IU President Pamela S. Whitten poses for a photo with Kylie Veleta from Inside Indiana Business during the Oct. 27 award presentation at IBJ’s Women of Influence event at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University Indiana University took center stage at two recent gatherings in the state, with President Pamela Whitten honored at one of the high-profile events.

At the Economic Club of Indiana, the president addressed nearly 400 civic and business leaders from throughout the state. Her remarks at the Oct. 18 gathering in Indianapolis focused on the opportunities and challenges facing the state and the critical role higher education plays in addressing them.

Calling world-class public universities such as IU economic and cultural drivers of a shared future for the state, Whitten said, “I want to be crystal clear about the commitment Indiana University is making as a leading partner and collaborator to drive innovation, attract investment and chart a prosperous future for Hoosiers everywhere.”

The president additionally touched on the university’s strategic planning efforts.

“IU 2030, our framework for the development of strategic plans for each of our campuses, is grounded in our commitment to the success of Indiana students, to research that improves lives and to a platform of service that brings resources and expertise to bear on the greatest challenges facing Indiana communities,” Whitten said. “We seek an even stronger IU. Not for ourselves, but for the impact we can have on this state.”

As keynote speaker to 600 people at the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Women of Influence luncheon on Oct. 27, Whitten was among the Indiana leaders honored at the annual event. In describing the impact IU has on the state, she highlighted the achievements of three IU women, acknowledging the critical role women have served in advancing the university.

In her comments, Whitten heralded the positive influence every person can have on Indiana communities and to use that influence for the greater good. “Each of us, in our own way, will be that person whose word of encouragement or whose timely example changes a life and whose impact ripples across generations,” she said.

Holly Vonderheit is special projects leader in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.