KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo honors its alumni for professional accomplishments and community service, with its first-ever Business Persons of Distinction awards.
The School of Business and the IU Alumni Association Kokomo Region will honor three recipients at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130. The event is free and open to the public, with RSVPs due to Ashley Miller at Business People of Distinction by March 13.
Assistant Dean Jason VanAlstine said the honorees set an example for current students to emulate.
“All of them have significant professional accomplishments with their organizations, and have contributed to their professions,” he said. “We looked at those, and also at what they are doing outside their careers to give back to their communities. It’s helpful for our students to see the path to success that alumni before them have set.”
Robert E. Knowling Jr., who received an honorary degree from IU Kokomo in May 2018, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Dean Alan Krabbenhoft noted that Knowling, who is chairman of Eagles Landing Partners, overcame poverty and racism to become a successful businessman.
“He exemplifies the type of leader we should all aspire to be, by sharing the benefits of his success with others,” he said. “He credits the YMCA, especially the Kokomo YMCA, as a significant contributor to his overcoming many obstacles early in his life and career. Recognizing their importance, he has been a strong supporter of the local and national YMCA. He remains active in his efforts to promote equity and social justice within our society, supporting an agenda of inclusion and diversity for women and persons of color in the workforce.”
Business Persons of Distinction honorees are:
- Nathan Kring, M.B.A. ‘16, is vice president of operations for Five Sigma, an Israeli artificial intelligence firm, and owns several businesses.
- Annette Russell, B.S. ‘94, is president and chief executive officer of Security Federal Savings Bank, Logansport.
- Scott Voorhis, B.S. ’05, M.B.A. ’07, is an associate partner at Bucheri McCarty & Metz LLP, where he leads the tax and technology departments.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.