History

Receiving an award is a gratifying moment for the recipient, the culmination of effort and time devoted to their profession. These moments are worth documenting, to remember and celebrate their individual accomplishment and their contribution to the legacy of Indiana University.

The University Honors and Awards initiative was created to preserve and share these moments. It now houses over 8,000 individual recipient records and approximately 150 different awards.

Phase I

The initial research effort began in 2010 with Phase I focused on collecting data on seven award categories and 43 individual awards. First, the names of recipients and years that awards were presented, along with existing biographical information about these individuals was gathered. This phase culminated in the launch of the website. Still, some records required additional research and writing.

Phase II

In Phase II, we expanded the biographical information (accuracy and volume) of the existing awards and added more than 75 alumni awards given by the university, campuses, schools, departments, and programs. Additional research awards were added during this phase, highlighting significant national associations and organizations that have recognized former and current faculty.

Phase III and beyond

During Phase III, we added several philanthropic awards given by the IU Foundation. Biographical information was expanded for previously added awards as well.

Now that the website structure is fully developed, we will continue the work of maintaining this important archive by continuously adding awards from different levels of the university and updating records as information is uncovered. In 2021, a new website was launched that included a more robust and searchable database.