Mike Alkire honored as distinguished alumni

Michael Alkire, Paul and Susan Chaney, and Rich Porter are the 2021 recipients of Indiana State University’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.

“These alumni are great examples of the impact an Indiana State University education can have,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. “We celebrate the achievements of these four Sycamores who serve as an inspiration to their alma mater.”

“Every year, Indiana State University and the Alumni Association honor excellence by bestowing our most prestigious award to deserving alumni,” said Rex Kendall, Executive Director of the Alumni Association. “The award recognizes alumni whose personal lives, professional achievements and community service exemplify and support the mission of Indiana State University. We are extremely proud to honor four exemplary Sycamore role models as this year’s Distinguished Alumni recipients.”

Said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation: “For more than 60 years the Distinguished Alumni Award has recognized the accomplishments of Indiana State alumni from around the world. The recipients of the 2021 award have boldly represented the ideals of the institution throughout their lives, and we could not be more proud to honor them in November at the inaugural President’s Dinner.”

Since joining Premier, he has taken the company public and created more than $4 billion in value for member health systems across the country. Alkire is a thought leader in the healthcare industry, and led Premier’s efforts to address a nationwide drug shortage, testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives regarding Premier research on shortages and gray market price gouging. More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led his company to use domestic suppliers and global sourcing to bring 226 million masks and respirators, 106 million gowns, and 750 million exam gloves to U.S. providers in a time of need. Alkire and his family reside in Dallas, Texas.