On January 20, 2012, former Mayor of Indianapolis William H. Hudnut was awarded the IUPUI Chancellor's Medallion by Chancellor Charles R. Bantz at the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving Distinguished Visitor Lecture. Hudnut was honored for his commitment and contributions to the IUPUI and the city of Indianapolis. In his keynote address at the lecture, Hudnut reflected how his faith led to a life of public service and the benefits faith can bring in politics and public policy.
During his sixteen years as mayor, Hudnut set a goal for metropolitan economic growth by partnering with public-private sectors such as the Circle Centre Mall, Union Station, the Indiana Convention Center, and the IU School of Medicine. He helped extend the legacy of Indianapolis being the Sports Capital of the World through his support of projects such as the Major Taylor Velodorome, the IUPUI Natatorium and bringing the Colts to Indianapolis. Hudnut also served as co-chair of a 30-member committee that helped raise $18 million dollars for the construction of the IUPUI University Library.
