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One male student in the foreground, six total, sitting at a table for a recognition event

RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING YOU

Each year, we present awards to Mastodon Alumni Community members and give scholarships to their children or spouse who are enrolled at Purdue Fort Wayne. Learn about these scholarships and awards and how you can earn them.

Continuing the Mastodon Legacy

Mastodon Alumni use the skills and expertise they gained during their time as a student on the Fort Wayne campus every day to improve not only their own quality of life but also the communities in which they live and work. Your diploma opened the door to your future career and success. As an alumnus you can continue this legacy by making a contribution toward the annual Mastodon Alumni Scholarship program. Your donation will ensure that a whole new generation of students benefit from the high quality of education and life-long learning experiences offered here at Purdue Fort Wayne. Several scholarships are offered annually to both full- and part-time students.

Give to the Scholarship Fund

Distinct Honors

Nominate an alumnus or friend of the university by nominating them for one of these eight Mastodon Alumni Association awards, which recognize exemplary service to our university or alumni association. These awards are given to alumni each year during homecoming:

  • Alumni Citation Award

    Candidates for The Alumni Citation award are graduates who have shown achievement, service, or a contribution that reflects honor upon the university.

  • Distinguished Alumni Service Award

    Candidates for the Distinguished Alumni Service Award have demonstrated outstanding service to Indiana University– Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue Fort Wayne, and/or the Alumni Association. Nominees must be graduates of Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne or Purdue Fort Wayne.

  • Top Volunteer Award

    The Top Volunteer Award Winner must be an alumnus of Indiana University– Purdue University Fort Wayne or Purdue Fort Wayne. Nominee cannot be a current member of the Mastodon Alumni Association board of directors. This award is based on volunteer service to the Mastodon Alumni Association.

  • Broyles Medal

    Ralph E. Broyles was appointed dean of the Fort Wayne Campus of Indiana University in 1966. Broyles was present at the placement of the cornerstone of the Education Building, which was later named Kettler Hall, the first building on the current campus. This award is given to an Indiana University graduate for unique and significant contributions to our campus. This medal may not  be awarded to an employee of the university.

  • Outstanding Young Alumni Award

    Outstanding Young Alumni Award nominees must be age 35 or younger by the nomination deadline and must exhibit outstanding early achievement and/or service to the community.

  • Jesse Medal

    Bob F. Jesse was born in Fort Wayne and attended Purdue University after serving in World War II. After graduation he worked in construction, working his way up to company president of CEBOR Construction, headquartered in Fort Wayne. He later purchased his own company, Indiana Construction Company. He served on Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) councils and committees and as president of the IPFW Foundation. He also served on the Purdue Board of Trustees from 1976 to 1999, including four years as chairman. Jesse was honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash recipient by Indiana Governors Robert Orr and Frank O’Bannon. In 1996, he received the first Bob F. Jesse Medal. This award is presented each year to a Purdue University Fort Wayne graduate for unique and significant contributions to the university. This medal may not be awarded  to a university employee.

  • Keith E. Busse Distinguished Alumni Award

    Keith E. Busse was born and raised in Fort Wayne and educated in northeast Indiana. He earned an M.B.A. from Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in 1978 while working at Nucor Corporation. Busse revolutionized the American steel industry by utilizing a newly developed European electric-arc technology. In 1993, he cofounded Steel Dynamics and served as CEO for 20 years. Throughout his career he also demonstrated commitment to community through his service on several non-profit boards. Busse’s generosity allowed alumni to have a place to reconnect with one another and stay engaged in the life of the university with the generous gift of the Alumni Center. This award is given to alumni who exhibit the qualities and achievements modeled by Keith E. Busse: achievement in a profession, distinction in public service, and extraordinary service to Fort Wayne and to the university.

Nominate a Mastodon Alumnus