Four distinguished leaders will be inducted into the Indiana Academy at its 54th annual gala on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. This year’s honorees are being recognized for lifetimes of achievement and significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
Founded in 1970, the Indiana Academy promotes the advancement of private higher education in Indiana through the support of Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and its 29 member institutions. Members of the Indiana Academy are selected by its Board of Regents from nominations submitted by current members or presidents of ICI member colleges and universities.
The distinguished 2025 inductees include:
· Wilfred (Bill) C. Bussing, III, Solo Practitioner Attorney and Owner, Evansville Otters
· Hon. Eric J. Holcomb, 51st Governor, State of Indiana
· Dr. James B. Lemler, President, The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation
· Jay B. Ricker, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Anderson University
“The Indiana Academy exists to honor those who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our state through leadership, philanthropy, and support for higher education,” said Elaine Bedel, chair of the Indiana Academy Board of Regents. “Our 2025 inductees remind us of the vital role that individuals play in advancing opportunities for students and communities across Indiana.”
The Indiana Academy honorees are recognized annually for lifetimes of achievement and contribution to the state of Indiana. Members of the Academy demonstrate exceptional leadership in philanthropy, business, public service, advancement of the sciences, the arts, literature, culture, and scholarship in connection with Indiana’s independent non-profit colleges and universities.
The Indiana Academy Gala Event Details
Monday, November 3, 2025
Reception at 5:30 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN 46032
Tickets: $150 per person | black tie optional
Tickets or tables of 8 can be purchased online at www.icindiana.org/IA54gala. If you have questions, please contact Kelly Smith at 317-236-6090 or ksmith@icindiana.org.
About the Indiana Academy
Modeled after the French Academy, the Indiana Academy was established in 1970 by the Independent Colleges of Indiana to recognize individual leadership, achievement, and philanthropy designed to promote the advancement of the state, as well as its independent sector of higher education. All Indiana Academy members are listed online. Watch this history video to learn about the Indiana Academy and its founder, Kurt F. Pantzer, Sr.