The award, signed by Gov. Frank O'Bannon, was presented at a reception honoring Sabatine as the dean of Ball State's School of Continuing Education and Public Service. The award is given for distinguished service to the state.

Craig Hartzer, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, presented Sabatine with the award during ceremonies at the Kitselman Conference Center.

Sabatine became dean July 1, replacing the retiring Judith Roepke.

Prior to his current position, Sabatine was chair of the Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners. He is a former director of the business development division of the Indiana Department of Commerce. He represented the governor on launching the Community College of Indiana initiative.

He has been an adjunct faculty member at Ball State since 1988 and from 1990-96 was coordinator of the university's Small Business Institute. He was director of marketing services for continuing education from 1993-95.

He was assistant dean of continuing education at Triton Community College, River Grove, Ill. He has also taught at Triton, Illinois Benedictine College and Miami University.

The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates, who served from 1945-49 and has been presented by governors ever since.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(Note to Editors: For more information about this story, contact Sabatine at (765) 285-1582.)