BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – A leader in public affairs education and an expert in health system management are the recipients of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards presented by the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
“So many of SPEA’s more than 30,000 alumni have led lives of significance, so it is a daunting challenge to select only two for this honor,” said SPEA Dean John D. Graham. “This year’s recipients are shining examples of what it means to lead for the greater good, and the arc of their careers demonstrates the transformational potential of an Indiana University degree.”
The alumni will be honored at the SPEA undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies on May 4 and 5 in Bloomington.
The 2018 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are:
Trevor Brown, who received his Ph.D. in 1999, is the dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. Brown has been a faculty member at Ohio State since 2001. His research focuses on public-private partnerships, government contracting, and democracy and democratic transitions. From the Ukraine to Ohio, Brown has worked with government and public organizations to improve organizational and managerial performance.
“From one dean to another, Trevor Brown has my admiration,” Graham said. “His research, often conducted with SPEA faculty, has had an enormous impact. The Glenn College is a partner with SPEA and a worthy competitor in preparing the next generation of public affairs leaders.”
Steve Eller received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. He is chief human resource officer for Beacon Health System in South Bend, Indiana, overseeing the risk management and performance improvement departments. He is also active in the community, serving on several boards. Eller is an emeritus member of the IU Alumni Association Executive Council and an active member of SPEA’s Distinguished Alumni Council. He returns to campus often to give guest lectures and to mentor SPEA students.
“Steve is generous with his time, giving back to IU and to SPEA in so many ways,” Graham said. “His insight benefits our students, and so does his example. Steve’s leadership role in the health care industry shows what can be accomplished with a SPEA degree.”
The undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies are by invitation only, but both Bloomington ceremonies will be streamed online at broadcast.iu.edu.
