On April 27, 2024, Institute Fellow Jeffrey S. Ton received the Sagamore of the Wabash award. It’s the highest honor the governor of Indiana can bestow on an individual.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.The award is given to those who have gone “above and beyond” and contributed to their communities or to the State in an extraordinary manner.
Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage. Among the distinguished recipients are:
- David Letterman
- Eddie Rickenbacker
- Eva Mozes Kor
- Gus Grissom
- President Harry Truman
- Jeff Gordon
- John Wooden
- Muhammad Ali
- Ryan White
We are glad to see Jeff added to this distinguished group.
To say I was surprised is an understatement. I am honored, touched, choked up (even still this morning). Thank you to all that had a part in this…thank you to all who attended last night, thank you to all that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for these 45 years. – Jeff Ton
