The Sagamore of the Wabash is an honorary award in the state of Indiana. It is given by the Governor of Indiana under their own criteria, and there is no official record kept of all previous recipients.
The award was first created by Governor Ralph F. Gates to compete with the Kentucky Colonel title, with the first two Sagamores being Robert A. Taft and Simeon Willis. The title was later given to those who had contributed to Indiana life: several recipients have been associated with Indiana University (IU), with former president Herman B Wells receiving the award six times. Other recipients have included astronauts (Gus Grissom), athletes (Michael Brinegar, Ray LeBlanc), comedians (David Letterman), musicians (Willie Nelson), and presidents (George H. W. Bush).
At least one fictional character has been the recipient of an award, being Garfield (creator Jim Davis received an award four years prior).
Recipients Awarded under Ralph F. Gates NameDateNotes Senator for Ohio. Presented by Ralph F. Gates at a tristate meeting in Cincinnati. Governor of Kentucky. Presented by Ralph F. Gates at a tristate meeting in Cincinnati.
Awarded under Henry F. Schricker NameDateNotes Former United States federal judge. Vice president of the Ford Motor Company. Presented by Henry F. Schricker at a dinner during the International Dairy Exposition. Assistant to the president of Studebaker Corporation. Presented by Henry F. Schricker at a dinner during the International Dairy Exposition. President of International Harvester Company. Presented by Henry F. Schricker at a dinner during the International Dairy Exposition. Board chairman of Oliver Corporation. Presented by Henry F. Schricker at a dinner during the International Dairy Exposition. Vice president of the Allis-Chalmers Company. Presented by Henry F. Schricker at a dinner during the International Dairy Exposition. Widow of Republican politician and presidential candidate Wendell Willkie. Presented by Henry F. Schricker at a dinner during the International Dairy Exposition.
Awarded under George N. Craig
Awarded under Harold W. Handley
Awarded under Matthew E. Welsh NameDateNotes Director of the Indiana Bureau of Mines and Mining.R.O. ColeNovember 18, 1963USDA — Purdue Dept of Agricultural Extension'Sagamore' Cole cited at Soil-Water Banquet https://jconline.newspapers.com/newspage/1045892748/
Awarded under Roger D. Branigin NameDateNotes Project Mercury and Project Gemini astronaut. Presented by Congressman Lee Hamilton in front of thousands.
Awarded under Edgar Whitcomb
Awarded under Otis Bowen NameDateNotes Chancellor of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. Presented by Otis Bowen at retirement dinner. Commander of the U.S. Army Finance Support Agency at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Presented by Wendell G. Garrett, president of the Veterans Day Council. Republican politician and attorney. First award. Director of the Indianapolis Boy Scout Band. Actor. While reported to be the first Native American recipient of the award, he was later revealed to be of Italian descent. Professor of transportation at Indiana University.
Awarded under Robert D. Orr NameDateNotes United States Secret Service agent known for defending Ronald Reagan in assassination attempt. Treasurer of the United States. Presented by Robert D. Orr at 23rd biennial convention of the Indiana Federation of Republican Women. Republican activist and daughter of Ronald Reagan. Dancer and actress. Then-second lady. Presented by Robert D. Orr at fundraising dinner for the Indiana Republican State Committee. Republican then-vice president. Presented by Robert D. Orr at fundraising dinner for the Indiana Republican State Committee. Rev.Joe WickSept.6,1983Minister at First Christian Church in Lafayette, Indiana for 25 years. An Indiana native, during his ministry he served as far away as Glasgow Scotland, and the Philippines. He became widely known for his humor and wisdom and was a popular featured speaker and Master of Ceremonies for organizations large and small across Indiana and far beyond the state's borders. Cartoonist. Presented by Robert L. Walters, president of Public Assistance of Indiana Inc., and Mable Johnson, Montgomery County Republican vice chairman, at a July 4 celebration in New Richmond, Indiana. It was presented for his efforts to establish the New Richmond-Coal Creek Township Museum to preserve local history. Country singer and activist. Presented by Robert D. Orr during a concert at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Republican politician and attorney. Second award. Cartoon cat. For efforts in promoting higher education to high school students. Presented by Robert D. Orr to creator Jim Davis.Dr. Thomas A. Sargent1989Distinguished political science professor at Ball State University and Air Force Veteran. Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Director Emeritus of the E.B. Ball Center at Ball State University.
Awarded under Evan Bayh NameDateNotes Attorney and civil leader. Veteran, former D.A.V. State Commander Professor emeritus of industrial technology at Purdue University. Presented by Evan Bayh at the Indiana Vocational Association's annual conference. Civil defense director for Delaware County. Presented by State Representative Hurley Goodall. Olympian ice hockey goaltender. Presented by Lieutenant Governor Frank O'Bannon. Director of personnel and affirmative action at Vincennes University. Cardiac Surgeon
Awarded under Frank O'Bannon NameDateNotes Former president of Indiana University. Sixth award.Samuel D. ConteOctober 31, 1997 Founding head of Purdue Computer Science Department President of Vincennes University. Presented by Frank O'Bannon during bicentennial celebration ceremonies at the Indiana Statehouse.
Awarded under Joe Kernan NameDateNotes Council member for Starke County and former county clerk. Circuit court judge.
Awarded under Mitch Daniels NameDateNotes Indiana State Auditor. Presented privately before public reception with over 200 attendants. Television host and comedian. Presented by Ball State University president Jo Ann M. Gora during dedication of the David Letterman Communication and Media Building. Arthur F. Bently Professor of Political Science at IU. Presented by Mitch Daniels at the Governor's Residence.
Awarded under Mike Pence NameDateNotesLois EskenaziMay 28, 2013PhilanthropistSteve EdwardsMay 6, 2013Superintendent of Marion Community Schools. Presented by State Representative Kevin Mahan and State Senator Greg Taylor.Lennon BrownMay 6, 2013Principal of Marion High School. Presented by State Representative Kevin Mahan and State Senator Greg Taylor.Sidney EskenaziMay 28, 2013Real estate developer and philanthropist Chancellor of Indiana University South Bend. Presented by IU president Michael McRobbie.John MartinoJuly 27, 2013Kokomo Park Superintendent. Presented by State Representative Michael Karickhoff.Don MooreDecember 11, 2013Vietnam War veteran. Presented by State Representative David Ober and was awarded posthumously.Wilber CurryJanuary 11, 2014Community activist. Presented by State Representative Jud McMillin.Ira G. BootsMay 15, 2014Community activist. Presented by State Representative Wendy McNamara.Theresa BootsMay 15, 2014Community activist. Presented by State Representative Wendy McNamara.Dr. Susan Graham McDowell RileyJune 17, 2014Former deputy superintendent for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. Presented by State Representative Wendy McNamara.Connie RoseAugust 21, 2014Executive Director of the Family Service Society. Presented by State Representative Kevin Mahan.E.P. SevernsJuly 1, 2014President of Coca-Cola Bottling of Kokomo. Presented by State Representative Michael Karickhoff.Ron MetzNovember 11, 2014Certified public accountant. Presented by State Representative Michael Karickhoff.Judy DennisAugust 30, 2015Therapist and a clinically certified domestic violence counselor of the American College of Forensic Counselors. Presented by State Representative Michael Karickhoff.Dave GoodwinAugust 30, 2015Former superintendent for MSD School District of Steuben County. Presented by State Representative Dennis Zent.Dr. Matthew I. MillerDecember 4, 2015Dentist. Presented by State Representative Dennis Zent.Dr. Richard T. NewtonDecember 4, 2015Dentist. Presented by State Representative Dennis Zent.Dr. Charles N. HeapeDecember 4, 2015Dentist. Presented by State Representative Dennis Zent.Dr. Philip L. CateyDecember 4, 2015Dentist. Presented by State Representative Dennis Zent.Dr. Clance LaTurnerDecember 4, 2015Dentist. Presented by State Representative Dennis Zent.Jack HoweyMarch 29, 2016Indiana newspaper editor and journalist. Member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.Donald DavidsonMay 20, 2016Indianapolis Motor Speedway historianWilliam Van DemanJune 22, 2016Banker and 20 year University of Indianapolis Board MemberDr. Robert KopeckyJune 22, 2016MD and longtime University of Indianapolis Board MemberMichael ScobeyJune 24, 2016Air Force veteran. Presented by State Representative Tim Harman. Jean NeelJuly 27, 2016Volunteer. Presented by State Representative Michael Karickhoff. Former firefighter and Indiana state fire marshal. First award. Purdue University professor and cybersecurity expert. First award. Gina MooreNovember 1, 2016Vocalist. Presented by State Representative Wendy McNamara. Jerry L. PurcellNovember 21, 2016Fire Chief. Presented by State Senator Jeff Raatz and State Representative Brad Barrett. Bill FriendDecember 22, 2016Indiana State Representative
Awarded under Eric Holcomb NameDateNotes Adam Vinatieri February 6, 2017 Former NFL kicker for the Indianapolis Colts Former firefighter and Indiana state fire marshal. Presented by Eric Holcomb in Columbus. Second award. Founder and former Director of the Foster Grandparent Program, Marilyn received this award for providing the state of Indiana with more than 40 years of volunteer work with the elderly and children.