IU Southeast names 2010 Chancellor’s Medallion recipients

NEW ALBANY, IN, (July 16, 2010) – Indiana University Southeast is proud to announce the recipients of the 2010 Chancellor’s Medallion.

Jack Koetter, Chief Executive Officer of the Koetter Group, and Jim Morris, former basketball coach and athletic director at IU Southeast, will be honored Oct. 30 at the 2010 Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner at Horseshoe Southern Indiana.

The Chancellor’s Medallion is the highest honor presented by the Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. It is given to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the university and to the community, have given their talents in the promotion of human welfare and community well-being, and who – through their integrity, sensitivity, and commitment – serve as models for students and alumni of IU Southeast.

Koetter leads the family of companies under the banner of The Koetter Group, including Koetter Development, Koetter Real Estate Services, and Koetter Construction. The Koetter Group, a locally owned family business since the 1950s, has been recognized locally and nationally by the Associated Builders and Contractors for Excellence in Construction.

A Southern Indiana native, Koetter is involved in several local organizations including Our Lady of Providence Jr./Sr. High School, Mercy Providence Retirement Home, Alzheimer’s Association (Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapters). He is a past director of One Southern Indiana, past president and director of Associated Builders and Contractors, and past president and director of the Southern Indiana Economic Development Council. Koetter is an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and a commercial real estate broker in Indiana.

Morris joined the University in 1975 and retired in 2000. He served as both athletics director and men’s basketball coach. He led the University to the NAIA conference in 1977 and led the men’s basketball team to its first national tournament in 1997. A 1953 graduate of Jeffersonville High School and a U.S. Army veteran, Morris began coaching basketball at Flaget High School in Louisville where he led the 1960 team to a state championship and was named Kentucky High School Coach of the Year. He later coached for New Albany High School before entering the college arena at Oscar Rose Junior College and Indiana State University. He then joined IU Southeast.

Off the court, Morris is an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church where he taught high school religious education. He is also involved in school mentoring programs and serves on the scholarship community for Community Foundation.

The Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 at Horseshoe Casino. Tickets are $100 per person. Corporate table sponsorships are available. For ticket information contact the IU Southeast Office of Development at (812) 941-2464.

Proceeds from the Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner go to the Chancellor’s Medallion Leadership Scholarship program. The scholarships recognize students for participation and leadership in academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and community volunteerism.