Alumni: Honoring outstanding IU Kokomo alumni

Nurses of Distinction

The Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring five of its graduates with the inaugural Nurses of Distinction awards.

The School of Nursing, along with the IU Alumni Association Kokomo Region, recognized these outstanding alumnae, honoring them for making a difference in the nursing profession and in their communities.

“Distinction is defined as excellence that sets someone apart from others,” said Interim Dean Mary Bourke. “Each of our award winners exemplifies that quality, and each is an exemplary model of a nurse. We are proud to honor them.”

Nurses of Distinction award winners were:

Sarah Hodapp-Bevington, B.S.N. ’03, is a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. She and her husband, Coley, started PCAT Ambulance, which serves the residents of North Central Indiana, and has responded to nationwide disasters.

Sharmaine Ellison, A.S.N. ’87; B.S.N. ’00, is a certified surgery nurse at Community Howard Regional Health, and a current student in IU Kokomo’s Master of Science in Nursing program. She also serves as an IU Alumni Association executive council board member and as regional vice president of the IU Alumni Association Kokomo Region chapter.

Margaret R. “Peggy,” Faulkner, A.S.N. ’78; B.S.N. ’07, was a house supervisor-administrative coordinator at Community Howard Regional Health before her retirement. In 2015, she initiated and developed the practices and procedures for the Nursing Honor Guard, serving north central Indiana by honoring fallen nurses and their families during their time of grief.

Ruth Kain, A.S.N. ’95; B.S.N. ’00, is vice president of patient services and director of clinical operations at IU Health Saxony, Fishers; and is regional manager of emergency operations. She is currently earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Jo Ellen Scott, A.S.N. ’74; B.S.N. ’94, is chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care services at IU Health Tipton Hospital, serves on the advisory board for IU Kokomo and Ivy Tech State College as a nursing representative, and helped establish the Domestic Violence Coalition in Tipton County. She was instrumental in creating the relationship between IU Health Tipton Hospital and IU Kokomo to allow students to engage in clinicals at the hospital.

Business Persons of Distinction

Indiana University Kokomo honored its alumni for professional accomplishments and community service, with its first-ever Business Persons of Distinction awards.

The School of Business and the IU Alumni Association Kokomo Region honored three recipients at a reception.

Assistant Dean Jason VanAlstine said the honorees set an example for current students to emulate.

“All of them have significant professional accomplishments with their organizations, and have contributed to their professions,” he said. “We looked at those, and also at what they are doing outside their careers to give back to their communities. It’s helpful for our students to see the path to success that alumni before them have set.”

Robert E. Knowling Jr., who received an honorary degree from IU Kokomo in May 2018, was the keynote speaker for the event. Dean Alan Krabbenhoft noted that Knowling, who is chairman of Eagles Landing Partners, overcame poverty and racism to become a successful businessman.

“He exemplifies the type of leader we should all aspire to be, by sharing the benefits of his success with others,” he said. “He credits the YMCA, especially the Kokomo YMCA, as a significant contributor to his overcoming many obstacles early in his life and career. Recognizing their importance, he has been a strong supporter of the local and national YMCA. He remains active in his efforts to promote equity and social justice within our society, supporting an agenda of inclusion and diversity for women and persons of color in the workforce.”

Business Persons of Distinction honorees are:

Nathan Kring, M.B.A. ‘16, is vice president of operations for Five Sigma, an Israeli artificial intelligence firm, and owns several businesses.

Annette Russell, B.S. ‘94, is president and chief executive officer of Security Federal Savings Bank, Logansport.

Scott Voorhis, B.S. ’05, M.B.A. ’07, is an associate partner at Bucheri McCarty & Metz LLP, where he leads the tax and technology departments.