Last modified: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
IU's Ostrom awarded Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 22, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels honored Indiana University's Elinor Ostrom with a Sagamore of the Wabash at an event held last night (Dec. 21) at the Governor's Residence in Indianapolis.
Ostrom, the Arthur F. Bentley Professor of Political Science at IU, is co-founder of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis. She recently traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, where she was awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for her work on economic governance, especially of the commons. She is one of only 64 people and the first woman to receive the award, also called the Nobel Prize in Economics, since it was created in 1968.
"The Sagamore of the Wabash recognizes individuals who have brought distinction and honor to the state," said Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie, "and Governor Daniels could have chosen no person more deserving than Lin Ostrom to receive this award. With her research, teaching and service -- which have resulted in numerous honors, including the Nobel Prize for Economics -- Lin brings distinguished recognition to Indiana University and its community of faculty, staff and students. But she also brings the pride of accomplishment to the state of Indiana and draws attention to its growing stature as a center for world class research. Indiana University could not be prouder of Lin Ostrom."
Governor Daniels also honored Purdue University Professor Gebisa Ejeta with the 2009 Dr. Phillip E. Nelson Innovation Award for his groundbreaking achievement in agricultural development in Africa. The Nelson Innovation Award is given to recognize outstanding Hoosier scientists for their unique discoveries, research and inventions, and to encourage young people to consider careers in science.
The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949. The award is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
The term "sagamore" was used by the American Indian Tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.
