As part of its annual Founder’s Celebration, Butler University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Founder’s Celebration Awards. These awards recognize individuals, programs, and practices that advance the University’s founding mission and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The recipients will be honored during a special ceremony on Monday, February 3, as part of Founder’s Celebration 2025.
This year’s Founder’s Celebration carries the theme Founded for Change, Amplifying Our Mission—highlighting Butler’s legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and transformation since its founding in 1855. Established in 2022, the awards program shines a spotlight on those whose work exemplifies these values, fostering a more equitable and vibrant community.
Ovid Butler Founder’s Medal: Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
Directed by Butler alumna Krystle Ford ’06, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO) has become a cornerstone of community enrichment in Indianapolis. Founded by the late Betty Perry, who also attended Butler, MYO provides music education to inner-city students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many MYO students take lessons through the Butler Community Arts School and pursue degrees at Butler, underscoring the program’s lasting connection to the University. MYO’s transformative impact exemplifies the values of innovation, equity, and community engagement honored by this award.
“Receiving the Ovid Butler Founder’s Award for MYO is a significant recognition of our commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community,” said Ford. “It acknowledges the impactful work MYO has done over the last 30 years in ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and supported in an industry that is not traditionally welcoming, no matter their background or identity…As an alum, it means that the values that I was once a part of and helped shape are being celebrated on a larger scale. It’s a reflection of the positive influence the University has had on me and a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels seen and empowered to thrive. It’s not just about receiving an award; it’s about the ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive environment for the classical music industry.”
DEI Champion Award: Person – Dr. Su-Mei Ooi
As Butler’s inaugural Director of Academic Affairs for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Su-Mei Ooi has profoundly influenced DEI efforts across the University. Her work includes creating DEI training modules for faculty, leading the Inclusion Advocate program to support equitable hiring practices, and championing the AAPI community on campus and within Indianapolis. Dr. Ooi’s leadership has also been instrumental in developing the I-LEAD space and programming, fostering belonging and inclusion for all students. Her dedication reflects the heart of Butler’s mission.
DEI Champion Award: Program – Global Multicultural Experience
Developed by Brenda Geib-Swanson, Kristi Mitchell, and Todd Wottring for the First-Year Business Experience course, the Global Multicultural Experience immerses students in global diversity through hands-on learning. This innovative program combines academic concepts—such as global economics and cultural frameworks—with engaging multicultural demonstrations and thoughtful discussions. The program inspires students to recognize the power of cultural understanding in building connections and solving real-world challenges.
DEI Champion Award: Practice – ORG 362 Student Leader Facilitators
Led by Dr. Eileen Taylor in the College of Communication, the Diversity of Perspectives Leadership Workshop empowers first-year students to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and cultural awareness. The workshop equips students with essential leadership skills for fostering community and collaboration, preparing them to excel in an increasingly globalized workforce. Dr. Taylor’s efforts demonstrate the transformative potential of integrating DEI principles into leadership development.
Dr. Khalilah Marbury, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of the Founder’s Celebration and the honorees’ work. “The Founder’s Celebration reminds us of our shared history and the values guiding our community. These recipients represent the very best of Butler University, demonstrating that innovation and inclusion can transform lives and strengthen our collective mission. We are deeply grateful for their efforts to create spaces where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.”
The 2025 Founder’s Celebration honorees embody Butler University’s enduring commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community impact. Their work continues to inspire and amplify the University’s mission to create a brighter future for all.
For more information about the Founder’s Celebration, this year’s honorees, and the full schedule of activities, visit Butler University’s Founder’s Celebration page.