Alumni Awards

Since 1957, the Alumni Association has been honored to present the Distinguished Alumni Award to many outstanding Indiana State University alumni. This award recognizes outstanding alumni who have not only made notable professional accomplishments but have made the commitment to continually contribute to the growth and success of their local and global communities and provide support to their alma mater. 

The recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are selected by a committee made up of Indiana State University leadership and staff. Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award are closed, but you can submit a nomination for the committee to consider in 2026.

Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination Form

Award Information

The Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award honors Indiana State University students who exemplify academic excellence, campus leadership, and a deep commitment to the values of Indiana State. Named after former University President Alan C. Rankin, this award is presented annually to seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership on campus and within their communities, as well as a desire to improve and uplift the Indiana State experience for others.

Eligible students must have completed at least 94 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25. A committee—comprising members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors—reviews nominations and selects 15 finalists. From this group, two male and two female seniors are chosen to receive this prestigious award during the annual Outstanding Junior and Senior Awards ceremony each spring.

About President Alan C. Rankin

Alan Carson Rankin, the seventh president of Indiana State University, was born on December 19, 1914, in Hoisington, Kansas. He came from a family deeply rooted in education—his father was a college professor, his mother a schoolteacher, and his grandfather served as a college president.

Dr. Rankin earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and education from Kansas State College–Fort Hays. He went on to receive a master’s degree in political science and a Doctor of Social Science degree from Syracuse University. After serving in World War II, he held various academic and administrative roles at universities across the country.

In 1964, a colleague nominated Dr. Rankin for the presidency of Indiana State University. He assumed the role on July 1, 1965, marking the beginning of the most expansive period of growth in the university’s history. His tenure also coincided with a transformative and often turbulent era for higher education in the United States.

Under Dr. Rankin’s leadership, Indiana State University experienced significant institutional development. The university launched a regional campus in Evansville, approved doctoral programs in select disciplines, and established the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Housing for married students was added to campus, and several key academic buildings were completed, including Mill Hall, Rhoads Hall, Hines Hall, Holmstedt Hall, and Cunningham Memorial Library. The historic Condit House was designated as the official residence of the university president, and Memorial Stadium was acquired to enhance athletic facilities. Indiana State awarded its first doctoral degree and celebrated the completion of the Hulman Center during this time.

Dr. Rankin also enriched the university's academic and cultural environment. He was instrumental in bringing the nationally recognized Contemporary Music Festival to campus and facilitated the creation of a satellite site of the Indiana University School of Medicine, known as the Terre Haute Center for Medical Education. Additionally, the Indiana Special Olympics was founded during his presidency, and the Hoosier Boys and Girls State Summer Conventions were relocated to Indiana State.

President Rankin’s legacy is defined by his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the growth, excellence, and mission of Indiana State University.

Award Information

The Richard G. Landini Outstanding Junior Award recognizes Indiana State University students who demonstrate strong academic performance, campus involvement, and leadership potential. Named in honor of former President Richard G. Landini, this award celebrates juniors who embody the spirit and values of Indiana State through their dedication to both personal achievement and community engagement.

Eligible students must have completed between 63 and 93 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25. A committee—comprised of members of the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors—reviews nominations and selects 15 finalists. From this group, two male and two female juniors are chosen to receive the award, which is presented during the annual Outstanding Junior and Senior Awards ceremony each spring.

About President Richard G. Landini

On May 15, 1975, Richard G. Landini became the eighth president of Indiana State University, bringing with him a strong background in both academics and administration. Prior to joining Indiana State, he held faculty and leadership roles at the University of Florida, Arizona State University, and the University of Montana.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, President Landini attended Rice High School in Harlem. He later earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in literature from the University of Miami and completed his doctorate in American literature at the University of Florida. Throughout his distinguished career, he was recognized with honorary degrees from several institutions, including the University of Miami in 1981, Quincy College in 1985, Baiku Jo Gakuin University in Japan in 1987, and Indiana State University in 1996.

President Landini’s tenure was the third longest in Indiana State University history and was marked by significant academic expansion and institutional progress. During his presidency, the university introduced a master of public administration degree and added approximately 20 new undergraduate programs along with a comparable number of new graduate offerings. Notable additions included a master’s degree in nursing and a doctorate in psychology.

The campus community also experienced growth in student engagement and school spirit during this time. Donaghy Day, a campus-wide service and beautification event, was introduced as a new tradition. The men’s athletic programs joined the Missouri Valley Conference, and the university rose to national prominence in 1979 when the men’s basketball team—led by All-American Larry Bird—finished as runner-up in the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship Tournament. In the same era, the gymnastics team, led by Kurt Thomas, secured an NCAA National Championship title.

Under President Landini’s leadership, the Departments of Physical Education for Men and Women were merged, and Indiana State became a founding member of the Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference for women’s sports. The Schools of Business and Education relocated into the repurposed Statesman Towers, and the campus endured the loss of the Women’s Physical Education Building due to fire.

Significant capital improvements also took place during Landini’s presidency. With approval from the Board of Trustees and the Indiana General Assembly, a $55 million Campus Master Plan was enacted. This led to the construction of several major facilities, including the School of Technology Building, Oakley Plaza, a recreation and athletics arena, Root Hall, University Pavilion, Parsons Hall (serving as the new administration building), and the Hulman Memorial Student Union along with Dede Plaza, which was constructed on the site of the former Gillum Hall.

President Landini’s legacy is defined by academic innovation, campus transformation, and a deep commitment to student success at Indiana State University.