With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of the previous two years of Bull Dog Alumni Association Annual Hall of Fame celebrations, we are pleased to announce the tradition will continue during Homecoming week on September 23.  The Bull Dog Alumni Association’s annual meeting will be held at 4:15 pm in the Library Instruction Room, and the public is welcome. The reception in the Student Commons begins at 5:00 pm, with the program beginning at 5:30 pm.

In 2012, the Bull Dog Alumni Association established the Alumni Hall of Fame to recognize Columbus High School/Columbus North High School graduates for their professional achievements and personal contributions to enhance the lives of others and society. In 2013, the inaugural class was inducted. Since then, the Hall of Fame has inducted 35 members.

“We are very excited to hold our event this year,” said Hedy George, Executive Director of the Association. “This is our biggest event of the year, and we are proud to honor our alumni for their lifetime achievements. Public health took priority over the past two years, and we are grateful the pandemic has lessened its grip on our lives.  This year, we will celebrate two classes of inductees. With COVID travel restrictions lifted, we expect family members of those who have been inducted posthumously as well as inductees themselves.”

The Hall of Fame Class of 2021 includes:

Jane Dutton, Class of 1984, Music (voice) Professor at IU Jacobs School of Music and Professional Vocalist

Xenia Simons Miller, Class of 1934, Philanthropist and Community Leader

Jeanne Lewellen Norbeck, Class of 1929, Air Raid Warden and Women Airforce Service Pilot

Jerry Records, Class of 1956, Colonel, US Air Force (ret)

Eric Stark, Class of 1984, Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Butler’s Jordan School of Arts

Kay Nichols Stepp, Class of 1963, Business Administrator and Community Leader

The Hall of Fame Class of 2022 includes:

Jim Carpenter, Class of 1971

Mr. Carpenter is a distinguished businessman, author, and nature lover. He founded Wild Birds Unlimited in 1981 in Indianapolis, IN, and grew the franchise with his wife Nancy and his excellent Team. Currently, he is in his 42nd year as President and CEO with over 360 franchises in the U.S. and Canada.  Wild Birds Unlimited is highly ranked for franchisee satisfaction and corporate culture and is ranked as a top franchise opportunity for veterans, women, and 2nd careers.

The mission of Wild Birds Unlimited is to bring people and nature together. This effort has sponsored or funded many projects, such as observation towers at wildlife refuges, sending disadvantaged youth to Audubon camps, and international citizen science events.  Recently, Jim & his wife, Nancy, have purchased an abandoned golf course and plan to transform it into a town park and nature preserve.  Jim also authored the book “The Joy of Bird Feeding.” His board participation includes the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Indiana Nature Conservancy, and the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute.   Honors include Purdue’s Distinguished Agricultural Alumni Award and being designated a Sagamore of the Wabash and a Distinguished Hoosier by two Indiana Governors.