Stenger

Janelle Stenger, BA’89, lives in Aurora, Ind, which is part of the Greater Cincinnati Alumni Community. She was in leadership roles with the Dearborn County Chapter and served as Scholarship Chair from 1998 to 2005. While she no longer serves as chair, she continues to advocate for the Dearborn County Chapter Scholarship and is keen on raising support for IU students from the area. She served on the Executive Council for two terms and on the Parent Advisory Board for seven years. She continues to proudly serve on the Greater Cincinnati Alumni Board where she is focused on engaging the Indiana region of this important market.

Maurice Taylor

Maurice Taylor, BA’86, of Indianapolis has been a long-time volunteer leader with the Neal Marshall Alumni Club, serving as treasurer and co-president for multiple stints. As an IU Soul Revue alum and proud member of the alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, he has experience to share. He has been the featured alumni speaker at the Black Congratulatory Celebration on the Bloomington campus welcoming our new alumni for the past three years.

Dawn Michele Whitehead

Dawn Michele Whitehead, BA’97, MS’03, PhD’07, of Washington, DC. has service that extends into multiple critical areas: Neal Marshall Alumni Club, Washington DC Chapter, and the Board of Managers, where she’s contributed to the strategic plan and the development of our Declaration against Racism. She has served as a Board Member of the Neal Marshall Alumni Club for several years and is also a member of IU’s Women’s Philanthropy Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle.

 

The IU Alumni Association is a global alumni organization that brings more than 760,000 IU graduates together to support one another and Indiana University throughout their lives. For more information, visit alumni.iu.edu or call (812) 855-4822