You are here

Home » Division of University Advancement » Impact

President's Dinner

ISU President's Dinner Logo

 

 

 

 

On November 10, 2023, Indiana State University hosted the third annual President’s Dinner. This special event honors the University’s Distinguished Alumni for their significant achievements professionally and within their communities, locally and globally. The evening also celebrates philanthropy to the institution by honoring donors for their generosity and dedication to the advancement of the culture of giving at Indiana State.

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Brian Dorsett

Brian Dorsett attended Indiana State University from 1979-1983; he studied business administration and played baseball during his time at the institution, being inducted to the Sycamore Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. He is currently President of Dorsett Automotive, having served on the Regional Advisory Board Council for Nissan USA and Hyundai USA, and Principal Owner of the Terre Haute Rex. Before his business career, he played 14 seasons in the professional baseball ranks, making it to the Major Leagues with six different teams. He has been an ardent supporter of Sycamore Athletics and his commitment to the Terre Haute community is evident through his active involvement in local philanthropy and economic development initiatives. He has consistently championed education, youth programs, and economic revitalization, leaving an indelible mark on the University and the surrounding area.  

Claude Grimes 

Claude Grimes graduated from Indiana State University in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in political science. During his time on campus, he was an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, served as the Prime Minister of the Black Student Union, and participated in the Student Government Association. He went on to receive his master's degree from National Louis University. Currently serving as the Director of Human Resources for Siemens, he manages employee relations for the global technology company by focusing on relationship-building, leading by example, and having a solution-based mindset. He has previously served on the ISU African American Council, ISU Foundation Board of Directors, and received the National Pan-Hellenic Council Advisor of the Year for Kappa Alpha Psi in 2016 and 2017. He currently serves as the Chairman for the Northeast Indiana Neighborhood Engagement (NINE) Board.  

Mary McGuire 

Mary McGuire received her Bachelor of Science in Packaging Technology in 1979 from Indiana State University and went on to receive her Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has been intrinsically involved in the betterment of Sycamores since her time on campus and currently consults for her own business, M2McGuire & Associates, delivering process and systems improvements for organizations. She has Six Sigma Green and Black Belt certifications, Lean certification, and is a certified Trainer as well as a Malcolm Baldrige Quality Systems examiner. Mary is a retired engineering manager with more than 34 years of experience working in various operations and engineering leadership positions. Mary currently serves on the ISU Foundation Board of Directors as Treasurer, is Co-Leader and Co-Founder of Destination Success, a program that focuses on mentoring women in STEM majors at Indiana State, and on the Capitol Technology University Board of Trustees. She previously served as President and Treasurer of the ISU Alumni Association Board as well as on the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology (BCET) Advisory Board as chairman.  

Philanthropy Honorees

March On! Philanthropy Award Recipients

Dave and Jeanne Husain  

Dave and Jeanne Husain's passion for Indiana State University began when Dave was a child as he grew up in Terre Haute, and his father was a faculty member. They established a scholarship honoring Dave's parents and recently created the first endowed fund supporting the Project Success initiative. 

Darwin McCallian

Darwin McCallian is a 1975 Indiana State alumnus, earning a bachelor's degree in political science and economics. His gifts have largely supported initiatives in the Scott College of Business through the creation of an executive leadership forum and an endowed professorship.   

Robert and Penny Schafer 

Former Vice President of Administrative Affairs Robert Schafer and his wife, Penny, are both alumni of Indiana State University. Bob graduated in 1961 from the Scott College of Business and earned his graduate degree in 1963, while Penny graduated with her first bachelor’s in 1967, her master’s in 1970, and her second bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1991. Their philanthropic support has been strong in Sycamore Athletics, the Scott College of Business, and the College of Health and Human Services.     

North American Lighting 

North American Lighting is a leading producer of innovative automotive lighting systems based out of Paris, Illinois, that works closely with Indiana State University by creating opportunities for students in the form of internships, scholarships, faculty support, and full-time positions.   

John P. Newton Spirit of ISU Award Recipient

Todd and Michelle Hein 

Todd and Michelle Hein are loyal Sycamore fans, and their passion for ISU is rooted in their son, Jacob. The Hein family cares deeply for the success of Indiana State’s student-athletes. They can be seen at most ISU sporting events and provide a “second home” feeling to many Sycamores during their time in Terre Haute. 

Student Philanthropy Award

WZIS 

WZIS, the radio station run by students on campus, embodies the spirit of philanthropy by consistently implementing positive change and providing support for Sycamores. The group assists in organizing and promoting events such as Picnic Palooza, Dance Marathon, Toys for Tots, and their Game On Giveaway, which provides students a cost-free opportunity to win gaming consoles, autographed memorabilia, and gift cards.