University of Indianapolis announces 2018 Alumni Award recipients

The University of Indianapolis announced Friday the recipients of the 2018 Alumni Awards, which recognize outstanding alumni whose positive contributions make a local, regional and national impact. The 2018 nominees represent the community leadership, integrity and commitment to giving back that embodies the University’s founding principles.

Education for Service Award: Michael Shurn ’71

The Education for Service Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna whose life work has exemplified a fulfillment of the philosophy underlying the University’s motto “Education for Service.”

Michael Shurn graduated in 1971 with a degree in English and later earned his J.D. from Indiana University. He is the judge for the Pulaski County Circuit Court in Winamac, Ind.  An avid community volunteer, Judge Shurn has worked extensively with the Pulaski County Historical Society, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Winamac Kiwanis Club and his church, which earned him the 2011 H.J. Halleck Award for community service. He also served six years on the University’s Alumni Board of Directors and remains active in UIndy events. Michael and his wife, Mary, have two children. Their daughter, Megan, is a 2003 UIndy graduate.

Distinguished Faculty/Staff Alumni Award: Marianna Foulkrod ’01 ’04

The Distinguished Faculty/Staff Alumni Award recognizes current faculty or staff members who are alumni and have demonstrated consistent dedication and superior service to the University.

Marianna Foulkrod ’01 ’04 came to the University of Indianapolis from Cyprus and earned a degree in French in 2001, followed by a master’s degree in Applied Sociology in 2004. She serves as the Director of Service Learning & Community Engagement at the University. She is committed to providing students with a quality education through service which has earned UIndy the 2010 Community Engagement Classification through the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, as well as recognition from the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Foulkrod and her husband Kevin, Class of 2000, have two children.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Derik Wittenberg ’14

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award recognizes and honors an alumnus and/or alumna of the University who, while still relatively young, has made outstanding contributions to his or her community.

Derik Wittenberg earned an MBA from the University in 2014 and currently serves as a financial consultant at Elanco. Prior to graduate school, he was a chemist with the Lilly Research Labs and Lilly Manufacturing. Since graduating from Ulndy’s MBA program he has been promoted three times in the last three years and was the youngest member elected to the Board of Directors of the Heritage Place of Indianapolis. Serving as Treasurer, Wittenberg oversees the financial vitality of this organization that serves 1200 senior citizens across central Indiana while also chairing multiple fundraising events that helped support outreach initiatives.

Gene And Joanne Sease Award: Ed ’84 and Pam ’84 Qualls
Named in honor of former UIndy President Gene E. Sease and his wife, JoAnne, this award recognizes couples who contribute their time, talent and treasure to the University.

Ed Qualls earned degrees in business administration and business data processing in 1984 and Pam Qualls received a degree in music performance also in 1984. Both currently serve on the University’s Board of Trustees. Ed is the owner and president of Just Add Power Cardware Co., Inc. Pam is the chief executive officer of UMCM Suncoast, a leading social services not-for-profit agency. The Qualls met on campus as undergraduates in the 1980s and credit experiences at the University for shaping their lives, including a lifelong commitment to “Education for Service.” The Qualls have two children and reside in Largo, Florida.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Vickie Wolcott ’77 ’79

This award recognizes outstanding professional accomplishments or longtime service in a chosen occupation or profession.

Vickie Wolcott earned degrees in Economics & Finance in 1977 and Business Administration in 1979. She has been with M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services for 40 years serving in every role in the company, starting as the receptionist, certificate of insurance typist, bond typist, claim processor, bookkeeper, account executive, and, today, president and owner. Well known throughout the industry, Vickie has served in leadership positions on multiple boards and was awarded the Harry P. Cooper Public Image Award in 2014. Vickie has two children, including a daughter, April, who graduated in 2013.