President John Pistole Receives Sagamore of the Wabash Award from State of Indiana

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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University President John S. Pistole received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the State of Indiana Friday night. Pistole has served as AU’s fifth president for 10 years and is retiring in June 2025.

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 bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

“I am humbled and honored by this award, which I see as a team award, recognizing all the dedicated, gifted people who I’ve been blessed to learn from and work with,” said Pistole. “Having grown up in Anderson and attended public schools, Anderson University, and McKinney School of Law, I have great affinity for my hometown and the outstanding education I received at each level, all of which helped prepare me for my career in public service and here at Anderson University. Thanks to Governor Holcomb and Representative Pierce for their support with this award.”

Pistole earned his bachelor’s degree from AU in 1978. He went on to earn a juris doctorate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law before going into practice for two years. Pistole began a career with the FBI in 1983, where he rose through the ranks and was appointed deputy director in 2004. Former President Barack Obama nominated Pistole as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the spring of 2010 and he was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on June 25.

Other distinguished recipients of the Sagamore Award include former President George H.W. Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush, singer Willie Nelson, and television host David Letterman.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.