School of Public health awards recognize 6 alumni

The School of Public Health is honoring six alumni Friday for their contributions within the field.

“We could not be more pleased to honor these exceptional alumni,” Interim Dean Mohammad Torabi said in a press release. “Their dedication and commitment in their chosen fields is a true inspiration to all of us, and we are thrilled to have them as part of the school’s family.”

W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award
IU Foundation President Emeritus Curtis Simic and Northern Illinois University professor emeritus William Oleckno, will receive the W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award. It is awarded to individuals who have earned success in their careers.

Mobley International Distinguished Alumni Award
President of National Taiwan Sport University Joe Chin-hsung Kao will receive this year’s Mobley International Distinguished Alumni Award. After studying business in Taiwan, Kao received a doctoral degree from IU in 1993.

Among other things, Kao has served on the Board of Directors for the Taiwan Society on Sport Management and as president for the executive committee of the Asian Association for Sport, according to the press release.

John R. Endwright
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Laura Newton is this year’s recipient of the John R. Endwright Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Newton is currently assistant director of Visit Bloomington, and is active with organizations such as the IU Alumni Association, the Monroe County Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.

Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award
Assistant commissioner for the Indiana High School Athletic Association Sandy Searcy will receive the Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award, presented annually to alumni who have worked within the field for the advancement of girls and women, according to the press release.

Searcy completed both her bachelor and master’s degrees at IU. At the IHSAA, Searcy oversees multiple sports. She has also served in leadership positions in organizations such as the National Federation of State High School Associations’ National Student Leadership Planning Conference and the Gymnastics Rules Committee.

Early Career Outstanding Alumni Award
Fitness and wellness entrepreneur Allison Chopra is this year’s recipient of the Early Career Outstanding Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni who, within 10 years of completing their studies at IU, have distinguishing themselves in the field. Recipients must also be younger than 40.

Chopra, who received her master’s degree in 2007, is now the owner of Urban Fitness Studio and Urban Cycle Studio in downtown Bloomington.

— Kirsten Clark