Dean of infomatics wins governor’s award

School of Informatics Dean Michael Dunn was presented with the highest award given by the governor of Indiana: the Sagamore of the Wabash . \nThe award is bestowed to outstanding candidates at the governor of Indiana’s discretion, usually to honor community and professional contributions, said Joe Stuteville, coordinator of media relations at the School of Informatics. \nRepresenting Gov. Mitch Daniels at the ceremony was IU president-elect Michael McRobbie.\nDunn, whose greatest accomplishment, said Stuteville, is establishing the School of Informatics, was presented with the prestigious award April 19 at his retirement banquet. Dunn plans to retire late in June.\n“Dunn has distinguished himself by his humanity in living, his loyalty in friendship, his wisdom in council and his inspiration in leadership,” McRobbie said, reading from a prepared statement written by Daniels.\nAs the executive associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dunn encouraged the use of personal computers on campus and has taught at Wayne State University and Yale University. \nThe word “sagamore” is derived from the language of the Micmac Native Americans to distinguish a lesser chief or a wise advisor from a high chief, according to the press release.\nPast recipients include IU President Adam Herbert, Director of the Groups Student Support Services Program Janice Wiggins and six-time recipient Herman B Wells. \nIn 2002, Dunn was awarded the CyberStar Award for the School of Informatics’ Outstanding Educational Contribution to Information Technology. He is also the Oscar Ewing Professor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences.\n“(Dunn) recognized very early the need to have a school that really pushed not only informational technology research, but also education,” Stuteville said. “He had a good grasp of understanding that technology and proved himself to be a great leader.”