Special Events

On November 15, 2024, Indiana State University hosted the fourth annual President’s Dinner. This special event honors the University’s Distinguished Alumni for their significant achievements professionally and within their communities, locally and globally. The evening also celebrates the philanthropy to the institution by honoring donors for their generosity and dedication to the advancement of the culture of giving at Indiana State.

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Mel Burks

Burks graduated from Indiana State University with three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies with minors in criminology and sociology in 1977, a master’s degree in agency counseling and criminology in 1983, and a master’s degree in public administration in 1997.

He has worked at Hamilton Center, Inc. for over 45 years and has served as the Chief Executive Officer since January 2012. Throughout his decorated career, Burks has served in leadership roles in nearly 20 different organizations, including the Vigo County School Board of Trustees, the Girls and Boys Club, the City of Terre Haute’s Human Relations Commission, Covered Bridge Special Education, Terre Haute North High School Advisor to the Counseling Department, Terre Haute South Vigo High School Football and Basketball Coach and the Vigo County Council for Children and Youth. He has been an incredible supporter of Indiana State University and currently serves as an Athletic Committee Member.

Through the years, Burks has been recognized for his commitment to his community with awards such as the 1991 NAACP Community Leadership Award, the 1993 Indiana Football Coaches Association Twenty-Year Service Award, the 2003 National Exchange Club Bikes for Tykes Outstanding Volunteer Award, the 2006 Boys/Girls Club/Max Jones Volunteer Coach of the Year Award, the 2006 Hamilton Center Award for Outstanding Volunteer Services, and the 2009 Rotary Centennial Award for Professional Excellence.

Anita Klopfenstein

Klopfenstein is a 1984 graduate of Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and radio, TV, and film. While at the university, she discovered an interest in technology at a campus job involving work in information technology. Through this role, she played a part in developing the university’s first Novell network.

In 1990, Klopfenstein received her master’s in business administration from Liberty University. At the beginning of her career, Klopfenstein worked with Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Express Scripts to delve further into information technology. A few years later, Klopfenstein received the position of Vice President of eCommerce and Consumer Systems for Panera Bread, where her team worked on developing Apple Pay and self-service kiosks. She became the Chief Information and Digital Officer for Little Caesars Pizza and Ilitch Owned Companies in 2017. She led the initiative to create the Little Caesars mobile app and their self-service kiosks, the Pizza Portal. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Klopfenstein is active on multiple advisory boards, including for the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, Tech United, and the Wayne State University Technology, Information Systems, and Analytics advisory board.

Klopfenstein’s innovative work in technology advancement and leadership has been recognized and awarded on various occasions, including the Top Innovator award at the Women in Foodservice Technology Awards in 2017, the Michigan Global CIO of the Year award by Inspire CIO in 2021, the CIO of the Year award by Inspire CIO in the Enterprise Category in 2022, and the CIO of the Year award from HMG Strategy in the Large Cap division in 2023.

Jim Pajakowski

Pajakowski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana State University in 1982. He began his career in a position with the accounting firm Arthur Andersen & Co. In Indianapolis, where he eventually was named an Audit Partner. In 1999, he transferred to their Chicago office and led their Central Region Risk Consulting Practice.

In 2002, he became one of the founding members of Protiviti, a global consulting practice based in Chicago. After serving as a Member of the Operating Committee for Protiviti’s first five years, Pajakowski was promoted to the role of one of the company’s four Executive Vice Presidents. During his time with Protiviti, Pajakowski consulted with many clients and oversaw operating results, strategic direction, firm-wide standard consulting methodologies, and knowledge management. He created a training curriculum to support a defined professional career path. In addition to these responsibilities, Pajakowski manages client services in Firm operations in South America, India, and the Middle East.

Pajakowski is a dedicated member of the Indiana State University Foundation Board and a devoted community member of Chicago. He has focused his time and philanthropy on giving back to his local community. He has volunteered as a member of the Chicago Chamber of Commerce Board, a member of the Ethics Committee for the Illinois CPA Society, as president of the Indianapolis Boys and Girls Club, Leadership Development Committee Chair for the Chicago Salvation Army, and a Board Member for the Civic Consulting Alliance.

Philanthropy Honorees

March On! Philanthropy Award Recipients

R.T. Green

R.T. Green ’74 is the founder and Managing Attorney of Team Green Law, an accomplished law firm that servesIndiana in personal injury law. As a student, Green majored in Business Administration and Management and played for the Sycamore Basketball team. He is a steadfast supporter of Sycamore Athletics and has pledged Team Green Law as a sponsor to positively impact the student-athlete experience.

Ken and Rita Senseman

Ken ‘80 and Rita ‘83 Burns Senseman have been bold donors to multiple initiatives at Indiana State, including the Swimming and Diving Team and the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology. Rita graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social studies education and now works as an author for Liturgy Training Publications while also giving her time as a proud director on the Indiana State University Foundation Board. Since graduating with his bachelor’s degree in manufacturing technology, Ken has served the Terre Haute community as the president of the Lee Company. Together, the pair give back to transform and elevate student experiences at Indiana State.

Jeff and Penny Taylor

Jeff ‘75 and Penny ‘76 Taylor have been dedicated supporters of the Scott College of Business since graduating from Indiana State. Jeff and Penny both graduated with accounting degrees, and Jeff has had a successful career in accounting for various companies, including National Computer Systems Inc. and Pearson PLC. Penny also began her career as an accountant for Amax Coal Company before transitioning from her career to raise their three daughters. In addition to their philanthropic support, Jeff served as a member of the Indiana State University Foundation Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Scott College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council to support the University’s growth and advancement.

Steve and Lois Zink

Steve ‘74 and Lois ‘75 Zink have worked in academia all their careers. Steve graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and has held administrative positions at various universities, including Vice President of Information Technology and Dean of University Libraries for the University of Nevada at Reno until he achieved emeritus status in 2016. Lois received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and served as a Washoe County school librarian until her retirement in 2015. The couple understand the significance of equipping university faculty with the proper resources to instruct the next generation and have been generous donors to the institution’s history department.

John P. Newton Spirit of Indiana State University Award Recipient

Bob and Julie Baesler

Bob and Julie Baesler are champions of their local community, owning and operating Baesler’s Market locations throughout the Wabash Valley. They give back to their community by donating food to Harmony Haven, supporting the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, and volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to their community involvement, the couple have been unwavering patrons of Indiana State University through their involvement with the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Sycamore Athletics, Alpha Tau Omega, and Chi Omega.

Student Philanthropy Award

State Dance Marathon

State Dance Marathon is the largest student-led organization at Indiana State. Every year, it organizes a fundraiser to support the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The fundraiser unites campus and community partners to raise money for those in need and truly exemplifies what it means to be joyful givers.

On Thursday, August 21, join us at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course to support Indiana State University’s most prestigious academic scholarship: The President’s Scholarship.

The President’s Scholarship provides academically talented and motivated students full, in-state tuition and premium housing. President’s Scholars study within the Honors College, which provides opportunities to learn, conduct research, participate in high-powered experiential learning and professional development opportunities, and exchange ideas in a challenging and supportive academic environment. Come spend the day with President Mike Godard and meet current President’s Scholars!

Outing Participation

All-Inclusive Package – $2,000
Includes: Round of Golf for Four (4), Team Mulligans, Custom Gift, Lunch, Reception, and Hole Sign

Individual Golfer – $500
Includes: Round of Golf, One Mulligan, Custom Gift, Lunch, and Reception

Limited to the first 36 teams.

Event Schedule

8:30 a.m. | Registration
10:00 a.m. | Shotgun Start (Outing is a scramble format. Lunch is provided.)

Awards, skill prizes, and raffle will be presented following the outing.

More registration details to come soon.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support Indiana State’s President’s Scholars program as an event sponsor.

To learn more about available sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 President’s Scholars Golf Outing, contact Amber Stinson at Amber.Stinson@airalkalimilagros.com.