INDIANAPOLIS – Marian University is proud to announce that President Daniel J. Elsener has been honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash for the third time, recognizing his distinguished service to the State of Indiana.
The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow upon an individual. This prestigious award is a personal tribute given to those who have made significant contributions to the state or rendered distinguished service to the governor.
President Elsener has received this honor from three governors – Governor Daniels, Governor Pence, and now, Governor Holcomb. This honor underscores his enduring commitment to excellence in learning through teaching, research, and scholarly activity, and his transformative leadership of Marian University in the community and throughout the state.
Key Achievements:
• Community Impact: President Elsener’s efforts have extended beyond the campus, contributing significantly to the advancement of Indiana’s educational landscape, workforce development, health professions, and national recognition as an exemplar in social mobility.
• Leadership Recognition: President Elsener has consistently been acknowledged as an influential leader, including recent inclusions in the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Indiana 250 list in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
President Elsener joins an esteemed group of Sagamore recipients, which includes presidents, astronauts, ambassadors, artists, and citizens who have greatly contributed to Indiana’s heritage.
“This honor reflects positively on the strength of Marian University’s vision, mission, and values, as well as the collective efforts of the entire Marian University community,” said President Elsener. “It affirms our commitment to advancing excellence in learning and to fostering remarkable advancements in culture, learning, and opportunity for all in this city, state, and nation.”
The Sagamore of the Wabash Award, created during Ralph Gates’ term as Indiana’s governor (1945-1949), continues to be a symbol of Indiana’s appreciation for exceptional service and leadership.
For more information about Marian University and President Elsener’s contributions, please visit: www.marian.edu.
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About Marian University
Founded in 1851, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including 4,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students, earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum provides hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities. Marian University has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a national doctoral/professional university. In 2013, Marian University established its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first new school of medicine in Indiana in more than 100 years, and in 2023, opened the new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering as part of the university’s continuing efforts to graduate students that help meet the Midwest’s growing STEM workforce needs. The university also provides undergraduate nursing education at Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, various track and field events, and nearly 50 USA Cycling national championships. Follow Marian University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and Twitter.