Fred Crawford, Diann McKee, and Pam Poore have been announced as the 2025 recipients of Indiana State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to their communities and careers. To celebrate their accomplishments, the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award will serve as the Grand Marshals of the 2025 Blue and White Homecoming Parade.
“The impact of an Indiana State University degree is reflected in the accomplishments of our alumni,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “Our recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award embody determination and perseverance. We are honored to celebrate their success and remain grateful for the meaningful ways they represent our University on a national and global level.”
Since 1957, the Indiana State University Alumni Association has presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to outstanding alumni who have committed themselves to achieving professional success, continuously contributing to the growth and success of their local and global communities, and giving back in support of the advancement of their alma mater.
“Fred Crawford, Diann McKee, and Pam Poore have all demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the University that directly reflects our mission,” said Dr. PJ Thompson, Executive Director of the Indiana State University Alumni Association. “Each of these recipients upholds the Sycamore tradition of excellence and are an integral inspiration to our students and alumni.”
The honorees will be recognized along with other University philanthropy award winners for their achievements at the fifth annual President’s Dinner later this fall.
“It is an honor to recognize alumni whose lives so fully embody the values of Indiana State,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “Fred, Diann, and Pam are distinguished in their professions, committed to service, and have made transformative impacts on our campus and in the community. They exemplify what it means to be a true Sycamore, and we’re excited to have them serve as Grand Marshals in the Homecoming parade.”
The Blue and White Homecoming Parade encourages student organizations and local businesses to participate in the parade festivities and welcome alumni back to Indiana State’s campus.
This year, the parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. on 9th Street and Cherry Street and proceed west on Wabash Avenue and north on 5th Street. Alumni and friends are welcome to attend the Alumni Association’s pre-game tent at Memorial Stadium beginning at 11:00 a.m. with kick-off against the South Dakota Coyotes slated for 1:00 p.m.
The parade is accepting entry applications through Friday, September 19, 2025. Businesses, non-profit organizations, bands, Indiana State offices, departments, or student organizations can register here. For any questions, email ISU-Homecoming@indstate.edu.
Award Recipient Biographies:
Fred Crawford
Crawford completed a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana State in 1985. During his time as a student, Crawford was involved as a student-athlete on the Sycamore Men’s Track & Field team. After graduating, he excelled in a career as a financial executive, eventually working his way up to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aflac in 2015 and was ultimately promoted to the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer in 2022. Crawford retired from Aflac in 2024.
In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Crawford earned his master’s in business administration from the University of Iowa. Through the years, Crawford has been active with both of his alma maters. He has served on the Board of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, the Tippie Advisory Board, and is currently seated as the first executive in residence at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. Crawford is also a member of Indiana State University’s Track & Field fundraising committee, the Sycamore Athletics Investor’s Society, and the Scott College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council.
In honor of his drive and perseverance, Crawford was recognized with the 2013 CFO Award of the Year by the Indianapolis Business Journal. To further engage with his alma mater, he served as a speaker at the 2024 Darwin McCallian Executive Leadership Forum and the 2025 Indiana State University Spring Commencement, underscoring his legacy as an inspirational leader.
Diann McKee
Diann McKee received two degrees from Indiana State University, having earned both a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1982 and a master’s degree in public administration in 1993. She devoted an impressive 38 years to Indiana State University serving in budget and finance roles. She stepped down from her Indiana State duties in 2025.
In 2008, McKee was appointed as the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and University Treasurer at Indiana State University, where she oversaw key areas such as finance, construction, facilities operations, human resources, and public safety. Under her leadership, the University completed more than $500 million in construction and renovation projects over the span of 16 years. Beyond campus improvements, McKee maintained vital relationships with state and local governments to secure funding and support, developed three Campus Master Plans, and sustained eight consecutive years of IACLEA accreditation for the University’s Office of Public Safety. In addition to her work with Indiana State, McKee has served as a board member of the Union Health Foundation, Art Spaces, Swope Art Museum, Wabash Valley Goodwill, Terre Haute Human Relations Commission, and the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club. She has also served on the Vestry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
To recognize her outstanding professional achievements, McKee was named a finalist in the CFO of the Year awards in 2014 by the Indianapolis Business Journal, a recipient of the Terre Haute Rotary club’s Paul Harris Community Award in 2021, and was honored as a Women in Business award recipient in 2022 by Terre Haute Living magazine, reflecting her outstanding commitment to professional achievements and community leadership.
Pam Poore
Pam Poore is a 1989 graduate of Indiana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. Her time at Indiana State provided the foundation for a career that spans corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. Remaining connected to her alma mater, she continues to serve as a dedicated member of the Indiana State University Foundation Board, helping to advance the institution that shaped her educational and professional journey.
Poore began her career as a Customer Relations Manager with USA Group/USA Funds Inc. in 1997 and worked there until 2014. In this role, she built a strong reputation for client engagement, leadership, and service excellence. In 2015, she transitioned into entrepreneurship, becoming an owner and operator of various McDonald’s locations with her husband James in Indianapolis. As a business leader, she not only manages daily operations, but also fosters team development and organizational growth. Poore is actively involved as a McDonald’s Business Unit People Experience Lead, a member of the Women Owner Network (WON), a member of the National Organization of Women Business Owners, and a sponsor of multiple community events on behalf of the Poore Organization.
In recognition of her community impact, Poore received the Prestigious Black History Makers of Tomorrow Award, celebrating her contributions as a trailblazer and role model. In 2022, she served as the Indiana State University Winter Commencement speaker. Most recently, Poore was inducted into the IPS Hall of Fame as an alumni award recipient in 2023, further highlighting her commitment to excellence and service.