IU Southeast names 2015 Chancellor’s Medallion honorees

22nd October 2014

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Oct. 22, 2014) – Indiana University Southeast is proud to announce the recipients of the 2015 Chancellor’s Medallion.

Barbara Popp, Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services, and Bob Kleehamer, senior vice president of River Valley Financial Bank, will be honored March 28 at the 2015 Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner at Horseshoe Southern Indiana.

The Chancellor’s Medallion is the highest honor presented by the Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. It is given to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the university and to the community; have given their talents in the promotion of human welfare and community well being; and who, through their integrity, sensitivity, and commitment, serve as models for students and alumni of IU Southeast. To date, 39 of these awards have been presented.

Barbara Popp

Barbara Popp (click to view full image)

Popp

A Southern Indiana native and oldest of six children, Barbara Popp, a first generation college student, understands the impact a college education can make.

Popp’s father was a farmer, and college was not something the family could easily afford, but he encouraged his daughter to work hard to pursue her dreams. After graduating from Providence High School, Popp received a generous scholarship that allowed her to attend IU Southeast in pursuit of a business degree. She enjoyed the freedom that IU Southeast afforded, and quickly got involved in athletics and student organizations.

Popp knew she wanted to build a corporate career, and after more than ten years in the food and beverage industry, she helped create the real estate company we know today as Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services. Nearly 30 years in the real estate business has allowed Popp to develop many professional networks, and to be involved in boards at the local level and beyond, including two terms on the Federal Reserve Board in Louisville.

Popp is an IU Southeast alumna, who has continued to be an involved member of the campus community, serving on many committees, as the chair of the IU Southeast Board of Advisors, president of the IU Southeast Alumni Association, and currently, as the chair-elect of the IU Alumni Association. She has enjoyed being part of, and watching the school change since she graduated in 1976, and is inspired by the opportunity available to IU Southeast students.

Bob Kleehamer

Bob Kleehamer (click to view full image)

Kleehamer

Bob Kleehamer attended IU Southeast as a first generation college student when the campus was only a few schoolrooms at Warder Park.

As the middle child in a family of five children, Kleehamer’s family didn’t have the money to send him to college. He attended classes in the evenings so he could work to pay his way through school.

The flexibility IU Southeast afforded Kleehamer, working while attending classes, allowed him to gain job experience before graduation, and gave him the opportunity to get a foot in the door toward a career. After more than seven years working at Monroe Shine & Co. CPAs, Kleehamer entered the banking world as an assistant treasurer and quickly moved up the ranks, starting a new local bank, and now, serving as senior vice president of River Valley Financial Bank.

In addition to a successful career, Kleehamer has made a considerable impact on the community. He has been a member of the IU Southeast Advisory Board, and has served on dozens of community boards where he has raised millions of dollars for local organizations.

The Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Horseshoe Southern Indiana. Proceeds from the Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner go to the Chancellor’s Medallion Leadership Scholarship program. This year, because of generous donors, IU Southeast has doubled the number of Medallion Scholarship awards.

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, contact the IU Southeast Office of Development at (812) 941-2464.

 

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