Many of the incredible transformations that have occurred at Marian were recognized through powerful testimonies from current student Wislet Mulatre ’19 and alumni David Holmes 12’, and our bright plans for the future were revealed through announcing the Frank D. Walker Center for Applied Ethics, and newly formed endowed scholarships in name of our inspiring honorees.
Join us in supporting Marian’s mission. Your generosity make a difference in the providing students the opportunity to attend Marian University.
Relive the night by viewing photos and videos from the event:
Join more than 2,000 greater Indianapolis and central Indiana civic and business leaders, new friends, long-time supporters, alumni, and students who gather to celebrate the transformations taking place at Marian University.
All proceeds from the Transformations Gala will support the Forging Leaders initiative—a $250 million fundraising initiative to support the university’s growth through 2025.
| 6 p.m. | All-Alumni Reception |
| 6:30 p.m. | Reception |
| 7:30 p.m. | Dinner |
Make the most of your evening at Marian's Transformations Gala by taking advantage of a special room discount for gala attendees:
Parking is available at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Washington Street Garage or the White River State Park Garage. Note parking in both garages may fill quickly. Please allow extra time for Friday rush-hour traffic, to find parking, and make your way into the hotel.
Ed and Peggy Bonach have made significant impacts on our community by way of dedicated service to our youth and leadership development. In 2017, after 41 years in the insurance industry, Ed retired as chief executive officer of CNO Financial Group. That same year, he also received the coveted Sagamore of the Wabash Award. After spending years as a dedicated full-time mother, Peggy launched and later sold a garden design business.
The Bonachs exemplify the Franciscan sponsorship values by offering their time and talents to many organizations that promote leadership development in youth, and the betterment of our community. Ed has served as a dedicated board member of the Boy Scouts of America-Crossroads of America Council and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
Together, the Bonachs, are co-chairs of the Marian University Byrum School of Business fundraising committee, a component of the Forging Leaders initiative. Ed is also a member of the Marian University Board of Trustees and has served on the Marian University Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership Board of Visitors.
They are guided by the mindset of, “what goes around comes around. You give back to the community, and the community gives back to you.” In recognition of their influence on the development of leaders in our communities, and focus on promoting the importance of education, we honor Ed and Peggy Bonach with the Franciscan Values Award.
About the Franciscan Values Award
Marian University traces its roots to 1851, when the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana founded a teacher training school to serve the needs of the Catholic community in southeastern Indiana. The Sisters established Marian College in Indianapolis in 1937; today Marian University offers students an excellent education that emphasizes a Franciscan understanding of the sponsorship values of dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship. These values represent the legacy of our founders and the foundation of our personal approach to educating the whole person. In honor of this legacy, each year Marian University presents the Franciscan Values Award in recognition of contributions to our community.
Denny Sponsel has contributed to shaping the Indianapolis community through exemplary traits of leadership in both his professional career and philanthropy. Sponsel is the chief executive officer and owner of RJE Business Interiors. He has spent the last 40 years improving workplace design throughout the Midwest, while remaining committed to his true passion of providing clients with the best possible customer experience.
Outside of RJE, Sponsel has spent his life dedicated to bettering Indianapolis. Throughout the course of his career, he has sat on the board for multiple organizations including United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Historical Society, Downtown Indy, Inc., Rotary Club of Indianapolis, and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
Sponsel’s relationship with Marian University began when he posed a simple question to President Elsener: “How can I help?” That single question led to a long history of partnership, support and advocacy, eventually resulting in Sponsel chairing the 2016 Rooted in Education. Sponsel is incredibly proud to support Marian University in their mission by offering internships and employment opportunities to students. Above all, he appreciates the opportunity to build friendships and partnerships while helping Marian University nurture their outstanding student body.
For his long history as an entrepreneur and innovator in the business interior industry, and his work with many Indianapolis organizations as a mentor, we honor Denny Sponsel with the John A. Purdie Innovator and Mentor of the Year Award..
About the John A. Purdie Innovator and Mentor of the Year Award
The John A. Purdie Innovator and Mentor of the Year Award is named for Marian University Trustee John A. Purdie, a certified public accountant and graduate of The University of Notre Dame and the Herman C. Krannert School of Business at Purdue University. Purdie served as president of Regency Windsor Capital, Inc., a family-owned real estate investment holding company in Florida.
Purdie is a member of Legatus of Indiana, and has also been involved with Right to Life of Indianapolis, the St. Luke’s Catholic Church Finance Council, the Indiana CPA Society, the American Institute of CPAs, and the Financial Executives Institute. Purdie and his wife, Pam, have been blessed with four children and five grandchildren.
David '71 and Anne Haire
Dillion Family Distinguished Alumni Award
Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor
CAPTRUST
David ’71 and Anne Haire represent what it means to be exemplary alumni of Marian University. From meeting each other on campus when David carried Anne’s luggage into Clare Hall, to creating a legacy family with two of their children graduating from Marian, to being present at numerous athletic events and advocates for Mission and Identify initiatives, the Haires demonstrate every trait of actively engaged alumni.
David is currently senior vice president of Captrust Advisors after merging with his own financial planning firm, HBK Wealth Management, in 2017. Anne has proudly spent her life’s work raising six children and being a dedicated homemaker. David generously donates his time by serving as a member of the Marian University Board of Trustees, chairman of the Marian University Mission and Identity Committee, and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Trustees.
Despite residing in Hamilton, Ohio, you will find the Haires, and their family, at Marian University for nearly every home football game, proudly displaying their “Ohio loves MU Knights!” banner.
David graduated from Marian College in 1971 with a degree in English and teaching certification. During his time as a student, he was President of his freshman class and President of Student Government Association. Anne came to Marian College in 1968, and ultimately received her degree in speech pathology and audiology from Miami University of Ohio.
For their dedication to Marian University as faithful, generous, and thoughtful alumni, it is our great pleasure to bestow the Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Award upon these two outstanding Knight fans.
About the Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Award
The Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Award is given to alumni who have: attained significant achievements in their careers; exhibited a spirit of mentoring by providing guidance, support, encouragement and leadership to Marian University students, faculty, staff, or to individuals in the broader community and contribute through personal leadership, to the development and growth of the individuals mentored; demonstrated outstanding contributions to the growth, development, and visibility of Marian University through gifts of energy, time, and talents; demonstrated a commitment to achieving peace and social justice through significant contributions in a professional or volunteer role; contributed significantly to the welfare of others through volunteering in direct service endeavors; or made outstanding contributions to the improvement of the civic, national, global, or religious community through professional or volunteer leadership.
Rafael Sánchez is a Murrow and multiple Emmy award winning Investigative Reporter/Anchor at WRTV-6-ABC. This past June, he received another Emmy for reporting excellence.
Every year, Sánchez enjoys participating in about 50 charitable events that raise money and awareness for organizations around Central Indiana. In June in 2017, he completed his 2016-2017 responsibilities as Community Engagement Co-Chair for United Way of Central Indiana and assisted in raising millions of dollars to improve education, financial stability, health and basic needs benefiting thousands of families across our region.
Sánchez came to the Hoosier State from the Bronx, New York to attend Franklin College of Indiana where he triple majored in Journalism, Political Science, and Spanish. As a college trustee of his alma mater, he values the importance that Indiana’s independent private colleges bring to workforce development and minimizing the “brain drain.”
This year he marked his 25th wedding anniversary, and he’s the proud of father of two children. His daily aspirations are rooted in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior who wrote “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
Reception sponsor: $100,000
Alumni reception sponsor: $50,000
Post-program reception sponsor: $50,000
Video sponsor: $50,000
Dessert sponsor: $50,000
Entertainment sponsor:
Live music and entertainment provided by Endless Summer Band
Wine table sponsor: $25,000
Skywalk over West Street sponsor: $25,000
Platinum table sponsor: $10,000
Gold table sponsor: $5,000
Sponsor a Marian University student: $500
Scholarships are pivotal in attracting talented students. Your support provides a transformational experience for our students—allowing them to grow academically, spiritually, personally, and be prepared to lead in their field upon graduation.
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