Matthew Steward, founder and president of the Steward Speakers Power Series, was presented with an IUPUI 50th Anniversary Chancellor’s Medallion by Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar on May 9, 2019, during the Steward Speakers Lecture Series with Phylicia Rashad.
For more than three decades, Steward’s vision and leadership at the Steward Speakers Power Series has brought prominent African-American speakers to Indianapolis, each offering a unique and powerful perspective on local challenges. The distinguished list of previous presenters includes Secretary of State Colin Powell, award-winning actress Viola Davis, gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin, entertainer Steve Harvey, former special assistant to President Obama Valerie Jarrett, and social activist Dick Gregory. Committed to fostering these important and meaningful conversations that bridge the gap between individuals, IUPUI partnered with the Steward Speakers Power Series to become its first title sponsor in 2015.
Steward is a 34-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department where he is assigned to the Neighborhood Outreach Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Steward is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he serves on the Board of Deacons at New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church.