Indiana State University has announced the 2024 Philanthropy Award recipients. Awards recognized will include the March On! Award, the John P. Newton Spirit of Indiana State University Award, and the Student Philanthropy Award. The award recipients will be honored at the fourth annual President’s Dinner on Friday, November 15.
The March On! Award is Indiana State's most prestigious award celebrating transformational philanthropy. It has been presented annually since 2015 and will honor R.T. Green, Ken and Rita Senseman, Jeff and Penny Taylor, and Steve and Lois Zink this year.
“Congratulations to the 2024 Philanthropy Award recipients. Each individual and organization not only positively represents Indiana State but also makes a generational impact on campus and in their communities. Thank you for supporting our institution and being a diligent representation of what it means to be a Sycamore. I look forward to celebrating these achievements at the President’s Dinner,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard.
“The March On! Award recognizes those who have selflessly given to enrich the student experience at Indiana State,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “We could not be more grateful to honor these individuals and to thank them for being such generous and loyal friends to the University.”
The John P. Newton Spirit of Indiana State University Award is given annually to Sycamores who embody a strong commitment and dedication to the institution. The award, created in 2010, honors John Newton’s longstanding dedication and service to Indiana State as an alumnus and university leader. This year, Bob and Julie Baesler will receive the award.
Bob and Julie Baesler are champions of their local community, owning and operating Baesler’s Market locations throughout the Wabash Valley. They give back to their community by donating food to Harmony Haven, supporting the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, and volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to their community involvement, the couple have been unwavering patrons of Indiana State University through their involvement with the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Sycamore Athletics, Alpha Tau Omega, and Chi Omega.
“Bob and Julie have deep-rooted Sycamore pride and are outstanding examples of engaged and devoted alumni,” said Angel. “We are so pleased to honor the Baeslers for their years of incredible contributions to the Terre Haute community and Indiana State University.”
The Student Philanthropy Award is the third award to be honored at the President’s Dinner. The Student Philanthropy Organization created the award, which recognizes a student organization on campus that demonstrates a spirit of philanthropy and portrays ‘Sycamores Supporting Sycamores.’ This year’s recipient is State Dance Marathon.
State Dance Marathon is the largest student-led organization at Indiana State. Every year, it organizes a fundraiser to support the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The fundraiser unites campus and community partners to raise money for those in need and truly exemplifies what it means to be joyful givers.
“We are thrilled to honor a student organization for their remarkable efforts throughout the year,” said Drew Daming, President of the Student Philanthropy Organization. “State Dance Marathon is constantly working hard to fundraise each year for the children of Riley Hospital. Their philanthropic impact spans beyond Indiana State University, an achievement more than fitting for the Student Philanthropy Award.”
Indiana State University is proud to celebrate the dedication and generosity of these outstanding honorees. Their commitment to philanthropy strengthens the university and makes a lasting impact on both the campus and the broader community. For more information on how you can support Indiana State and make a difference, please visit the Indiana State University Foundation.
Bios of the March On! Award winners:
R.T. Green
R.T. Green ’74 is the founder and Managing Attorney of Team Green Law, an accomplished law firm that serves Indiana in personal injury law. As a student, Green majored in Business Administration and Management and played for the Sycamore Basketball team. He is a steadfast supporter of Sycamore Athletics and has pledged Team Green Law as a sponsor to positively impact the student-athlete experience.
Ken and Rita Senseman
Ken ‘80 and Rita ‘83 Burns Senseman have been bold donors to multiple initiatives at Indiana State, including the Swimming and Diving Team and the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology. Rita graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social studies education and now works as an author for Liturgy Training Publications while also giving her time as a proud director on the Indiana State University Foundation Board. Since graduating with his bachelor’s degree in manufacturing technology, Ken has served the Terre Haute community as the president of the Lee Company. Together, the pair give back to transform and elevate student experiences at Indiana State.
Jeff and Penny Taylor
Jeff ‘75 and Penny ‘76 Taylor have been dedicated supporters of the Scott College of Business since graduating from Indiana State. Jeff and Penny both graduated with accounting degrees, and Jeff has had a successful career in accounting for various companies, including National Computer Systems Inc. and Pearson PLC. Penny also began her career as an accountant for Amax Coal Company before transitioning from her career to raise their three daughters. In addition to their philanthropic support, Jeff served as a member of the Indiana State University Foundation Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Scott College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council to support the University’s growth and advancement.
Steve and Lois Zink
Steve ‘74 and Lois ‘75 Zink have worked in academia all their careers. Steve graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and has held administrative positions at various universities, including Vice President of Information Technology and Dean of University Libraries for the University of Nevada at Reno until he achieved emeritus status in 2016. Lois received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and served as a Washoe County school librarian until her retirement in 2015. The couple understand the significance of equipping university faculty with the proper resources to instruct the next generation and have been generous donors to the institution’s history department.