On April 24, 2018, more than 500 leaders in the Indianapolis and surrounding area, Marian University alumni and students, new friends, and long-time supporters of Marian University gathered at the Biltwell Event Center for the 2018 Clayton Family Circle of Honor Induction Dinner.
The annual dinner celebrates Marian University athletics and honors those inducted into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor. This year’s honorees included physician, coach, and educator Kevin Rodgers, M.D., and racecar driver and Indianapolis 500 legend Hélio Castroneves.
Dr. Rodgers, husband of Ruth Rodgers, vice president of student success and engagement and dean of students at Marian University, was tragically taken from this life this past November. Dr. Rodgers was recognized for his contributions as a volunteer coach and team doctor at Cathedral High School, as well as his many years of dedicated service to training resident students at Indiana University Emergency Medicine.
Hélio Castroneves is the only active driver to have earned the distinction of being a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and the only race car driver ever to become a Dancing with the Stars champion. He was honored for his unwavering commitment to being a leader in motorsports, following his passion to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry, and his generous work with various international charities.
“The Clayton Family Circle of Honor was created because we found generous donors, Joe and Jan Clayton, who believe in the character-building qualities associated with athletics in a university community,” President Daniel J. Elsener shared at the event. “At Marian, the tradition of faith and values are activated in many ways, including athletics. Student-athletes learn respect, fair play, work ethic and teamwork.”
Guests of the event had the opportunity to chat with current student-athletes, take photos with a Marian University branded IndyCar, and listen to an on-stage interview with Castroneves, during which he shared his experience as a leader in the racing industry.
Legendary IndyCar broadcaster Bob Jenkins came out of retirement to emcee the dinner. Jenkins is a former ESPN and ABC television and radio commentator of the IndyCar Series and was known as the "Radio Voice of the 500."
The Dr. Kevin Rodgers Memorial Endowed Scholarship and Hélio Castroneves Endowed Scholarship were established to honor the inductees. Nearly $400,000 in total was raised for Marian University and its students, $14,000 of which was raised at the event through a silent auction and contributions to the endowed.