Entrepreneurs, educators, and builders are among the broad spectrum of individuals being recognized as 2020 honorees of the Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest.
The Society will recognize the honorees in a virtual event beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19.
“Originally launched in 2005, our induction ceremony celebrates the spirit of creativity and ingenuity that lights up the communities throughout Northwest Indiana,” said Sheila Matias, executive director of the Society of Innovators and Leadership Institute at PNW. “We are thrilled to be able to induct 28 individuals and team members into the Society as members of our class of 2020 (and) now, more than ever, our Region needs these gifted, innovative leaders who are guiding our communities into the future.”
More than 40 finalists were evaluated by the selection committee. The committee examined and analyzed the innovation(s) each nominee is responsible for to guide final decision-making.
An innovation needed to provide a new solution, benefit society, and create measurable value, PNW said. To be eligible for induction, innovators either have to reside or work in Northwest Indiana.
The Society of Innovators Class of 2020 includes:
Individual Inductees
- Ken Barry, executive director, City Life Center, Gary
- Magesh Chandramouli, associate professor of computer graphics technology, Purdue University Northwest, Hammond and Westville
- Emily Edwards, founder, Emily’s Foods / Paradise Icing, Schererville
- Jamie Fankenhauser, owner, Bun’s Soapbox, Valparaiso
- Matt Hanson, clinical assistant professor of marketing, Purdue University Northwest, Hammond and Westville
- Jake Miller, owner, JEM Custom Shoes, Michigan City
- Jared Riddle, professor of English, department chair, Ivy Tech Community College, East Chicago
- Daniel Schultz, teacher, Hobart High School, Hobart
Team Inductees
- ArcelorMittal, team led by Richard Clausius, East Chicago
- Centier Bank, team led by Chris Campbell, Merrillville
- Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Ind. with Michigan City Area Schools, team led by Clarence Hulse, Michigan City
- Tonn and Blank Construction, team led by Jon Gilmore, Michigan City
- Top Flight Hockey, team lead by Quinton Olster and Dan Mikrut, St. John
Registration is free. Reservations can be made either by calling Jason Williams at (219) 989-2805 or online at the Society's website.
The Society of Innovators, established in 2005 and previously affiliated with Ivy Tech Community College, has about 1,600 members who have been inducted in recognition of their contributions to Northwest Indiana business, culture, and society. It affiliated with Purdue University Northwest in August 2018.
