Awards

IU South Bend Distinguished Alumni Award (2017)

Sue Talbot Distinguished Hoosiers for Higher Education Volunteer Award (2006)

IUAA President's Award (1998)

About Emil Reznik

Emil “Lucky” Reznik is a community leader in South Bend, Indiana. HE earned his Bachelors in Psychology from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. He furthered his education by receiving an M.B.A. from IU South Bend in 1976.

Upon graduating from Westminster College, he joined The Associates Investment Company. There he began his career and became the manager of the company’s largest branch. In 1967, Reznik was one of two Republican appointees to TRANSPO's board. He pushed for South Bend to expand bus service to Mishawaka and to increase the available bus times and routes. Because of his work, TRANSPO reports 3 million trips annually on its buses. To honor his contributions, in 2010, TRANSPO named the Emil "Lucky" Reznik Operations, Administration, and Maintenance Facility after him. He was also honored for 50 years of service to TRANSPO. Reznik has received the Outstanding Hoosier Award from Governor Mitch Daniels, a Key to the City from South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke, and commendations from Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea and State Representative Patrick Bauer in honor of his achievements.

Reznik has been a prominent proponent of higher education, and he serves IU on multiple boards. He is instrumental in promoting IU in the region, and he is an emeritus member of the IU South Bend Alumni Board. Reznik's "Get on the Bus" initiative takes IUSB students, faculty, and staff to the State house in Indianapolis to lobby on behalf of Hoosiers for Higher Education. In 2006, he received the inaugural Sue H. Talbot Distinguished Hoosiers for Higher Education Volunteer Award and he is a Community Captain for the organization.