Awards

LGBTQ+ Distinguished Alumni Award - 2018

About Suzanne Kathryn Aquila

Sue Aquila graduated from IU Bloomington in 1992 with a Sports Management degree from the former School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation (now the School of Public Health). After graduation, she remained in Bloomington to raise a family, and start a local business - Bloomington Bagel Company.

She is an accomplished triathlete and has contributed both time and talent as a volunteer member of various boards and commissions for the City of Bloomington. Most recently, she served as president of Bloomington's Board of Zoning Appeals.

Sue has supported the IU and Bloomington communities, through personal donations and sponsoring events, activities, and operations for more than 70 charities, including: schools; non-profit organizations; scholarship programs; student and alumni organizations; theater, art, and sports programs; museums; business associations; government agencies and programs; and other philanthropic efforts in the Monroe County and IU communities.

Sue has been a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ community. She rallied the local business community to oppose anti-LGBTQ legislation in our state. Since her arrival in Bloomington, Sue has supported IU's LGBTQ+ Cultural Center by providing meeting space for queer groups and allies. As a local employer, she has hired students to help them pay for their college expenses.