Bloomington Businessman Receives States Highest Honor

November 7 , 2005      

Ivy Tech Community College Board of Trustees member Lee Marchant has received the state's highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, from Governor Mitch Daniels.

 Marchant chaired the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation’s “Saving Crane” committee that raised $500,000 from the private sector to help save the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Source: Inside INdiana Business

Press Release

Bloomington, Indiana Ivy Tech Community College Board of Trustee member Lee Marchant received the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award today. The presentation was made by Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman on behalf of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

John Whikehart, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington Chancellor, said, "Lee Marchant is a pillar of our community and an asset to the mission of Ivy Tech Community College. His work on behalf of higher education, healthcare and a better economy for all Hoosiers is to be commended, and the Sagamore of the Wabash is a fitting honor."

Marchant chaired the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation’s “Saving Crane” committee that raised $500,000 from the private sector to help save Crane. Prior to his appointment to the Board of Trustees, Marchant served as a member of the Ivy Tech Foundation Board.

The Sagamore of the Wabash Award is the highest honor the Indiana Governor can bestow on an individual. The term “sagamore” was used by the American Indian Tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. It was created by Governor Ralph Gates in the late 1940s.

Source: Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington