Twenty-First Annual Miller College Alumni Awards
We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our engaged network of alumni and friends. These influential leaders and business partners support deserving students and advance our mission to offer leading curriculum, engage in pioneering research, and advance our community through real-world learning that matters. Every year, we look forward to recognizing the commitment and generosity of alumni and friends during the annual Miller College of Business Alumni Awards program.
The Twenty-First Annual Miller College Alumni awards was held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Alumni Center.
Make A Nomination
Nominate alumni and business partners for an award or download a nomination form and mail it in. Nominations are accepted year-round and considered for three years. Nominations submitted by August 1 will be considered for the spring awards.
Nominate Online
Available Awards
Since 1974, we have inducted Ball State graduates into our prestigious Hall of Fame group, whose members hold a position of distinction in business, government, or academe. Nominees must demonstrate exceptional success in their field, engage in civic leadership, and support the university. Nominees must also be active members of Ball State's alumni association, which requires an annual contribution to Ball State through the Foundation. See the list of inductees.
The award recognizes the achievements of Miller College alumni in positions of responsibility, demonstrating success in their careers and support of Miller College and Ball State. Nominees must be active members of Ball State’s alumni association, which requires an annual contribution to Ball State through the Foundation.
The Award of Distinction recognizes Miller College of Business alumni who hold positions of distinction and demonstrate outstanding success in their field. Nominees, who must be active members of Ball State’s alumni association, must also show loyalty to, support of, and leadership on behalf of Miller College and be a recognized civic leader. Nominees must also be active members of Ball State's alumni association, which requires an annual contribution to Ball State through the Foundation.
This award, selected by the Bryan Dean of the Miller College, allows the Miller College to recognize an organization or individual that made a significant impact on the Miller College. These organizations and/or individuals provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students through applied projects, internships, or full-time employment. These award winners personify partnerships for the students, faculty, and staff and serve as visible champions of Miller College and Ball State University.
2026 Alumni Award Recipients
Mike Butler
Mike Butler’s career is a strong example of leadership, innovation, and lasting impact. A two-time Ball State graduate in Management Information Systems and MBA, he serves as Director of Data Engineering at TrueML, helping organizations use data to make better decisions. Over more than two decades, he has advanced from developer to executive leadership while continuing to give back through advisory board service, teaching, speaking, and mentoring.
Elizabeth Ferguson
Elizabeth Ferguson’s life and career reflect the power of purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and service. A 1986 Ball State finance graduate, she has led in business, schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations, consistently making a meaningful difference in the communities she serves. Today, as owner of Nuevo Mundo Alpaca, doing business as Four Acres Living, she brings together entrepreneurship, creativity, and business insight while remaining deeply engaged with Miller College through the Executive Advisory Board and Dialogue Days.
Jason Fry
Jason Fry’s career is a compelling example of innovation, hard work, and service to others. A 2014 Ball State graduate in Entrepreneurial Management and Operations Management, he serves as Senior Manager of Sales Strategy at W. W. Grainger, leading initiatives in procurement, cost strategy, and sales optimization. In addition to his corporate leadership, Jason is also an entrepreneur, educator, mentor, and advisory board member who continues to invest in Ball State students.
Suzanne Peperak
Suzanne Peperak’s career is a remarkable example of expertise, consistency, and service. A 2003 Ball State graduate in Residential Property Management, she has built an extraordinary career with Barrett & Stokely, where she now serves as Chief Operating Officer. Over more than two decades, she has advanced through nearly every level of the organization while remaining deeply committed to Ball State through her long-standing service on the Property Management Advisory Board.
Tim Roberts
Tim Roberts’ career stands as a remarkable example of global leadership, strategic vision, and sustained success. A 1983 Ball State marketing graduate, he has built a more than 40-year career leading large international businesses, including more than two decades in executive roles and 16 years in the C-suite. Most recently, as Executive Vice President of Midstream and Chemicals at Phillips 66, he led significant growth while remaining connected to Ball State as a Dialogue Days panelist and speaker at the Miller College of Business commencement ceremony.
Cindy Schum
Cindy Schum’s career reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to creating opportunity for others. A 2001 Ball State finance graduate, she began her career in commercial banking before becoming a business owner in 2019. Alongside her husband, she acquired A.G. Maas Company and has helped grow it into a thriving organization while continuing to support Ball State as a donor, Dialogue Days presenter, and advocate for students.
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Past Alumni Awards and Recipients
Individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and the university are recognized each year by the Miller College of Business. These honorees are celebrated through various distinctions, including the Hall of Fame, Awards of Distinction, Awards of Achievement, and the Distinguished Partner Award.
2026
2026 MILLER COLLEGE ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
Hall of Fame Inductee
- Tim Roberts, '83, Phillips 66 (Retired)
Awards of Distinction
- Mike Butler, ’05, MBA ’11, TrueML
- Suzanne Peperak, ’03, Barrett & Stokely
Awards of Achievement
- Elizabeth Ferguson, ’85, Nuevo Mundo Alpaca dba Four Acres Living
- Jason Fry, ’14, W.W. Grainger
- Cindy Schum, ’01, A.G. Maas
2025
2025 MILLER COLLEGE ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
- Henry O. Hall, ’93, Skytech Products Group
DISTINGUISHED PARTNER AWARD
- Thomas Nelson and Martin Marietta Materials
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
- Carrie L. Anderson, MBA ’95, Campbell's
- Gary R. Gatton, '85, Traditional Medicinals, Inc. (Retired)
- Robert S. Kaspar, '81, Corient
AWARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT
- Erica E. Chaney, '14, Deloitte
- Mitchell L. Dudley, '16, MBA '18, The National Bank of Indianapolis
- Justin R. Proctor, '08, MS '10, GBC Bank
2024
2024 MILLER COLLEGE
ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
2024 MILLER COLLEGE
ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
- Jennifer J. Budreau, ’84, FORUM
Credit Union
DISTINGUISHED PARTNER
AWARD
- James A. Champy, Analog Devices, Inc.
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
- Kirby A. Cuniffe, ’92, Aegis Worldwide
- Michele P. Dow, '81, Eli Lilly
- Danny M. Spindler, '14, Given and Spindler Companies
AWARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT
- Gretchen A. Coffman, '88, James Hardie Building Products
- Zach F. Hartley, '13, UTA
- Sara M. Maddox, '11, DMJPS PLLC
2023
2023 MILLER COLLEGE ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
- Daniel L. Molinaro, '68, NOW, Inc. (Retired)
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
- Katherine A. Arbuckle, '80, Ascension Health (Retired)
- J. Robert Haecker, '96, Brightside Technology Partners LLC
- Derry L. Hobson, '73, Dr Pepper Snapple Group (Retired)
- Richard A. Poppa, '74, RAPt Consulting LLC
AWARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT
- Pat Gamble-Moore, '80, PNC Bank
- Stephon W. Jones, '85, Alpha One Marketplace LLC
- Scott E. Morris, '87, LML Estate Management
- Kevin J. O'Brien, '84, Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Indianapolis & Pinheads Family Entertainment Center of Fishers & Brownsburg
- Jeffrey L. Papa, MA '99, Indiana Senate
2022
2022 MILLER COLLEGE ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
HALL
OF FAME INDUCTEE
- Wm. Craig Dobbs, '86, Graystone Consulting
AWARDS
OF DISTINCTION
- Brian L. Case, '85, OneAmerica
- Robert D. Foster, '83, iiPay
- Kurt A. Humphrey,’79 Indianapolis Colts
- James L. Stratman, '93, Enviroplas, Inc.
AWARDS
OF ACHIEVEMENT
- Kiley P. Fields, '98, For Good Foods LLC
- Terry “TJ” Fields, '09, MS and
MBA ‘11, University of Alaska Anchorage
and Fields Real Estate
- Brian K. Geiselhart '08, MBA
’09, Allison Transmission, Inc.
- Connor T. Ryan, ’13, Merrill Lynch
2020
16th Annual Miller College of Business Alumni Award Recipients
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Tina K. Pierce, '87, Honeywell Performance Materials
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
- Henry O. Hall, '93, Skytech Products Group
- Shelley Meador, '93, Allegion
- Larry Riley, '71, The Coral Gables Trust Company
- Timothy Roberts, '83, Phillips 66
AWARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT
- Michael T. Butler, '05, MBA '11, First Merchants
- Jeffrey Payne, '11, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company
DISTINGUISHED PARTNER AWARD
Marie Virgilio, Weidner Apartment Homes