In this new world situation, Indiana University and the IUAA seeks to pivot toward what we can do – rather than what we cannot do.

We regret that we are not able to honor our President’s Award, Volunteer Leadership Award, and Gertrude Rich Award recipients this June in person in the typical fashion. However, we will take a few weeks to show a spotlight on our award recipients and thank them for their hard work. The first in this Spotlight on Achievement series is the IUAA Volunteer Leadership Award.

IUAA Volunteer Leadership Award was developed in 2019 and seeks to honor those of our most committed alumni volunteers who are still writing the chapters of their alumni story through volunteerism and service. Our purpose is to recognize volunteer leaders who have exemplified commitment, collaboration, inclusion and pride through their work for the IU Alumni Association and have shown leadership in areas of time, talent or treasure.

The selection committee has chosen three such amazing volunteers for 2020.

Sharmaine Ellison

Sharmaine has been a leader for the IUK Alumni Association Board, now called IUAA Kokomo Region, for more than 12 years. She has served as the School of Nursing representative, the secretary/treasurer, and is currently serving as Vice President. IN 2017, Sharmaine was co-chair for the Senior Salute, IUAA Kokomo Region’s ‘Welcome to’ program for graduating students. Sharmaine is also currently serving as an at-large member of the IUAA’s Executive Council, during which time she helped shape the new efficient and strategic structure we now employ. Sharmaine attends as many alumni events as possible, but more importantly, gets involved in discussions and critical long-term planning for the Kokomo Region and the Association overall, truly reflecting her passion for IU, the other volunteers with whom she works, and always, the students. As longtime colleague Cathy Valcke said, “she is a wonderful ambassador for the IU Kokomo campus, and is a true leader.”

David Nguyen

David began his service with the IUAA when he joined the board for the Central Indiana Chapter in 2006. Since then, he has served in leadership roles with the Netherlands Chapter, the Asian Alumni Association Board, and the IUPUI Alumni Council, where he served as president. In addition, David was a member of the IUAA Executive Council and was helpful in steering the Association at the corporation governance level. David’s work with the students and campus at the IUPUI campus is evident in the work he has given to the annual IUPUI Regatta and the Top 100, where he has served as a judge for many years. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of IUPUI and to honor David’s commitment to the campus at which he earned two of his degrees, the campus made him a participant in the Faces of IUPUI campaign, and shows his dedication to actions and words alike.

Suzanne Zybert

Suzanne Zybert began serving the university immediately following graduation and remains committed to service today. Just a few of the leadership milestones include her service on the Indiana University School of Education Alumni Board from 2009-2015, including two years as president. She was instrumental in advocating and implementing new strategies for board recruitment, philanthropy, volunteer engagement and alumni connections. She also served from 2013-2017 as the School of Education’s Executive Council representative to the Indiana University Alumni Association. Suzanne remains a loyal volunteer for the School of Education as mentor to first-year students. She has served two terms as a member of the Canvassing Committee of the IU Alumni Association, helping ensure a fair balloting process and recruitment of volunteers for years to come. She exemplifies the values of the IUAA and serves as a model volunteer for future alumni demonstrating consistent leadership throughout her service.

Thank you

These three alumni leaders illustrate the incredible impact our volunteers have on the IU Alumni Association and their individual communities. We are thrilled with the great diversity of this cohort representing three very different Indiana University campuses, IUAA traditions, and experiences. I thank them for all they have done thus far, and I look forward to reading the next chapter of their service with the Alumni Association and Indiana University.