Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard was presented with a 50th Anniversary Chancellor’s Medallion by Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar at IUPUI’s Report to the Community on January 24, 2019. This award recognizes Ballard’s significant contributions to IUPUI and the city of Indianapolis and the role he has played in the 50 years of impact IUPUI has had on a local, national, and global scale.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Ballard graduated from Indiana University before joining the United States Marine Corps. He received his master’s degree in military science from the Marine Corps University and also graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. During Ballard’s distinguished 23-year military career, he received numerous honors including the Legion of Merit, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Ballard returned to Indianapolis after his retirement from the USMC. In November 2007, he was elected the 48th mayor of Indianapolis and served for two terms. While mayor, Ballard oversaw the RebuildIndy Initiative, a $55 million infrastructure improvement program and created the city’s first Office of Sustainability. In 2014, Ballard announced a $30 million plan to connect IUPUI to its surrounding communities, beautify the campus, and make critical renovations to the Indiana University Natatorium.
Ballard is the author of several books, including the recently released Less Oil Or More Caskets: The National Security Argument for Moving Away From Oil.