On June 21, 2017, fashion designer and civic leader Alpha Blackburn was awarded the IUPUI Chancellor’s Medallion by Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar at the IUPUI Board of Advisors Summer Reception held at Tobias House. Ms. Blackburn was recognized for her longstanding commitment to the IUPUI campus and for her contributions to the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and beyond.
Ms. Blackburn is president and CEO of Blackburn Architects, Inc., and her award-winning fashion designs have filled pages of local and national publications for years. In addition to her leadership in fashion, she has served as a model of civic leadership in Indianapolis.
She has chaired the Indiana Civil Rights Commission for more than a quarter-century. Since 1999, Ms. Blackburn has served on the IUPUI Board of Advisors, a group of government, business, and civic leaders from the Indianapolis area that are appointed by the IU Board of Trustees. In addition, she has provided artistic inspiration, vision, and guidance as a member of the IUPUI Herron School of Art and Design Board of Advisors.
Ms. Blackburn also served as the fashion editor of Indianapolis Monthly from 1980 to 1990 and hosted daily and weekly television talk shows in Indianapolis from 1972 to 1981.