Notable Alumni of the University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana (USI), a public university located just outside of Evansville, Indiana, has a rich history and a growing list of accomplished alumni. Founded in 1965 as a regional campus of Indiana State University, USI has evolved into an autonomous four-year institution offering over 70 undergraduate majors, 13 master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs. With a commitment to "Knowledge for Life," USI has produced graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields, from politics and business to academia and the arts. This article aims to highlight some of the university's notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have made on their communities and beyond.

A Brief History of the University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana's journey began on September 15, 1965, as Indiana State University-Evansville. The Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. (SIHE) played a crucial role in its establishment, raising nearly $1 million to acquire 1,400 acres for the Mid-America University Center. Groundbreaking took place on June 22, 1968, and since September 1969, the university has occupied 330 acres, primarily donated by SIHE. The Science Center and the Wright Administration Building were the first buildings constructed.

In 1985, ISU-Evansville gained autonomy and became the University of Southern Indiana. Governor Robert D. Orr, an Evansville native, signed the newly independent school's charter. The university completed a master plan in October 2006, envisioning a campus that could accommodate over 20,000 students. Linda L. M. Bennett served as USI's third president, retiring in 2017, followed by Ronald S. Rochon. Since the 2022-2023 school year, USI athletic teams have participated in Division I of the NCAA as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, known as the Screaming Eagles.

The David L. Rice Alumni Achievement Award

The David L. Rice Alumni Achievement Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon USI alumni. Named after David L. Rice, this award recognizes exceptional alumni who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their professions, made significant contributions to their communities, and shown unwavering dedication to the university. These individuals embody excellence, integrity, and service, serving as inspiring role models for future generations of students and alumni.

Notable Recipients of the David L. Rice Alumni Achievement Award

The list of David L. Rice Alumni Achievement Award recipients includes individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields, each with a unique story of success and service. Here are some notable recipients:

Amy Casavant ('03): Awarded in 2024, Casavant has demonstrated exceptional achievements in her field and community.
Ronald J. Boren ('81): Awarded in 2023, Boren has made significant contributions to his profession and community.
Trudy J. Stock ('86): Awarded in 2022, Stock is recognized for her excellence and service.
Michael Carroll ('88): Awarded in 2021, Carroll has demonstrated leadership and commitment in his field.
Jeffrey L. Wilmes ('81): Awarded in 2020, Wilmes has made notable contributions to his profession and community.
Kevin L. Hammett ('90): Awarded in 2019, Hammett is recognized for his achievements and service.
Randall L. Haaff ('84): Awarded in 2018, Haaff has demonstrated excellence in his field.
Janet Heldt Baas ('86): Awarded in 2017, Baas has made significant contributions to her community and the university.
Joey V. Barnett ('81): Awarded in 2016, Barnett is recognized for his achievements and dedication.
Judy M. Morton ('73): Awarded in 2015, Morton has demonstrated a commitment to service and excellence.
Jean M. Blanton ('01): Awarded in 2014, Blanton has made significant contributions to her profession.
John M. Lawrence ('73): Awarded in 2012 and 2006, Lawrence is a two-time recipient of the award, highlighting his continued dedication and achievements.
John L. Schutz ('82): Awarded in 2013 and 1993, Schutz is another two-time recipient, demonstrating his consistent commitment to excellence.
Geoffrey A. Gentil ('92): Awarded in 2011, Gentil has made notable contributions to his field.
Connie S. Wellmeyer ('84): Awarded in 2010, Wellmeyer has demonstrated leadership and service.
Stephanie S. Buchanan ('97): Awarded in 2009, Buchanan has made significant contributions to her community.
Jamie L. Wicks ('91, M'97): Awarded in 2008, Wicks has demonstrated excellence in her field.
Donna M. Mesker ('86): Awarded in 2007, Mesker has made notable contributions to her profession.
Donita F. Wolf ('83): Awarded in 2005, Wolf has demonstrated a commitment to service and excellence.
David W. Herrenbruck ('76): Awarded in 2005, Herrenbruck has made significant contributions to his community.
Mark A. Messmer ('93): Awarded in 2004, Messmer has demonstrated leadership and achievement.
Susan M. Knight ('94) and Kirk W. Knight ('93): Awarded in 2004, the Knights are recognized for their contributions to their profession and community.
Tina M. Kern ('86): Awarded in 2003, Kern has demonstrated excellence in her field.
Harolyn G. Torain ('71): Awarded in 2002, Torain has made significant contributions to her community and the university.
Nancy S. Koehler ('93): Awarded in 2001, Koehler has demonstrated leadership and service.
Michelle Rooze Gilbert ('90): Awarded in 2000, Gilbert has made notable contributions to her profession.
Eric R. Williams ('89): Awarded in 1999, Williams has demonstrated a commitment to excellence.
William J. Joergens: Awarded in 1998, Joergens is recognized for his achievements and service.
Carole D. Rust ('77): Awarded in 1997 and 1984, Rust is a two-time recipient, highlighting her continued dedication and achievements.
Robert W. Swan ('72): Awarded in 1996 and 2005, Swan is another two-time recipient, demonstrating his consistent commitment to excellence.
Daniel E. Horrell ('76): Awarded in 1996, Horrell has made notable contributions to his field.
Gregory T. Hall ('84): Awarded in 1995, Hall has demonstrated leadership and service.
Douglas F. Claybourn ('77): Awarded in 1994, Claybourn has made significant contributions to his community.

Honorary Alumni

The University of Southern Indiana also recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the university and the community through honorary alumni status. This recognition is bestowed upon those who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to USI's mission and values.

Notable Honorary Alumni

H. Ray Hoops: Recognized in 2009, Hoops has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to USI.
James L. Will, Sr.: Recognized in 2003, Will has made significant contributions to the university and the community.
Henry W. Ruston: Recognized in 2002, Ruston has demonstrated a commitment to USI's mission.
James A. Sanders: Recognized in 2001, Sanders has made notable contributions to the university.
Carol A. Baker and Bruce H. Baker: Recognized in 1998, the Bakers have demonstrated exceptional service to USI.
Bettie G. Engelbrecht: Recognized in 1997, Engelbrecht has made significant contributions to the university.
Trudy F. Mitchell and William H. Mitchell: Recognized in 1995, the Mitchells have demonstrated a commitment to USI's mission.
Betty J. Worthington and C. Wayne Worthington: Recognized in 1994, the Worthingtons have made notable contributions to the university and the community.
Betty J. Rice: Recognized in 1993, Rice has demonstrated exceptional service to USI.
Byron C. Wright: Recognized in 1994, Wright has made significant contributions to the university.
Alan C. Rankin: Recognized in 1975, Rankin has demonstrated a commitment to USI's mission.
Robert L. Koch: Recognized in 1973, Koch has made notable contributions to the university.
Donald B. Cox: Recognized in 1988, Cox has demonstrated exceptional service to USI.
Frank F. McDonald, Sr.: Recognized in 1970, McDonald has made significant contributions to the university.
Rolland M. Eckels and Joseph E. O'Daniel: Recognized in 1984, Eckels and O'Daniel have demonstrated a commitment to USI's mission.
William J. Moutoux: Recognized in 1974, Moutoux has made notable contributions to the university.
David L. Rice: Recognized in 1995, Rice's contributions to USI are immeasurable, and the Alumni Achievement Award is named in his honor.
Sherrianne M. Standley: Recognized in 2008, Standley has demonstrated exceptional service to USI.
Robert D. Orr: Recognized in 1986, Orr, as Governor of Indiana, played a crucial role in USI's establishment as an autonomous university.
Frank F. McDonald II: Recognized in 1988 and 1999, McDonald is a two-time honorary alumnus, demonstrating his continued commitment to USI.
John W. Fehrenbacher: Recognized in 1971 and 1990, Fehrenbacher is also a two-time honorary alumnus, highlighting his long-standing dedication to USI.
William E Couch and Rebecca Nunn Couch: Recognized in 1981, the Couches have demonstrated exceptional service to USI.
Aline Nunn Renner: Recognized in 1983, Renner has made significant contributions to the university.
Malcolm W. Fuhrer: Recognized in 1976, Fuhrer has demonstrated a commitment to USI's mission.

Alumni Making a Difference

Beyond the prestigious awards and honorary recognitions, many USI alumni have made significant impacts in their respective fields and communities. These alumni exemplify the university's motto, "Knowledge for Life," by applying their education and skills to create positive change.

Alumni in Politics

Several USI alumni have entered the realm of politics, serving their communities and the state of Indiana. Their dedication to public service and their ability to lead have made them valuable assets to the political landscape.

Cindy Ledbetter: Ledbetter is a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing her district with commitment and integrity.
Tim O'Brien: O'Brien also serves in the Indiana House of Representatives, advocating for his constituents and working to improve the state.
Zach Payne: Payne is another USI alumnus serving in the Indiana House of Representatives, bringing his expertise and dedication to the legislative process.
Vaneta Becker ('94): Becker has a distinguished career in Indiana politics, having served in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate.

Alumni in Various Fields

USI alumni have also excelled in various other fields, making significant contributions to their professions and communities.

Izumi Mochizuki Greubel ('94): Greubel received her master’s degree in secondary education from USI and has pursued a career in education.
Tony Greubel: Greubel assumed his position as Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy Apia, Samoa, in August 2017, demonstrating his commitment to international service.
Utley: Utley owned the Flying Saucer Café, a popular downtown Evansville restaurant that hosted art exhibits, poetry readings, and live music, contributing to the city's cultural scene.

USI: A Foundation for Success

The University of Southern Indiana has a strong academic record, with a focus on providing students with a well-rounded education and the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. USI offers over 70 undergraduate majors, 13 master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs, catering to a diverse range of interests and career aspirations. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the achievements of its alumni, who have made significant contributions in various fields, from politics and business to academia and the arts.

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USI's campus, located on 1400 acres west of Evansville, provides a conducive environment for learning and growth. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the David L. Rice Library, which was recognized for its outstanding design. The university also boasts a strong athletic program, with the Screaming Eagles competing at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Ohio Valley Conference. The university's athletic teams have achieved national recognition, with the softball team winning the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2018 and the baseball team winning national championships in 2010 and 2014.

USI's commitment to academic and athletic excellence is further demonstrated by the numerous Academic All-GLVC athletes and Academic All-America honorees. In 2021-22, USI had 228 Academic All-GLVC athletes and 35 Academic All-America honors, highlighting the university's focus on developing well-rounded individuals who excel both in the classroom and on the field.

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