W. George Pinnell award for outstanding service, Susan J. Eklund

"She does not seek the limelight or accolades for herself, and she puts the needs of the university ahead of her own. She is an individual who helps make Indiana University great.”"

—Jack Cummings, executive associate dean, School of Education

Few subjects are more incendiary than salary equity. When IU Bloomington administration issued a campus-wide mandate charging all units to examine their policies, School of Education administrators knew exactly who should chair the school’s Salary Equity Review Committee: Susan Eklund. Under her leadership, the committee scrutinized the salaries of nearly every faculty member in the school—to the high praise of colleagues and university administration.

Her service is not limited to the School of Education. Few scholars have been asked to serve so consistently in elected, appointed and consultative roles in her field—gerontology. She has held leadership positions in a variety of national organizations and at the state and local levels.

Eklund also has served in various posts within the university. In her 31 years at IU, her successes have left an indelible impression on colleagues from one end of campus to another.

Eklund has garnered this respect through a combination of perseverance, grace under pressure and high regard for the institution she calls home.