From the court to the community to the institutions that shape our city, this year’s honorees show what it means to lead—and to leave something stronger behind.
Butler University will award honorary degrees to Tamika Catchings, J. Marshall “Marsh” Davis ’80, and Rollin M. “Rollie” Dick (posthumously) during its May 8, 2026, Commencement ceremony.
The three honorees will be recognized for lives defined not only by achievement but by a sustained commitment to strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and leading with integrity.
“At Butler, we recognize individuals who pair excellence with purpose,” said Butler University President James Danko. “Tamika, Marsh, and Rollie have each made a lasting impact by investing in people, strengthening communities, and leading with intention.”
Honorary degrees at Butler celebrate individuals whose work reflects the University’s values—leaders who turn ideas into action and create opportunity for others.
“These are individuals our graduates can learn from,” Danko added. “They’ve built careers of consequence, but more importantly, they’ve used their success to open doors for others.”
Tamika Catchings
Few athletes have shaped a game the way Tamika Catchings has shaped basketball—and even fewer have extended that impact so fully beyond it.
A four-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion, and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Catchings built a career defined by excellence and resilience. In Indianapolis, her influence continues well beyond the court.
Through the Catch the Stars Foundation, which she co-founded in 2004, Catchings has created opportunities for thousands of young people, focusing on literacy, fitness, and youth development. Her Tea’s Me Café locations serve as community hubs—places for mentorship, employment, and connection across neighborhoods.
Whether working with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, mentoring young people, or investing in community initiatives, Catchings has consistently used her platform to bring people together and expand access to opportunity.
Her impact is measurable—but it’s also deeply personal, rooted in relationships, mentorship, and a commitment to showing up.
J. Marshall “Marsh” Davis ’80
For more than four decades, Marsh Davis has helped communities recognize that what we preserve shapes what we become.
As President of Indiana Landmarks, Davis led one of the nation’s most influential preservation organizations, guiding projects that have revitalized historic spaces across the state. From the restoration of landmark buildings to the launch of programs like the Black Heritage Preservation Program and Sacred Places Indiana, his work has connected history to community progress.
A Butler graduate with a degree in history, Davis has built a career grounded in the belief that place matters—that the spaces around us influence identity, opportunity, and connection.
Through his leadership, preservation has become more than restoration. It has become a tool for community renewal and long-term impact.
Rollin M. “Rollie” Dick (posthumously)
Rollie Dick’s legacy is defined by steady leadership, thoughtful counsel, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening the institutions around him.
A longtime Butler University Trustee and respected business and civic leader, Dick guided organizations through moments of growth and uncertainty with a rare combination of financial expertise and humility. From his leadership as CFO of Conseco to his work with nonprofit and cultural organizations across Central Indiana, he was known for asking the right questions—and helping others find the path forward.
His impact extended deeply into education and the arts. He served on the boards of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Civic Theatre, Ivy Tech, and many others, often stepping in at pivotal moments to stabilize and strengthen organizations for the future.
Dick passed away in January 2026, leaving a legacy grounded in service, generosity, and a belief that leadership is measured by impact, not recognition.
At Butler, his influence was both personal and enduring. As a Trustee since 2002 and a friend and trusted advisor to University leadership, he helped shape key decisions and initiatives. Along with his wife Cheri, Rollie truly believed in the mission and future of Butler University. Their $1 million gift to the Sciences Expansion continues to support generations of students.
As Butler’s Class of 2026 prepares to take its next step, these three honorees offer a clear example of what it means to lead with purpose.
Different paths. Different fields. A shared commitment to making something better—for others.