UIndy Alumni Association Recognizes Alumni, Supporters with 2025 Awards
The University of Indianapolis and its Alumni Board of Directors honored UIndy graduates who have achieved exceptional success and served their society during the 2025 UIndy Alumni Awards.
The 10-Hounds Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
The 10-Hounds Awards recognize and honor young alumni who are outstanding in their personal and professional endeavors and who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Portia Benbow ’12 (MA in Clinical Psychology)
Benbow is a mission-driven leader who uses the power of sports to drive meaningful change. With the Atlanta Hawks, she leads strategy and initiatives that have positioned the organization as a leader in corporate social responsibility across the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Beyond the Hawks, Benbow is deeply involved in service, including leadership roles with the Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League, Hoop Too Foundation, and the Posse Foundation, volunteering in ways that use basketball to uplift youth and communities.
She is also the Founder of DiaBeating The Odds, a nonprofit organization inspired by her own 26-year journey with type 1 diabetes. The organization empowers underserved communities through education and support.
Benbow holds a master’s in sports administration from Georgia State University, in addition to her master’s in clinical psychology from the University of Indianapolis.
Dr. Dayna Charbonneau ’12 ’16 (MA in Clinical Psychology, PsyD)
Dr. Charbonneau is the Director of Wellness for the Toronto Raptors, a role she began in January 2024. She leads the team’s mental health and performance programs, supporting players, coaches, and staff. She also serves on the organization’s leadership team, guiding behavioral health and wellness within the organization. In addition, she participates in the Raptors’ basketball community outreach events, teaching youth proactive mental health and mental performance skills they can use in both sport and life.
Before joining the NBA, Dr. Charbonneau oversaw Clinical and Sport Psychology services for Division I athletics at Texas Tech and West Virginia University, and also served as an adjunct professor teaching courses in both psychology and sport psychology.
A native of London, Ontario, she earned her undergraduate degree from Western University, where she was also a member of the softball team. She completed both her MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Indianapolis, with specialized training in supporting the mental health and mental performances of Division I student-athletes.
Dr. Ekta Kumar ’10 ’13 (MA in Clinical Psychology, PsyD)
Dr. Ekta Kumar is a distinguished clinical psychologist specializing in trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ care, and multicultural psychology in Los Angeles, California. She earned her Bachelor of Science with Honors in Clinical Psychology and Sociology from Vanderbilt University and her master’s and doctorate from the University of Indianapolis. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Southern California (USC), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Loyola University Maryland.
Dr. Kumar has held impactful leadership roles, including Director of CARE-SC, where she provided crucial services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence at USC. As Director of California Lutheran University’s Community Counseling Services, she oversaw two low-fee clinics that trained future therapists.
Currently, she serves as Senior Director for Well-being, Culture, and Engagement for the USC Department of Psychiatry. In addition to her work as an adjunct faculty member at the USC Rossier School of Education, Dr. Kumar also regularly presents on gender-affirming care, trauma, and multicultural psychology at conferences across the country.
Her work has earned her a 40 Under 40 Award, USC Gold Heart Award, Mental Health Outcome Award, and Client Satisfaction Award.
Ira Maher ’09 (Communication)
Maher is a visionary marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and thought leader based in Indianapolis. Driven by his passion for people and strategy, he established Revely, a marketing technology consulting firm in March 2023.
Before founding Revely, Maher served as Vice President of Strategy at The Basement, where he played a key role in driving growth and innovation. His leadership contributed to the agency earning spots on both the Inc. 5000 and Indianapolis Business Journal’s Fast 25 lists.
At Revely, Ira helps brands harness the power of marketing technology, data strategy, and analytics. His work empowers companies to prove impact through smarter systems and tools.
In recognition of his leadership and impact, Maher was recently named to the 2025 Forty Under 40 list by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Mackenzie Pickerrell ’13 (Psychology)
A native of Seymour, Indiana, Pickerrell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Decatur Shelby County YMCA. There, she drives growth through impactful programs and expanded operations and ensures the YMCA remains responsive to community needs.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child and Youth Programs from the University of Indianapolis, where she was a United Methodist Youth Leadership Scholar. She later completed a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Indianapolis.
Pickerrell previously served as the inaugural Executive Director of Girl Coalition of Indiana, where she launched the Indiana Girl Report and advanced statewide advocacy.
She also held senior leadership roles at Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis. Today, she leverages over a decade of experience in youth development, fundraising, and strategic planning to guide the YMCA’s transformative impact in Decatur and Shelby counties.
Joshua Reichart ’08 (Marketing)
Reichart holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in computer information systems and a concentration in sports marketing from the University of Indianapolis.
He currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the 500 Festival, where he has dedicated an impressive 17 full-time seasons. Reichart’s journey with the organization began as an intern in 2008, and his leadership has since played a key role in shaping partnerships that support one of Indiana’s most iconic events.
Reichart’s impact extends beyond his professional work. He has been nominated as an Inspiring Alumni by College Mentors for Kids, served as President of the Indiana State Festivals Association Board, and is deeply involved in his community as Head Deacon at Ovid Community Church.
Vanessa Richardson ’17 (Communication)
Richardson is a three-time Emmy-winning sports reporter based in Houston. She’s currently the sideline reporter for the Houston Rockets and a national NBA Host and reporter for ESPN. Recently, she served as the sideline reporter for the WNBA playoffs on ESPN.
Richardson’s career path includes stops at NBC Houston, ESPN radio Houston, and NBC Cincinnati. She has covered the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, World Series, and more for various outlets.
Her career began as a college student at the University of Indianapolis, where Richardson was a DJ and sports reporter for WICR-FM all four years of college. While a student, she was also the In-Arena host for the Pacers, in-game host for the Indianapolis Indians, and contributed to WTHR and the Bob and Tom show as a digital reporter.
Brandon Smith ’08 (Nursing)
Smith began his career as an operating room nurse at Riley Hospital for Children before joining Hendricks Regional Health, where he spent thirteen years advancing through diverse roles ranging from OR nurse to IT analyst, manager, strategic planning specialist, and eventually director of business development. In that role, he forged partnerships with over 150 employers while streamlining clinic operations and occupational health services.
In 2023, Smith became the Chief Development Officer at OrthoIndy, where he now leads growth and marketing strategies, along with oversight of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and advanced imaging services.
Smith earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis in 2008 and later completed a master’s in health informatics from Indiana University.
Jordan Tiegs ’10 ’13 (Communication, MBA)
Tiegs currently serves as the bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers. Before stepping into this role, he was the organization’s pitching coordinator from 2020 to 2024. His coaching journey began at UIndy, where he served as a graduate assistant from 2011 to 2014, followed by five years as pitching coach at Indiana State University.
Tiegs has enjoyed a remarkable coaching career, highlighted by winning the 2023 World Series with the Texas Rangers. He also helped lead Indiana State to a conference championship and regional final appearance in 2019, and was part of UIndy’s 2012 team that won both conference and regional titles and advanced to the College World Series.
Originally from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, Tiegs met his wife, Chelsea, while attending the University of Indianapolis—making UIndy meaningful both professionally and personally.
Andrew Troxel ’10 (Operations & Supply Chain Management)
Troxel is the CEO of Minnow Technologies, a VC-backed hardware startup dedicated to creating a more sustainable food delivery ecosystem.
During his time at UIndy, he was a founding member of the University’s chapter for the Association for Supply Chain Management, worked for the Greyhound Club, and studied abroad at the UIndy Athens campus.
Troxel has led revenue and client success teams at several startups. His background in customer-centric growth led him to join Minnow to develop the company’s customer success strategy. He has since risen to CEO, architecting Minnow’s commitment to long-term sustainability and customer delight.
The Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alum for their outstanding professional accomplishments or long-standing devoted service in their chosen field.
Dr. Robert Dicks Sr. ’65 (Biology)
Raised on a farm in Covington, Indiana, Dr. Dicks learned early that success comes through discipline, perseverance, and hard work. Though his family tradition pointed toward Wabash College, he chose to chart his own path—enrolling at Indiana Central College with plans to study law.
But a single, unexpected question from his biology professor, Dr. William Pitt Morgan, would change the course of his life: “Have you ever considered medicine?” That moment sparked a calling that would shape his future.
Dr. Dicks earned his biology degree in 1965 and went on to complete medical school at Indiana University. In 1973, he joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was stationed at Womack Army Hospital in Fort Bragg, where he established a Family Practice Residency Program that trained 18 residents by the time of his honorable discharge. For his service, he received the Army Commendation Medal.
Returning to Indianapolis, he co-founded Southside Family Physicians and became a key teaching faculty member at St. Francis Hospital’s new Family Medicine Residency. Over the next 36 years, Dr. Dicks helped train more than 215 family physicians and medical students—many of whom still practice in Indiana today.
He also served as team physician for Center Grove High School and the University of Indianapolis football team, and continued practicing part-time even after his formal retirement in 2012.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dicks was recognized with numerous honors, including the Otis R. Bowen Leadership Award and multiple teaching awards from St. Francis and Indiana University.
Dr. Dicks and his wife, Marcey, who is also a 1965 graduate, recently pledged a $1 million gift to establish a medical scholarship in honor of Dr. William Pitt Morgan, the professor who saw potential in him before he saw it in himself.
The Education for Service Award
The Education for Service Award honors an alum whose work has exemplified a fulfillment of the philosophy underlying the University’s motto “Education for Service.”
Dr. James Glass ’74 (History)
Dr. Glass currently serves as Principal of Historic Preservation & Heritage Consulting, helping clients preserve the built environment across the country.
His distinguished career includes two terms as Director of the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, and 13 years as Director of the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation at Ball State University, where he also founded the Center for Historic Preservation.
A passionate educator and public historian, Dr. Glass has delivered dozens of engaging public lectures on architecture, earning him the nickname “the Taylor Swift of preservation.”
His leadership extends beyond Indiana. Dr. Glass has served on the Board of Advisors for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and on the boards of Indiana Landmarks and the Indianapolis Propylaeum, helping to guide the direction of historic preservation efforts at both state and national levels.
Most recently, he completed a landmark achievement: a two-volume, fully illustrated history of Indianapolis architecture from 1820 to 1920, published by Indiana University Press.
Dr. Glass holds advanced degrees from Indiana University and Cornell, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Indianapolis with degrees in history and Spanish.
The Gene & Joanne Sease Award
The Gene & Joanne Sease Award honors a couple who have exemplified the type of commitment to the University of Indianapolis shown by the Seases in their lifetime through years of dedication to UIndy.
Jane ’06 (Nursing Education) and Sam Mobley
A dedicated nurse and leader in nursing education, Jane Mobley’s passion for nursing began in childhood, taking care of the many critters on her family farm. After earning her RN diploma from Deaconess Hospital in 1969, she began practice at St. Vincent, Fall Creek Parkway. She later completed her BSN at Marian University and her MSN at the University of Indianapolis in 2006.
Jane held leadership roles in nursing education and worked to develop Methodist Hospital’s first simulation program and the pilot program for congestive heart patient education. She also served as Clarian Hospital’s Manager of Central Nursing Orientation.
As a registered nurse, Jane worked in a variety of care settings, including hospitals, long-term care, and home care. Since retiring in 2015, she has remained active as a volunteer for Madeline House (a shelter for homeless women). She is also an avid gardener, a dedicated grandmother, and a proud Greyhound supporter.
Her husband, Sam Mobley, is a Greyhound at heart, sharing just as much enthusiasm for University of Indianapolis events as Jane. The Mobleys regularly attend athletic events and music performances and assist on move-in day, welcoming new students with the same warmth and spirit they bring to all their interactions.
As a couple, the Mobleys have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the University of Indianapolis through their active engagement in campus life and philanthropic efforts. They established a scholarship that provides $2,000 annually to support nursing students.
The Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award honors an individual who, while not a graduate of the University of Indianapolis, has clearly demonstrated their commitment to the University.
Melynne Klaus
Klaus currently serves as the Chief Philanthropic Officer for the Endless Success Foundation. From 2006 to 2023, she served as Director of the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and later as the Vice-Chair of the Foundation’s board, helping to oversee more than $100 million in grants supporting arts and culture in Indianapolis.
Following the passing of Christel DeHaan in 2020, Klaus supported the development and execution of Christel DeHaan’s Donor Intent for the Foundation closure, culminating in over $55 million in legacy grants—including a transformative gift of more than $4 million to the University of Indianapolis in support of the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center and the Christel DeHaan Center for Global Engagement.
Earlier in her career, she held key roles at Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and Christel House International. She holds advanced degrees in philanthropic studies and nonprofit management from Indiana University and studied international philanthropy in Bologna, Italy.
Beyond her professional life, Klaus has been recognized as a “Forty Under Forty” by the Indianapolis Business Journal and is a celebrated former collegiate athlete. She is a dedicated mother of three and continues to give back to her community through service with the Washington Township Schools Foundation and the North Central High School Women’s Volleyball Booster Club.
The Distinguished Faculty/Staff Alumni Award
The Distinguished Faculty/Staff Alumni Award recognizes a current faculty or staff member who has graduated from the University of Indianapolis and has demonstrated consistent dedication and superior service at the University.
Dr. Michael Poulakis ’94 ’98 ’02 (Psychology and Political Science, MA in Clinical Psychology, PsyD)
Dr. Poulakis is a three-time UIndy alumnus and a respected academic and clinical psychologist. Originally from Greece, he earned his bachelor’s in psychology and political science in 1994, followed by a master’s in clinical psychology in 1998, and his clinical psychology doctorate (PsyD) in 2002—all from the University of Indianapolis.
His work centers on multiculturalism, diversity, and issues related to South Asian and LGBTQ+ communities, using qualitative research methods to explore these important areas. Dr. Poulakis has held several leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Psychological and Social Sciences and international coordinator at UIndy’s Athens campus. In these capacities, he was instrumental in shaping curriculum and fostering international academic collaboration.
Currently an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, he teaches across all academic levels and is deeply committed to student mentorship—co-authoring publications and presenting research with students at professional conferences. His substantial contributions to the academic community reflect a career dedicated to fostering educational excellence and preparing the next generation of psychologists.
Dr. Poulakis has been recognized as a two-time finalist for Teacher of the Year and received the PsyD Alumni Award for his professional contributions.
The University of Indianapolis Alumni Association would like to commend all alumni who have carried on the University’s dedication to education for service and stayed connected to the strong community the University has developed both on campus and across the state.
If you know outstanding alumni who deserve to be honored, nominate them for next year’s awards.