Awards

Bicentennial Medal - 2019

About James M. Summers

James M. Summers received a B.S. in English and journalism from the University of Wisconsin. Summers contributes regularly to Indiana University through dedicated service on the IU South Bend Advisory Board.

Summers is the owner of The Summers Group, LLC (TSG). TSG designs business solutions that revitalize communities through entrepreneurship. He is additionally the executive director of Project Impact South Bend which helped establish the Westside Small Business Resource Center. Summers is the former chairman of Michiana SCORE, a nonprofit association of local volunteers, with the mission to grow successful small businesses. Prior leadership roles include serving as the 1st vice president of NAACP South Bend Branch, and the director of diversity & inclusion for the Chicago Urban League.

Summers serves on several boards, committees and commissions including Notre Dame Federal Credit Union; WNIT Public Television; St. Joseph Health System Community Ministry; Community Forum for Economic Justice; and Indiana University South Bend Advisory Board. In 2019, Summers received Indiana University’s Bicentennial Medal, in recognition of his distinguished service and support of the university.