DePauw Stories

DePauw University President Lori S. White and a number of the university’s alumni have been named to the inaugural Indiana 250, a list of “the state’s most influential and impactful business and community leaders.”

That’s how IBJ Media describes its list of representatives of public and private companies, law firms, universities, nonprofits, government and community organizations. Elected officials were not eligible.

Reporters and editors who work at IBJ’s three news brands – Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer – compiled the list after reviewing nominations, researching organizations and interviewing leaders across the state.  

White was noted for leading DePauw “through the challenges of COVID and generating renewed enthusiasm among students, alumni and employees. She’s a national leader and voice on freedom of expression on college campuses.”

The list, by its nature, is subjective, said Lesley Weidenbener, IBJ editor and editor of the Indiana 250 list. “We know it’s not comprehensive and we’re confident we have missed some great people. But our goal is to celebrate leaders who are making a difference in Indiana. And next year, we’ll add new names and find additional people to honor.”

Alumni on the list are:

David Becker ’75, founder, chair and CEO of First Internet Bank and member of the DePauw Board of Trustees.

Margaret “Meg” Held Christensen ’04, office managing partner, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP.

Darrianne Howard Christian ’95, Newfields chair.

Justin Christian ’95, founder and CEO of BCforward and a member of the DePauw Board of Trustees.

Deborah Daniels ’73, of counsel, Krieg DeVault LLP.

David M. Findlay ’84, president and CEO of Lakeland Financial Corp.

John Hammond III ’76, partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

John Hirschman ’91, president, CEO and principal, Browning Investments.

John A. Kite ’87, chair and CEO, Kite Realty Group Trust.

Jennifer Pace Robinson ’92, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.