Indiana State University has named the 2026 Philanthropy Award recipients, recognizing exceptional generosity and dedication to the University and its students. The awards include the March On! Award, the John P. Newton Spirit of Indiana State University Award, and the Student Philanthropy Award. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the sixth annual President’s Dinner this fall.
Established in 2015, the March On! Award is the University's highest honor recognizing transformational philanthropy. The 2026 award will be presented to Mel and Kathryn Burks, Kent and Jamei Kramer, Thompson Thrift, and Troy and Melissa Woodruff.
“The generosity of Mel and Kathryn Burks, Kent and Jamei Kramer, Thompson Thrift, and Troy and Melissa Woodruff reflects a shared belief in Indiana State and the success of our students,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “Their support creates meaningful opportunities for Sycamores to learn, grow, and succeed while strengthening the programs and experiences that prepare them for life beyond Indiana State. We are grateful for their investment in our students and the future of our University.”
First presented in 2010, the John P. Newton Spirit of Indiana State University Awardhas recognized alumni who demonstrate a lasting commitment to their alma mater and embody the Sycamore Spirit. This year, the award will honor the McGuire family—Dennie ’82 and Teresa McGuire, Ryan and Kacey ’10, GR ’18 McGuire, Andrew Strange ’08 and Ashley McGuire Strange.
The McGuire Family has made supporting Indiana State University and Sycamore Athletics a family tradition. As owners of McGuire Excavating and Trucking, Inc., the family has remained actively involved with Indiana State, regularly cheering on student-athletes and generously supporting initiatives such as Crossroad of Champions. Through their enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to support the Sycamores, the McGuires embody the spirit of Indiana State and demonstrate a shared commitment to the University.
“The McGuire family represents a special kind of connection to Indiana State—one built through generosity, involvement, and simply being there for our Sycamores,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “Their support of Sycamore Athletics and Crossroad of Champions, along with the enthusiasm they bring to our University, demonstrates how meaningful it is when a family makes Indiana State part of its tradition. We are proud to recognize the McGuires with the John P. Newton Spirit of Indiana State University Award.”
The Student Philanthropy Award annually recognizes an Indiana State University student organization that invests its time into giving back and embodies the spirit of “Sycamores Supporting Sycamores.” The 2026 award will be presented to Colleagues Helping Implement Lifelong Learning (C.H.I.L.L.).
C.H.I.L.L. consistently serves others through philanthropic initiatives both on campus and throughout the local community. During the academic year, the organization has led personal-item drives, participated in campus clean-ups, and provided support to multiple schools across Vigo County. Through these efforts, C.H.I.L.L. has brought Sycamores together to make a meaningful difference for fellow students and the greater community.
“C.H.I.L.L. demonstrates that philanthropy is about more than financial giving—it is also about giving your time and energy in service to others. From supporting local schools to organizing drives and caring for our campus, these students have found meaningful ways to respond to the needs around them and encourage other Sycamores to do the same,” said Courtney Shostrand, President of the Student Philanthropy Organization.
Indiana State University is proud to celebrate the generosity and impact of this year’s Philanthropy Award recipients. Through their support, service, and dedication to giving back, each honoree is making a meaningful difference for Indiana State, its students, and the greater Sycamore community. To learn more about opportunities to support Indiana State University, visit indianastate.edu/giving.
Bios of the March On! Award recipients:
Mel and Kathryn Burks
Mel Burks earned three degrees from Indiana State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies in 1977, a master’s degree in agency counseling and criminology in 1983, and a master’s degree in public administration in 1997. He has dedicated more than 45 years to Hamilton Center, Inc., serving as Chief Executive Officer since 2012, and was honored with Indiana State’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024. Together, Mel and Kathryn have generously supported Sycamore Football, Crossroad of Champions, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza. Through their generosity, Mel and Kathryn continue to make a meaningful impact on students and the Indiana State community.
Kent and Jamei Kramer
Kent Kramer earned his degree in management from Indiana State University in 1990 and has built a career in retail and nonprofit leadership, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. He remains actively involved with his alma mater as a member of the Indiana State University Foundation Board. Together, Kent and his wife, Jamei, have pledged $250,000 to establish the Kramer Family Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship, providing financial assistance to ninth-semester students who need additional support to complete their undergraduate degrees. Their investment will give students nearing the finish line an opportunity to complete their Indiana State education and earn their degree.
Thompson Thrift
Thompson Thrift was founded in 1986 by Indiana State University alumni John Thompson ’06 and Paul Thrift ’91 while they were students at the University. Under their leadership, the company has grown into a nationally recognized full-service real estate development and construction company. John and Paul were both honored with Indiana State’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 and have remained dedicated supporters of their alma mater. Most recently, Thompson Thrift made a significant investment in Indiana State’s construction management program, resulting in the naming of the Thompson Thrift Department of Construction Management. Through its continued generosity, Thompson Thrift is creating opportunities for students and advancing a program closely connected to the company’s own Indiana State roots.
Troy and Melissa Woodruff
Troy Woodruff ’98 and his wife, Melissa, have been generous supporters of Indiana State University, investing in opportunities across academics, research, and Sycamore Athletics. Troy currently serves as a member of the Indiana State University Board of Trustees, furthering his connection and service to his alma mater. Together, Troy and Melissa have supported the Benny E. Woodruff Research Lab, engineering education, and Crossroad of Champions. Most recently, they made a gift to establish the Woodruff Sycamore Loft at Hulman Center and support renovations to the men’s and women’s basketball locker rooms. Through their wide-ranging generosity, Troy and Melissa are making an impact on the academic and athletic experiences of Sycamores.