IUPUC honors two during ‘Circle of Leadership Celebration’
IUPUC honored those who have helped the community during the annual Circle of Leadership Celebration Thursday night in Columbus.
David Elwood was recognized with the 2018 James G. Simms Leadership Award. The award, established in honor of the late James G. Simms for his vision, perseverance, and dedication in founding the IUPUC campus in the 1970s, recognizes “inspiring individuals who have generously given their time, talent, and treasure to advance IUPUCs mission.”
David Elwood graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, and began his career in Columbus as a psychologist with Bartholomew County Mental Health and Guidance Center. Elwood went on to earn his masters degree from Southern Illinois University and his Ph.D. in Psychology from Purdue University.
In 1980, Elwood and his son, Mark, founded Elwood Staffing, where he continues to serve as chairperson of the board.
Elwood began serving on the IUPUC Board of Advisors in 2008. He now also serves on the IUPUC Mental Health Counseling Advisory Council.
IUPUC also recognized Chris Reading with its 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award. The award recognizes a deserving alumnus who has “demonstrated outstanding professional contributions and accomplishments, service to the community, and service to the university.”
Reading received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from IUPUC in 2005, and his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2000.
School officials say that Reading served as president of the IUPUC Alumni from 2009-2011, was instrumental in increasing the visibility and reputation of the organization, and has helped increase the scholarship fund through fundraising events. In addition, Reading was active in larger, university-wide Indiana University Alumni Association events, as well as encouraging IUAA magazine and other publications to more prominently feature IUPUC.