Stay engaged with the alumni community
With a global network of more than 37,000 living alumni, staying engaged strengthens the O’Neill community and enriches the alumni experience. Discover ways to connect, contribute, and get involved.
Ways to engage
Mentor and advise
- Career mentorship, career conversations, professional mentorship
Connect with students through O’Neill NetWORKed and Backpack to Briefcase programs, offering career insight in one-on-one or small-group settings. - Student and recruitment panels
Serve as a panelist for Experience Day, Preview Day, and other recruitment events to share your O’Neill experience and professional path. - Classroom engagement
Be a guest speaker or collaborate on class projects to connect academic learning with real-world experience. - Career resources
Share job and internship opportunities within your organization to support current O’Neill students and fellow alumni.
Connect and serve
- Alumni events
Participate in alumni gatherings, speaker opportunities, and volunteer events. O’Neill connects with alumni throughout the year in Washington, D.C., and other locations. - Alumni Council
Connect with alumni across Bloomington and Indianapolis to share your perspective, support school initiatives, and serve as a resource for students and fellow alumni.
Nominate and advocate
- Nominate for recognition
Nominate fellow O’Neill alumni for awards that celebrate professional achievement, leadership, and service. Help us recognize the impact our alumni are making across communities and industries. - Advocate for support
Support O’Neill’s mission by championing initiatives that strengthen programs, students, and the broader alumni community. Your advocacy and philanthropic support help sustain opportunities for future generations.
Alumni recognition
Across fields and communities, O’Neill alumni lead and serve in meaningful ways. We proudly recognize those whose accomplishments exemplify the impact of an O’Neill education.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Brett Seidle, Ph.D.’10
Brett Seidle was selected for his dedicated career in national defense leadership. Throughout his years of service, Seidle has advanced innovation, stewardship, and strategic excellence in service to the country. His unwavering commitment to public service and his continued engagement with the O’Neill School reflects the integrity and lasting impact this award is proud to honor. Seidle was recently named IU’s chief advisor for national security research and development.
O’Neill Indianapolis Distinguished Alumni Award
Roberta Jaggers, MPA’03
Roberta Jaggers is celebrated for her transformative leadership in advancing literacy and educational opportunities. Through her work, she has strengthened access to knowledge and enriched communities across Indianapolis. Her steadfast commitment to philanthropy and public service reflects the civic engagement and community impact that the O’Neill School is proud to honor. Jaggers is president of the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Early Impact Award
Chase Bruton, MPA’18
Chase Bruton has been recognized with the Early Impact Award for his exemplary leadership in local government. As town manager of Yorktown, Indiana, Bruton has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening communities through thoughtful governance and strategic vision. His dedication to public service and his continued investment in developing future leaders reflect the core values of the O’Neill School and exemplify the impact this award is meant to honor.
Nominate an alum for a Distinguished Alumni or Early Impact award
The Distinguished Alumni Award honors O’Neill graduates who have made a meaningful difference in their professions and communities, celebrating career achievement. The Early Impact Award honors alumni, age 40 or younger, who are shaping their communities in meaningful ways. For either recognition, nominees reflect the mission and values of O’Neill through their leadership, service, and career achievement.
Honorees since 1982
Browse through the honorees below.
| Name | Degree | Year Received | Award Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Dolson | BSPA'88 | 2025 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Rishard Allen | BSAM’17 | 2025 | Early Impact Award |
| Terry Babcock-Lumish | MPA'99 | 2025 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Mark Elwood | BSPA'87 | 2024 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Melina Kennedy | MSES'95 | 2024 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jason D. Dudich | BSPA'01 | 2023 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Deanna Oware | MPA'00 | 2023 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Andrew Recinos | MAAA'95 | 2022 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Christina Mendoza | BSPA'00 | 2022 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Claudia Cummings | MPA'94 | 2021 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Ami Tully Lotka | BSPA'82 | 2021 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Amy Kennedy-Reynolds | MPA'85 | 2020 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Chris Lowery | BSPA'84 | 2020 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Srikant K. Sastry | MPA'88 | 2019 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Trevor L. Brown | PhD'99 | 2018 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Steven M. Eller | BSPA'84 | 2018 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Vicki Allums | MPA'86 | 2017 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Mathew Gentile | BSPA'95 | 2017 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Amy Rogge-Mack | MPA/MSES'93 | 2016 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Edward Jacobs | BSPA'79 | 2016 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Michelle Boone | MPA'98 | 2015 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Matt Ewer | BSPA'00 | 2015 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| John R. Fernandez | BSPA'85/MPA'89/JD'92 | 2014 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jayma M. Meyer | BSPA'75 | 2014 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Bernard "Bernie" R. Toon II | MPA'81 | 2013 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Brian G. Clarke | BSPA'83 | 2013 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Duane Embree | MPA'91 | 2012 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| George F. Schmidt | MPA'75 | 2011 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Thomas E. Byers | MPA'76 | 2010 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Dick W. Bowman | MPA'77 | 2009 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jim M. Anderson | MPA'92 | 2008 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Gretchen K. Gutman | BA'86/MPA'87/JD'97 | 2008 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Brenda C. Smith | MPA'86 | 2008 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Pamela Brookshire | MPA'96 | 2007 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Tavis E. Smiley | BSPA'03 | 2007 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Gregory Meszaros | MPA'86 | 2006 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Kathryn Sexton Schmoll | BSPA'75 | 2006 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Andrew Downs | MPA'93 | 2005 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jeff F. Richardson | BA'73/JD'77/MPA'81 | 2005 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jay Benforado | MSES'80 | 2004 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Ronald Buskirk | MPA'99 | 2004 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Daniel Avery | MPA'91 | 2003 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Nina Harding | MPA/JD'82 | 2003 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Marie C. Johns | BSMS'79/MPA'82 | 2003 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| R. Edward Ingle | MPA'85 | 2002 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Mark Royse | MPA'86 | 2002 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Karen Goldner | MPA'89 | 2001 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Donna R. McLean | MPA'89 | 2001 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jesse F. Devitte | BSPA'80 | 2000 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Nancy Louraine | MPA'89 | 2000 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Bruce Hamilton | MPA'85 | 1999 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Joe E. Loftus | MPA'79/JD'83 | 1999 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Ann Fumarolo | MPA'86 | 1998 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Heidi J. Voorhees | MPA'82 | 1998 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Linda L. Buskirk | MPA'94 | 1997 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Martin L. Gersey | MPA'90 | 1997 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Glenn E. Montgomery Jr. | MSES'77 | 1997 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Michael H. Zunk | MPA'96 | 1997 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Eric A. Myers | MPA'82 | 1996 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jeanette "Jenny" S. Perkins | MPA'85 | 1996 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Kenneth G. Stella | MHA'74 | 1996 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Thomas M. Bartholomy | MPA'86 | 1995 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Raymond E. Gnat | MPA'81 | 1995 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jane Roberts Perez | MPA'76 | 1995 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Cheryl G. Sullivan | MSES'86 | 1995 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Richard T. Brown | MPA'82 | 1994 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Fredus Nelson Peters | BSPA'82/MPA'89 | 1994 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Charles T. Hurley Jr. | BSPA'78 | 1993 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Talmadge Neil Moore | MPA'86 | 1993 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Jacqueline Agee | MPA'87 | 1992 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Stephen J. Bardoczi | MPA'88 | 1992 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Lyn Leone | MPA'82 | 1992 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| John Blower | MPA'85 | 1991 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Gerald Hanas | MPA'77 | 1991 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| James P. Perron | BSPA'83 | 1988 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Walton R. Collins | MPA'76 | 1987 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Charlotte Pfeifer | MPA'81 | 1985 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| David R. Sage | MPA'77 | 1984 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Thomas M. Becker | MPA'79 | 1983 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Roland B. Smith Jr. | MPA'76/Doctoral'88 | 1982 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Name | Degree | Year Received | Award Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherrish Pryor | MPA'05 | 2025 | Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Kevin Jowitt | MSCJ'12 | 2024 | Distinguished Alumni Award |