During this year’s Indiana Conference for Women on November 3, Laurie Burns McRobbie, Indiana University’s First Lady Emerita, co-founder of the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, and current staff of the Center, received the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Bestowed by the Governor of Indiana, it is one of Indiana's highest honors given to acknowledge achievement or civic contributions. This year’s conference was also dedicated to her.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Sagamore award. To be recognized for work that I take such joy in doing feels like the best icing possible on a very delicious cake! I am truly privileged to be able to contribute.”
"Sagamore" was a term used by native American tribes of Indiana (and other tribes of the northeastern United States) to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe whom the chief consulted for wisdom and advice. "The Wabash" refers to Indiana's official state river. According to in.gov; "it [Sagamore of the Wabash] is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, politicians, ambassadors, artists, musicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage."
