Indiana State Awards

Indiana has long honored exceptional Hoosiers and contributors to the state. The Governor can bestow four types of Hoosier Awards: the Sagamore of the Wabash, the Circle of Corydon, the Distinguished Hoosier, and the Honorary Hoosier. Given sparingly at the Governor's discretion, these awards celebrate individuals who have significantly impacted their communities or the state at large. A fifth accolade, the Sachem Award, stands as the state's highest honor and is granted only once a year.

Sagamore of the Wabash

The Sagamore of the Wabash is an award of the U.S. state of Indiana created in the 1940s by Governor Ralph F. Gates when the Governor of Kentucky bestowed on him the Kentucky Colonel award and Governor Gates decided that the Hoosier State should have a similar recognition. The term "sagamore" was used by the Algonquian-speaking American Indian to describe a lower chief or a leader among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for advice and wisdom. The Wabash is the "State River" of Indiana and major tributary of the Ohio River.

The Sagamore is the highest honor the Governor regularly bestows on individuals, and each Governor issues the award in his own way. Governor Eric Holcomb reserves the Sagamore for those who have gone "above and beyond" and contributed to their communities or to the State in an extraordinary manner. Anyone may make a nomination for the Sagamore, but the Governor issues only a very limited number each year, in his judgment and discretion.

Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage. There is no official record of the total number presented, as each governor has kept his own roll, just as each has reserved the right to personally select the recipients. Some individuals have received the award more than once; for example, current Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has received the award twice and Indiana University chancellor Herman B Wells was honored six times.

Recipients of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award

The Sagamore of the Wabash Award does not have an official list of the number of Sagamore of the Wabash awards presented,^[1] but several notable individuals have received the award:

Harold Zisla, 1985, by Gov. Robert D. Orr; abstract expressionist painter and arts educator
Ryan White, 1987 by Gov. Robert Orr;^[2] American teenager from Kokomo, Indiana, who became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States
John Gregg, 1989, 1996, 2002 and 2003^[3] Democratic Speaker of the Indiana House from 1996 to 2003
Tommy John, 1989 by Gov. Evan Bayh, 288-game winner in Major League Baseball and first pitcher to have Tommy John surgery^[4]
John Morton-Finney, 1990 by Gov. Evan Bayh^[5]
Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold, 1994 and 2008^[6]
Patricia Roy, 1994 by Governor Evan Bayh; Indiana High School Athletics Association, Assistant Commissioner.^[7]^[8]
Arie Luyendyk, 1999 by Gov. Frank O’Bannon; 1990 and 1997 Indianapolis 500 winner^[9]
Bob Chase, 2001 by Gov. Frank O'Bannon; Fort Wayne Komets play-by-play broadcaster.^[10]
Mir Masoom Ali, 2002 by Gov. Frank O'Bannon; Ball State University George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Statistics^[11]
Dorothy Runk Mennen, 2003; author and academic.^[12]
Thomas McDermott Jr., 2005; Democratic Mayor of Hammond, Indiana (2004–Present)^[13]
Mike Delph, January 2005; Indiana State Senator (December 2005 – 2018)^[14]
Martin C. Jischke, 2007 by Governor Mitch Daniels; 10th president of Purdue University (2000–2007)^[15]
David Letterman, 2007 by Gov. Mitch Daniels; comedian and television host^[16]
Jeff Gordon, 2015 by Governor Mike Pence, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2014 Brickyard 400 Winner^[17]
Donald Davidson, 2016 by Governor Mike Pence, chief historian of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and host of The talk of Gasoline Alley.^[18]
Seema Verma, 2016 by Governor Mike Pence^[19]
Adam Vinatieri, 2017 by Governor Eric Holcomb; placekicker for the Indianapolis Colts (2006–2019)^[20]
John Stehr, 2018 by Governor Eric Holcomb; retired television journalist, anchor for WTHR in Indianapolis (1995-2019)^[21]
Robin Miller, 2021 by Governor Eric Holcomb; motorsports journalist.^[22]

Contents of the award

When a Sagamore of the Wabash is given to a recipient it is accompanied by other artifacts. It's uncertain if the contents of the award vary by year or by recipient. The gallery below shows the contents of a specific award given on January 9, 2005.

Folder
Definition Letter
Certificate Letter
Lapel Pin

Circle of Corydon

The Circle of Corydon was created by Governor Holcomb to honor Hoosiers together with the recipient's State Representative or Senator. The Circle is the only award issued and signed jointly by members of both the Executive and Legislative branches. The award's name pays tribute to the Town of Corydon, which played a pivotal role in Indiana's history as the first State Capital where state founders drafted Indiana's first Constitution.

The Circle is meant for those who, like the State's founders, have made remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana, and who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by the state's greatest citizens. Only members of the General Assembly may make a nomination for the Circle. Annually, each Representative and Senator may nominate two constituents, and the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore, and Minority Leaders may each nominate five individuals statewide.

Distinguished Hoosier

The Distinguished Hoosier has been awarded by Governors for more than fifty years to recognize outstanding Indiana residents. The Distinguished Hoosier is meant for those who distinguish themselves by significant contributions to their communities, and whose qualities and actions endear them in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers. Anyone may make a nomination for the Distinguished Hoosier, and members of the General Assembly may make five nominations each year. The Governor issues the award in his judgment and discretion.

Honorary Hoosier

The Honorary Hoosier is similar to the Distinguished Hoosier, though it is meant for those not from Indiana who have made outstanding contributions to our State. Anyone may make a nomination for the Honorary Hoosier, and the Governor issues the award in his judgment and discretion.

Sachem Award

In 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels designated another state honor, named the Sachem Award. He determined it would be awarded to only one person each year. It is Indiana's highest honor, and a plaque listing recipients is posted on the first floor of the Indiana Statehouse.

2005: John Wooden, former Purdue University basketball player and college coach^[23]
2006: Theodore Hesburgh, former president of the University of Notre Dame^[24]
2007: Jane Blaffer Owen, in recognition of her philanthropic efforts in historic preservation and the arts^[25]
2008: Bill Gaither and Gloria Gaither, musicians^[26]
2009: Donald C. Danielson, New Castle business and civic leader^[27]
2010: Carl Erskine, former Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player^[28]
2011: William A. Cook, entrepreneur, philanthropist and historic preservationist, co-founded the medical equipment manufacturer Cook Group^[29]
2012: Ian M. Rolland, former chairman and CEO of Lincoln National Corp.^[30]
2013: Don Wolf, former president and CEO of Do-It Best Corporation based in Fort Wayne, Indiana^[31]
2014: P. E. McAllister, President of MacAllister Machinery and former chairman of the Indianapolis Capital Improvements Board^[32]

2015: Amos Brown, a radio broadcaster who was a fierce defender and leader in the African-American community of Indianapolis^[33]
2016: No recipient chosen.
2017: Eva Mozes Kor, Holocaust survivor and founder of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center^[34]
2018: Sammy L. Davis, Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor^[35]
2019: George Rapp, orthopedic surgeon and pioneering inventor of hip prostheses^[36]
2020: Reginald O. Jones Sr., Hoosier businessman, community leader and mentor^[37]
2021: James T. Morris, civic leader, global ambassador, and advocate for youth^[38]
2022: Patricia Ann Koch, former co-operator of Holiday World and founder of the Santa Claus Museum^[39]
2023: Albert Chen, founder and executive chairman of the board of Telamon Corp.^[40]

References

^ "Sagamore of the Wabash Award" (PDF). Website of the Government of Indiana. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 29, 2017.
^ Indianapolis Monthly, September 2004, Page 143
^ "Former Speaker Of The House To Serve As Featured Speaker At Annual Democratic Dinner". March 28, 2011. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
^ "Acceptance From John". The New York Times. September 3, 1989. Archived from the original on December 20, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
^ W.F. Harvey, "Vignettes of 100 Years, Indiana Law Review (1995) Vol. 28:143, 150
^ "Bob & Tom Receive Sagamore Award - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick". Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
^ Former Assistant Commissioner Pat Roy Passes Away. Archived June 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine Indiana High School Athletic Association website. Retrieved on October 6, 2017.
^ Remembering Patricia L. Roy (1938-2017) on YouTube. Retrieved on October 6, 2017.
^ "Indy 500 - Drivers, Mechanics Honored". IRL. Motorsport.com. May 29, 1999. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
^ Sebring, Blake (November 24, 2016). "Fort Wayne legend Bob Chase has passed". Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016.
^ "Mir Masoom Ali". www.cs.bsu.edu. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 24, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ "Lake County Democratic Central Committee: Thomas McDermott - Chairman" Archived October 2, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Lake County Democratic Central Committee, accessed April 11, 2011
^ "Senator Delph To Speak About Immigration To Silent No More Group". Times-Union. August 12, 2010. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
^ Medaris, Kim (June 12, 2007). "Neil Armstrong presents Jischke with award; scholarship fund progress announced". Purdue News Service. Purdue University. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
^ "David Letterman 'thrilled' to be a lasting part of Ball State". Archived from the original on November 12, 2007. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
^ "Jeff Gordon honored in Pittsboro: 'One of the best days of my life'". Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
^ "IMS Historian Donald Davidson receives the Sagamore of the Wabash | WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter". WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
^ "Donald Trump meets with Dr. Seema Verma, who may help in restructuring Obamacare". The American Bazaar. November 22, 2016. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
^ "Vinatieri named Sagamore of the Wabash". Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
^ "Colleagues, family and friends celebrate John Stehr's 23 years at WTHR". WTHR. December 20, 2018. Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
^ "A Fitting Farewell". RACER. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
^ Mitchell, Dawn. "The Sagamore of the Wabash is one of Indiana's highest honors. But what exactly is it?". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ Jankowski, Jane "Wooden first honoree for new award created by Governor Daniels" Governor Daniels Press Release, March 3, 2006 accessed April 10, 2011
^ Ksander, Yaël. "Restoring Utopia: Jane Blaffer Owen". Moment of Indiana History - Indiana Public Media. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ Watters, Brandi (April 2, 2008). "8:28 p.m.: UPDATE: Gaithers honored". Herald Bulletin. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ Newsroom, IU Bloomington. "Former IU Trustee Donald C. 'Danny' Danielson dies at 95: IU Bloomington Newsroom: Indiana University Bloomington". news.indiana.edu. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ "Erskine honored with Indiana's highest award". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ "The life and legacy of William A. Cook - Indiana University". iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ "Ian Rolland '55 Receives 2012 Sachem Award, Indiana's Highest Honor". Depauw University. April 17, 2012. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
^ "IN.GOV - Entry Details View". Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
^ "Pence awards MacAllister state's highest honor". July 8, 2014. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
^ "Amos Brown posthumously honored with Sachem Award - Local News - 13 WTHR Indianapolis". Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
^ Midwest Communications Inc. "Kohr Honored With The Sachem Award | News | WIBQ". Wibqam.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ "GOV - Sammy L. Davis to receive 2018 Sachem Award". Archived from the original on November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
^ "Dr. George Rapp to Receive 2019 Sachem Award". Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
^ "Reginald O. Jones Sr. receives 2020 Sachem Award". calendar.in.gov. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^ "Jim Morris to receive 2021 Sachem Award". WBIW. April 30, 2021. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
^ Sells, Jack (December 24, 2022). "Pat Koch, Santa Claus' "Chief Elf," receives Indiana's highest honor". Kokomo Tribune. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
^ Brown, Alex (October 5, 2023). "Telamon founder Albert Chen to receive Sachem Award". Inside INdiana Business. Retrieved October 5, 2023.

[1] "Sagamore of the Wabash Award" (PDF). Website of the Government of Indiana. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 29, 2017.

[2] Indianapolis Monthly, September 2004, Page 143

[3] "Former Speaker Of The House To Serve As Featured Speaker At Annual Democratic Dinner". March 28, 2011. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved November 30, 2016.

[Acceptance-4] "Acceptance From John". The New York Times. September 3, 1989. Archived from the original on December 20, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2020.

[5] W.F. Harvey, "Vignettes of 100 Years, Indiana Law Review (1995) Vol. 28:143, 150

[6] "Bob & Tom Receive Sagamore Award - Newsroom - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick". Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.

[7] Former Assistant Commissioner Pat Roy Passes Away. Archived June 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine Indiana High School Athletic Association website. Retrieved on October 6, 2017.

[8] Remembering Patricia L. Roy (1938-2017) on YouTube. Retrieved on October 6, 2017.

[9] "Indy 500 - Drivers, Mechanics Honored". IRL. Motorsport.com. May 29, 1999. Retrieved September 14, 2015.

[10] Sebring, Blake (November 24, 2016). "Fort Wayne legend Bob Chase has passed". Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016.

[11] "Mir Masoom Ali". www.cs.bsu.edu. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.

[12] "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 24, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

[13] "Lake County Democratic Central Committee: Thomas McDermott - Chairman" Archived October 2, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Lake County Democratic Central Committee, accessed April 11, 2011

[silentnomore-14] "Senator Delph To Speak About Immigration To Silent No More Group". Times-Union. August 12, 2010. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.

[15] Medaris, Kim (June 12, 2007). "Neil Armstrong presents Jischke with award; scholarship fund progress announced". Purdue News Service. Purdue University. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.

[16] "David Letterman 'thrilled' to be a lasting part of Ball State". Archived from the original on November 12, 2007. Retrieved November 30, 2016.

[17] "Jeff Gordon honored in Pittsboro: 'One of the best days of my life'". Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2016.

[18] "IMS Historian Donald Davidson receives the Sagamore of the Wabash | WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter". WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.

[19] "Donald Trump meets with Dr. Seema Verma, who may help in restructuring Obamacare". The American Bazaar. November 22, 2016. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2016.

[20] "Vinatieri named Sagamore of the Wabash". Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2017.

[21] "Colleagues, family and friends celebrate John Stehr's 23 years at WTHR". WTHR. December 20, 2018. Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.

[22] "A Fitting Farewell". RACER. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.

[:0-23] Mitchell, Dawn. "The Sagamore of the Wabash is one of Indiana's highest honors. But what exactly is it?". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[24] Jankowski, Jane "Wooden first honoree for new award created by Governor Daniels" Governor Daniels Press Release, March 3, 2006 accessed April 10, 2011

[25] Ksander, Yaël. "Restoring Utopia: Jane Blaffer Owen". Moment of Indiana History - Indiana Public Media. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[26] Watters, Brandi (April 2, 2008). "8:28 p.m.: UPDATE: Gaithers honored". Herald Bulletin. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[27] Newsroom, IU Bloomington. "Former IU Trustee Donald C. 'Danny' Danielson dies at 95: IU Bloomington Newsroom: Indiana University Bloomington". news.indiana.edu. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[28] "Erskine honored with Indiana's highest award". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[29] "The life and legacy of William A. Cook - Indiana University". iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[30] "Ian Rolland '55 Receives 2012 Sachem Award, Indiana's Highest Honor". Depauw University. April 17, 2012. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

[31] "IN.GOV - Entry Details View". Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2016.

[32] "Pence awards MacAllister state's highest honor". July 8, 2014. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.

[33] "Amos Brown posthumously honored with Sachem Award - Local News - 13 WTHR Indianapolis". Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.

[34] Midwest Communications Inc. "Kohr Honored With The Sachem Award | News | WIBQ". Wibqam.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

[35] "GOV - Sammy L. Davis to receive 2018 Sachem Award". Archived from the original on November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.

[36] "Dr. George Rapp to Receive 2019 Sachem Award". Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.

[37] "Reginald O. Jones Sr. receives 2020 Sachem Award". calendar.in.gov. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.

[38] "Jim Morris to receive 2021 Sachem Award". WBIW. April 30, 2021. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.

[39] Sells, Jack (December 24, 2022). "Pat Koch, Santa Claus' "Chief Elf," receives Indiana's highest honor". Kokomo Tribune. Retrieved September 27, 2023.

[40] Brown, Alex (October 5, 2023). "Telamon founder Albert Chen to receive Sachem Award". Inside INdiana Business. Retrieved October 5, 2023.

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