Distinguished Alumni Service Award (DASA)

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

The highest honor given to alumni by the Indiana University Alumni Association. Each year, Indiana University recognizes outstanding alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the highest accolade reserved solely for alumni.

Purpose: To provide recognition for outstanding achievements by alumni of Indiana University.

Geographic Scope: Global (any living IU alumni)

Focus Areas:

• Outstanding achievements in chosen field of endeavor
• Significant contributions benefiting community, state, nation, or university
• Leadership in scholarship, business, public service, and philanthropy

Eligibility:

• Only living alumni of Indiana University are eligible
• An alumnus is any person who shall have regularly enrolled in any school of Indiana University (or its predecessors), remained in attendance at least one semester, and earned at least 12 credit hours toward a degree
• Nominee shall have been outstanding in their chosen field of endeavor and/or made significant contributions benefiting their community, state, nation, or university

What They Don't Fund:

• Faculty and staff of Indiana University still on active payroll
• Current IU trustees
• Persons currently holding high political office

Award Nature: Consists of a medallion and an illuminated parchment

Mike Mann, Managing Director of Alumni Programs

• Email: mitmann@iu.edu
• Phone: 812-855-4339

Mailing Address: Coordinator, DASA Alumni Awards, Indiana University Alumni Association, Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center, 1000 East 17th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408-1521

Selection Process:

• Alumni Awards Committee composed of seven members: five alumni of Indiana University and two faculty/staff members
• Committee members appointed by chairperson of IUAA and president of IU
• Awards given at annual meeting/dinner in conjunction with Student Scholarship Luncheon
• Recipients must be present at ceremony unless death or illness occurs
• Exception: Limited to one award per year at commencement ceremony

Nomination Validity: All nominations automatically valid for next two successive years; after that must be resubmitted

2025 DASA Recipients:

• V. William Hunt, BA'66, JD'69
• Eugene R. Tempel, MA'73, EdD'85
• Tara Vanderveer, BA'75

How to Apply

Nomination Deadline: Midnight, March 31 (annually)

• Nominations received after this date will be considered for the following year
• All nominations automatically valid for next two successive years

Who Can Nominate:

1. Any school of Indiana University
2. Any alumnus of Indiana University
3. Any faculty or staff member of Indiana University

Required Materials:

• Completed nomination form (electronic or paper)
• Complete biographical and other pertinent information
• At least two letters outlining candidate achievements (required by nominator and/or other interested individuals)
• Supporting documentation

Submission Methods:

1. Online submission via DASA website
2. Paper form in sealed envelope, postmarked by midnight March 31

Mailing Address for Paper Submissions:
Coordinator, DASA Alumni Awards
Indiana University Alumni Association
Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center
1000 East 17th Street
Blooming, IN 47408-1521

Form Request:
To request paper or PDF nomination form, contact Mike Mann at mitmann@iu.edu or 812-855-4339

Form Fields Include:

• Nominee information (name, contact details, education, occupation)
• Nominee achievements in chosen field
• Nominee's contributions to community, state, or nation
• Additional qualifications for award
• Nominator information
• Supporting letters and documentation (minimum 2 required)