Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2002

About David F. Metzger

David F. Metzger was born on a farm in Clinton County, Indiana. He worked through high school supplementing the family income by woodcutting, driving coal trucks, and picking tomatoes. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years. Metzger then earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ball State Teacher's College prior to its status as a University.

Metzger worked as a social worker for forty years. His first post was as a probation officer in Muncie. He also served in the Indiana House of Representatives, where he co-authored legislation conferring university status on Ball State in 1965. During his career, he co-authored the Indiana Civil Rights Act, was the author of the first Child Protection Act, and was the Indiana Director of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. In 1972, Metzger was appointed to the faculty of the IU School of Social Work, where he taught until his retirement in 1998.

Metzger recieved many awards for his dedication and service. In 1965, he was named Outstanding Freshman Representative by the Indiana Broadcasters Association and in 1966 the Association recognized him in Outstanding Young Men of America. He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash twice, first by Governor Robert Orr in 1985 and again by Governor Evan Bayh in 1990. Metzger also received the Mayor's Volunteer Partnership Award from Mayor Goldsmith in 1999.