Society of Innovators 2025 Innovators Awards Luncheon

Now celebrating its 20th year, the Society of Innovators annual awards focus on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring, and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana. Dedicated to the idea that anyone can be an innovator, the Society recognizes that innovation is the key to 21st Century competitiveness.

WHAT: 2025 Society of Innovators Awards Luncheon

WHEN: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

WHERE: Avalon Manor Banquet Center, Merrillville, IN

TIME: Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. for check-in and open networking with the lunch program promptly following at 12:00 p.m. The event will conclude at 1:30 p.m. All times Central.

CELEBRATING INNOVATION

Now in its 20th year, the Society of Innovators celebrates the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring, and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana. Dedicated to the idea that anyone can be an innovator, the Society recognizes that innovation is the key to 21st Century competitiveness.

INDIVIDUAL HONOREES

The Individual Innovator inductee category recognizes the individuals behind Northwest Indiana’s most innovative products, services and initiatives.

TEAM HONOREES

More often than not, innovation is a team sport. The Team Innovator inductee category recognizes the teams behind Northwest Indiana’s most innovative products, services and initiatives.

ADVOCATE FOR INNOVATION

The Advocate for Innovation inductee category recognizes individuals or teams who embody the mission of the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest. These leaders contribute to economic and community development throughout the region as they actively drive innovation in Northwest Indiana by connecting people and ideas.

ADVOCATE FOR YOUTH INNOVATION

The Advocate for Youth Innovation inductee category recognizes individuals who embody the mission of the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest to drive entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Indiana. Specifically, these are the educators and community leaders who are teaching and developing our region’s next generation of innovators.

RICHARD C. SUSSMAN PRIZE FOR TEAM INNOVATION

One team may be selected annually upon recommendation of the Selection Committee and Board approval, from among Team Inductees to receive the Richard C. Sussman Prize for Team Innovation. The Sussman Prize is dedicated to promoting 21st century innovation in the private, public, not-for-profit and government sectors. The Sussman Prize is to be considered a traveling award and is to be held by the recipient(s) for one year or an equivalent partial year as determined by the Board of Directors.

The award was created to honor the late Richard C. Sussman PhD, former chairman for the Society of Innovators and head of the Research Laboratory at ArcelorMittal East Chicago. Sussman is credited for pushing creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship as critical elements to remain competitive. This award builds on his legacy for a stronger Northwest Indiana.

• 2022 - Michigan City Area Schools
• 2024 - Food Bank of Northwest Indiana

JOHN H. DAVIES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

A Lifetime Achievement Award winner may be selected upon recommendation of the Selection Committee and at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Not only must our Lifetime Achievement Award winner demonstrate significant innovation, but that the work was sustained over a significant amount of time and their success was not limited to just one role, company or sector. We recognize that the community impact of our Lifetime Achievement Award winner will last more than one lifetime, that the impact of our winner will be felt for generations to come. This award is the Society of Innovators’ highest honor for an individual leader.

The award was renamed to honor John H. Davies who was recognized as the Society’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 2019. As the founder and retired managing director of the Society of Innovators, he successfully led the organization from its inception in 2005 until 2018.

• 2019 - John H. Davies
• 2022 - Calvin "Cal" Bellamy
• 2024 - Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins

Interested in sponsoring this year's awards? By supporting the 2025 Innovators Awards, you are helping catalyze Northwest Indiana's innovation community. This event provides an opportunity for your team to connect with companies and organizations building innovative products and services while networking with other creative and visionary thinkers. Here you can reach Northwest Indiana's talented problem-solvers and build your brand’s image as a forward-thinking organization.

P lease email societyofinnovators@pnw.edu for more information.