The University of Southern Indiana Alumni Association honored two of its own, a faculty member, and a volunteer during the 2012 Founders’ Day Celebration on September 18. 

Kenneth R. and Nancy L. Johnson received the Special Recognition Award.  Nancy is director emerita of Alumni and Volunteer Services and husband Ken is a volunteer who has been dubbed honorary assistant director for his help with events sponsored by the Alumni Association during Nancy’s tenure as director. Both are enthusiastic supporters of the University, and Nancy earned her graduate and undergraduate degrees from USI. She developed Volunteer USI and in 2012 the program registered more than one million hours of service to USI by volunteers. The USI Alumni Online community originated while Nancy was director and connects the 31,500 alumni of the University. Ken owns Shrode Insurance and Real Estate in Mt. Vernon, Indiana.   

The Faculty Recognition Award was presented to Daniel R. Craig, associate professor of music and director of Musical Activities.  He has been with USI for 23 years and is the conductor of the USI Chamber Choir and the USI Women’s Choir. He lectures in the area of music history. He is the producer of the USI Madrigal Feaste, USI’s longest-running tradition.  His research spans traditional Irish songs and Polish music. His choirs have performed throughout Poland and Ireland and have received recognition for their work in spreading good will and supporting international charities through music performance. His research has been published in the Choral Journal of the American Choral Directors Association and through online publications of the United Methodist Church.   

John L. Schutz, senior vice president at Hilliard Lyons Investments, received the Alumni Service Award for his dedication to the USI Alumni Association and the USI Varsity Club. He was president of the association in 1989 and telethon chair for four years for the alumni annual fund.  A Varsity Club member for more than 25 years, Schutz was the chair last year when the club created the Platinum level, a new membership category.  Membership increased at all levels during his chairmanship.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1982 from USI.

The Founders' Day program marked 47 years for the University since its establishment in 1965. USI President Linda L. M. Bennett praised the vision and efforts of those in the community and with the University who advanced the University in the beginning years.