Date: May
7, 2004
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication
Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu
PNC Vice Chancellor Bednar Earns Sagamore Award
WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs Dr. L. Edward Bednar was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash
Award by state Sen. Anita O. Bowser.
The presentation was made a part of PNC annual faculty and staff Recognition
Luncheon on campus. Bednar is retiring from PNC after 39 years of service.
“A person need only spend a few minutes with Dr. Bednar to learn that he
is a strong advocate for education at all levels in Indiana,” said PNC Chancellor
Dr. James B. Dworkin, in nominating Bednar for the prestigious award. I thank
Dr. Bednar for his many years of service to this campus. If it were not for his
dedication and hard work, many of our programs and initiatives would not have
been possible. He has served his University and his community well.”
Bednar, a proponent of correctional education, was key to the formational of
an education program at the Westville Correctional Center and Lakeside Correctional
Center, and has presented numerous programs at conferences around the world
and written many articles on the subject of offering quality educational programs
for the incarcerated. He plans to continue teaching in the Westville program
after his retirement.
He has been active in the community, having served on the board of the Barker
Woods Enrichment Center, volunteering with Marquette High School in Michigan
City and the United Way of LaPorte County. For many years he has been involved
with the Northwest Indiana Regional Science Fair held at PNC and each year
he accompanies the local winning students to the International Science Fair.
He intends to play an active role in the planning and organization of the International
Science Fair that will be in Indianapolis in 2006.
Bednar joined the faculty as assistant professor of mathematics in 1965, when
the campus was still located at the Barker Mansion in Michigan City. He became
assistant vice chancellor in 1988 and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs
in 1998. He also holds the title of professor of general studies. He was the
primary author of two important PNC baccalaureate degree proposals. He received
two outstanding undergraduate teaching awards and was honored by the Indiana
Council for Continuing Education as the Professional Staff Member of the Year
in 1995. Bednar coached the men’s basketball team in the early 1970s,
leading the team to the 1972 Indiana regional campus state championship.
He holds an associate degree from Thornton Community College; a bachelor’s
degree from Western Illinois University; a master’s degree from Northern
Illinois University and a doctorate from Western Michigan University.
“He is one of the great teachers that I have known,” said Dr. Dale
Alspaugh, PNC chancellor emeritus, who retired in 2000. “His contributions
to Purdue are legion. He has contributed greatly to the success of the campus.
His loyalty to the University and his love of teaching and students has marked
him as one of the true heroes of Purdue North Central.”
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