Mel Burks, Anita Klopfenstein, and Jim Pajakowski have been announced as the 2024 recipients of Indiana State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding contributions to their careers and communities. The honorees and other University philanthropy award winners will be recognized for their accomplishments on November 15 at the fourth annual President’s Dinner.
“Mel Burks, Anita Klopfenstein, and Jim Pajakowski exemplify the spirit of excellence and service that we cultivate at Indiana State University. Their remarkable achievements and contributions to their communities and professions set a powerful example for our current students. We are proud to honor them with the Distinguished Alumni Award and look forward to celebrating with them at the 100th anniversary of the Blue and White Parade,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard.
The Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented annually since 1957 to Indiana State University alumni who have made remarkable professional achievements and still devote time and support to giving back to their communities and their alma mater.
“Mel Burks, Anita Klopfenstein, and Jim Pajakowski have exemplified a spirit of excellence and professionalism that truly embody Indiana State’s values and mission,” said Dr. PJ Thomspon, Executive Director of the Indiana State University Alumni Association. “Their contributions to their career fields and their communities not only honor the university, but inspire current Sycamores.”
This year, the winners of the Distinguished Alumni Award will serve as the Grand Marshals of the Blue and White Homecoming Parade.
“We are thrilled to recognize outstanding alumni each year and are so excited to celebrate the success and dedicated leadership of Anita, Mel, and Jim,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “These three Sycamores have been notable trailblazers and exceptional role models for our students at Indiana State. It is entirely fitting to have Anita, Mel, and Jim lead our centennial Blue and White Parade.”
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Indiana State’s homecoming parade. Each year, student organizations and local businesses join in the parade celebrations to welcome alumni back to the university for homecoming festivities.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on 9th Street and Cherry Street and proceed west on Wabash Avenue and north on 5th Street. The Homecoming football game against Southern Illinois University Carbondale will begin at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
The parade is accepting entry applications through September 27. Businesses, non-profit organizations, bands, Indiana State offices, departments, or student organizations can register here. If you have any questions, email ISU-Homecoming@indstate.edu.
Award Recipient Biographies:
Mel Burks
Burks graduated from Indiana State University with three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies with minors in criminology and sociology in 1977, a master’s degree in agency counseling and criminology in 1983, and a master’s degree in public administration in 1997.
He has worked at Hamilton Center, Inc. for over 45 years and has served as the Chief Executive Officer since January 2012. Throughout his decorated career, Burks has served in leadership roles in nearly 20 different organizations, including the Vigo County School Board of Trustees, the Girls and Boys Club, the City of Terre Haute’s Human Relations Commission, Covered Bridge Special Education, Terre Haute North High School Advisor to the Counseling Department, Terre Haute South Vigo High School Football and Basketball Coach and the Vigo County Council for Children and Youth. He has been an incredible supporter of Indiana State University and currently serves as an Athletic Committee Member.
Through the years, Burks has been recognized for his commitment to his community with awards such as the 1991 NAACP Community Leadership Award, the 1993 Indiana Football Coaches Association Twenty-Year Service Award, the 2003 National Exchange Club Bikes for Tykes Outstanding Volunteer Award, the 2006 Boys/Girls Club/Max Jones Volunteer Coach of the Year Award, the 2006 Hamilton Center Award for Outstanding Volunteer Services, and the 2009 Rotary Centennial Award for Professional Excellence.
Anita Klopfenstein
Klopfenstein is a 1984 graduate of Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and radio, TV, and film. While at the university, she discovered an interest in technology at a campus job involving work in information technology. Through this role, she played a part in developing the university’s first Novell network.
In 1990, Klopfenstein received her master’s in business administration from Liberty University. At the beginning of her career, Klopfenstein worked with Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Express Scripts to delve further into information technology. A few years later, Klopfenstein received the position of Vice President of eCommerce and Consumer Systems for Panera Bread, where her team worked on developing Apple Pay and self-service kiosks. She became the Chief Information and Digital Officer for Little Caesars Pizza and Ilitch Owned Companies in 2017. She led the initiative to create the Little Caesars mobile app and their self-service kiosks, the Pizza Portal. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Klopfenstein is active on multiple advisory boards, including for the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, Tech United, and the Wayne State University Technology, Information Systems, and Analytics advisory board.
Klopfenstein’s innovative work in technology advancement and leadership has been recognized and awarded on various occasions, including the Top Innovator award at the Women in Foodservice Technology Awards in 2017, the Michigan Global CIO of the Year award by Inspire CIO in 2021, the CIO of the Year award by Inspire CIO in the Enterprise Category in 2022, and the CIO of the Year award from HMG Strategy in the Large Cap division in 2023.
Jim Pajakowski
Pajakowski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana State University in 1982. He began his career in a position with the accounting firm Arthur Andersen & Co. In Indianapolis, where he eventually was named an Audit Partner. In 1999, he transferred to their Chicago office and led their Central Region Risk Consulting Practice.
In 2002, he became one of the founding members of Protiviti, a global consulting practice based in Chicago. After serving as a Member of the Operating Committee for Protiviti’s first five years, Pajakowski was promoted to the role of one of the company’s four Executive Vice Presidents. During his time with Protiviti, Pajakowski consulted with many clients and oversaw operating results, strategic direction, firm-wide standard consulting methodologies, and knowledge management. He created a training curriculum to support a defined professional career path. In addition to these responsibilities, Pajakowski manages client services in Firm operations in South America, India, and the Middle East.
Pajakowski is a dedicated member of the Indiana State University Foundation Board and a devoted community member of Chicago. He has focused his time and philanthropy on giving back to his local community. He has volunteered as a member of the Chicago Chamber of Commerce Board, a member of the Ethics Committee for the Illinois CPA Society, as president of the Indianapolis Boys and Girls Club, Leadership Development Committee Chair for the Chicago Salvation Army, and a Board Member for the Civic Consulting Alliance.