The Indiana University Northwest Office of Alumni Relations and IU Northwest Alumni Association proudly honored two individuals who have demonstrated a philanthropic spirit and given back to IU Northwest at the second annual Alumni Breakfast Service Award Ceremony on November 7.  IU Northwest alumnus Garry Aloia received this year’s Outstanding Service Award, and Danielle “Dee” Dotson received the Student Spirit Award at the breakfast ceremony, which took place as part of the 2015 Homecoming celebration.

Given to individuals who, through fundraising, advocacy or faithful service, have brought honor and distinction to IU Northwest, the Outstanding Service Award recognizes exceptional service or leadership to those who have given significant amounts of time, talent, and/or treasure to the University over an extended period of time.

A dedicated leader and volunteer for the IU Northwest campus, Aloia’s longstanding commitment to faculty, staff, students and the Northwest Indiana community made him a model candidate for this year’s Outstanding Service Award. A 1979 graduate of IU Northwest, Aloia has served as a member of Chancellor’s Society under Chancellors Bruce W. Bergland and William J. Lowe, and was elected by his peers to serve as the Inaugural Chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Board.  He has also provided exemplary service to the School of Business and Economics as President of the Business Advisory Board, where he has worked to promote the significance of AACSB Accreditation to the community, raised funds for the School’s Trading Floor, and endorsed the value of internships for students.  Aloia is a life member of the IU Alumni Association.

According to Jeri Pat Gabbert, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs, Aloia “has been a tireless advocate for the mission and vision of IU Northwest” and his dedication to the campus and Northwest Indiana communities is evident through his acceptance of multiple leadership roles over the years.

Also recognized at the Alumni Breakfast was IU Northwest student, Dee Dotson, who received this year’s Student Spirit Award. Dotson, a senior at IU Northwest, is an active member of the Student Government Association and Student Activities Board.  She is also a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America; the One Book ... One Campus ... One Community ... Committee; and the Philanthropy Week Committee.

Sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Association, the Student Spirit Award recognizes a full-time student who has devoted significant amounts of time and talent to the University, and through exceptional service, leadership and school spirit, has brought honor and distinction to IU Northwest.

“A true leader who is passionate about IU Northwest, Dee embodies all of the qualities that the Student Spirit Award is intended to honor,” said Scott Fulk, Director of Student Activities.  “Dee is often the first to volunteer, the first to show up and the last to leave. She’s dependable, dedicated and responsible, and I am very pleased that we were able to recognize her in this way.”