The Scholars Retreat House in New Harmony, Indiana, has been renamed the James A. Sanders Scholars Retreat House, following an announcement at the May meeting of the University of Southern Indiana Foundation Board of Directors. The naming honors Sanders, an Evansville native and antiques expert, for his dedication to USI—his generosity, time and expertise, impacting programs, faculty and thousands of students.
In 1985 Sanders left his career as an educator to become USI’s first director of Historic New Harmony. While in that role, he developed new educational exhibits, involved residents of New Harmony in University programming and continued historic preservation efforts.
His leadership assisted in forming the University’s Art Collection Committee, on which Sanders continues to serve and offer his expertise in American antiques. At USI, he established endowments for the McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries, Presidential Scholarships, a distinguished professorship and the University’s art collection fund. He received an honorary degree from USI in 2001.
For nearly 20 years, he has served on the USI Foundation Board of Directors, connecting countless individuals to USI through his international network. The James A. Sanders Scholars Retreat House welcomes individuals from around the world who come to experience all that New Harmony offers.
In addition to the naming, Sanders was presented with a pastel drawing of the retreat house created by Katie Waters, USI professor of art.
Worthington receives Nicholson Leadership Award
Betty Worthington, longtime supporter of the University of Southern Indiana, received the Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award for her leadership and service in promoting the University. The award was presented at the USI Foundation Board of Directors May meeting.
Worthington has been a leader at USI for many years, serving the University as a generous friend. She is a close friend of USI’s first president, Dr. David L. Rice, and honored him by underwriting an oil portrait of him on the 25th anniversary of his presidency. In 2013, she continued the tradition, underwriting a portrait of current president, Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett.
Established in 2006, the Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award is named for the director emerita of USI Development who led the USI Foundation for 20 years. The award is given to a person who embodies the late Susie Nicholson’s dedication and spirit in meeting the needs of the University. When Nicholson announced her retirement in 2005, Bob Roeder, a member of USI’s first graduating class of 1971, suggested that the USI Foundation Board of Directors begin a tradition that would honor her 20 years of service to the University and the USI Foundation. The recipient of this annual award is chosen by the executive committee of the USI Foundation Board of Directors.
