We are proud to recognize our O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduates who have distinguished themselves in their careers and who serve as accomplished role models for today’s O’Neill School students and the greater community as leaders for the greater good with a variety of awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award.
We honor our outstanding alumni
Our 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees

Jason D. Dudich, BSPA'01
Jason D. Dudich is the associate vice president for finance and economic strategy at Indiana University where he advances the university’s economic engagement initiatives and government relations efforts. Prior to IU, he worked in a variety of budgetary and leadership roles for the State of Indiana, City of Indianapolis, and University of Indianapolis. At IU, Dudich is a member of the O’Neill School’s Distinguished Alumni Council and IU Alumni Association’s Board of Managers.

Deanna Oware, MPA'00
Deanna Oware is the chief financial officer for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, where she is responsible for the department's finances and facilities. Since graduating from the O’Neill School, Oware has exclusively worked for the State of Indiana, serving in leadership roles in multiple agencies. She prides herself on devotion to a strong work ethic, is focused on achieving results, and has a passion for serving others.
Nominate an alum
Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral alumni are eligible for this award—the most honorable alumni distinction bestowed by the O’Neill School. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Award winners are annually selected in early spring.
Honorees since 1982
Name | Degree | Year Received |
Andrew Recinos | MAAA'95 | 2022 |
Christina Mendoza | BSPA'00 | 2022 |
Claudia Cummings | MPA'94 | 2021 |
Ami Tully Lotka | BSPA'82 | 2021 |
Amy Kennedy-Reynolds | MPA'85 | 2020 |
Chris Lowery | BSPA'84 | 2020 |
Srikant K. Sastry | MPA'88 | 2019 |
Trevor L. Brown | PhD'99 | 2018 |
Steven M. Eller | BSPA'84 | 2018 |
Vicki Allums | MPA'86 | 2017 |
Mathew Gentile | BSPA'95 | 2017 |
Amy Rogge-Mack | MPA/MSES'93 | 2016 |
Edward Jacobs | BSPA'79 | 2016 |
Michelle Boone | MPA'98 | 2015 |
Matt Ewer | BSPA'00 | 2015 |
John R. Fernandez | BSPA'85/MPA'89/JD'92 | 2014 |
Jayma M. Meyer | BSPA'75 | 2014 |
Bernard "Bernie" R. Toon II | MPA'81 | 2013 |
Brian G. Clarke | BSPA'83 | 2013 |
Duane Embree | MPA'91 | 2012 |
George F. Schmidt | MPA'75 | 2011 |
Thomas E. Byers | MPA'76 | 2010 |
Dick W. Bowman | MPA'77 | 2009 |
Jim M. Anderson | MPA'92 | 2008 |
Gretchen K. Gutman | BA'86/MPA'87/JD'97 | 2008 |
Brenda C. Smith | MPA'86 | 2008 |
Pamela Brookshire | MPA'96 | 2007 |
Tavis E. Smiley | BSPA'03 | 2007 |
Gregory Meszaros | MPA'86 | 2006 |
Kathryn Sexton Schmoll | BSPA'75 | 2006 |
Andrew Downs | MPA'93 | 2005 |
Jeff F. Richardson | BA'73/JD'77/MPA'81 | 2005 |
Jay Benforado | MSES'80 | 2004 |
Ronald Buskirk | MPA'99 | 2004 |
Daniel Avery | MPA'91 | 2003 |
Nina Harding | MPA/JD'82 | 2003 |
Marie C. Johns | BSMS'79/MPA'82 | 2003 |
R. Edward Ingle | MPA'85 | 2002 |
Mark Royse | MPA'86 | 2002 |
Karen Goldner | MPA'89 | 2001 |
Donna R. McLean | MPA'89 | 2001 |
Jesse F. Devitte | BSPA'80 | 2000 |
Nancy Louraine | MPA'89 | 2000 |
Bruce Hamilton | MPA'85 | 1999 |
Joe E. Loftus | MPA'79/JD'83 | 1999 |
Ann Fumarolo | MPA'86 | 1998 |
Heidi J. Voorhees | MPA'82 | 1998 |
Linda L. Buskirk | MPA'94 | 1997 |
Martin L. Gersey | MPA'90 | 1997 |
Glenn E. Montgomery Jr. | MSES'77 | 1997 |
Michael H. Zunk | MPA'96 | 1997 |
Eric A. Myers | MPA'82 | 1996 |
Jeanette "Jenny" S. Perkins | MPA'85 | 1996 |
Kenneth G. Stella | MHA'74 | 1996 |
Thomas M. Bartholomy | MPA'86 | 1995 |
Raymond E. Gnat | MPA'81 | 1995 |
Jane Roberts Perez | MPA'76 | 1995 |
Cheryl G. Sullivan | MSES'86 | 1995 |
Richard T. Brown | MPA'82 | 1994 |
Fredus Nelson Peters | BSPA'82/MPA'89 | 1994 |
Charles T. Hurley Jr. | BSPA'78 | 1993 |
Talmadge Neil Moore | MPA'86 | 1993 |
Jacqueline Agee | MPA'87 | 1992 |
Stephen J. Bardoczi | MPA'88 | 1992 |
Lyn Leone | MPA'82 | 1992 |
John Blower | MPA'85 | 1991 |
Gerald Hanas | MPA'77 | 1991 |
James P. Perron | BSPA'83 | 1988 |
Walton R. Collins | MPA'76 | 1987 |
Charlotte Pfeifer | MPA'81 | 1985 |
David R. Sage | MPA'77 | 1984 |
Thomas M. Becker | MPA'79 | 1983 |
Roland B. Smith Jr. | MPA'76/Doctoral'88 | 1982 |