The Eskenazi School Alumni Excellence Award celebrates and elevates the extraordinary achievements of our graduates across art, architecture, design, and merchandising.
This award is more than a recognition—it is a celebration of our alumni and the impact they make. Their accomplishments, leadership, and creativity shape industries, enrich communities, and influence cultural conversations around the world. By honoring them, we shine a light on their extraordinary contributions and the lasting influence of their work.
2026 Eskenazi School Alumni Excellence Award Honorees
Danielle Orchard
Advancing figurative art
Acquired by major institutions including the Whitney Museum and the Phillips Collection, Danielle Orchard's paintings re-examine the canon of modern art through a contemporary, psychologically charged lens.
A highly respected leader in the interior design community, Raymond has had a meaningful impact on health and well-being in Indiana and the nation through the design of medical facilities.
Recognize alumni who embody professional distinction, innovation, and social impact in their work.
By spotlighting these leaders, we create powerful examples for students, energize faculty, and strengthen our shared sense of purpose.
Share the story of Eskenazi’s global impact—raising our profile and opening doors for collaboration, recruitment, and investment.
Reconnect alumni meaningfully to the school as mentors, advocates, and partners in shaping the future.
Inspire a culture of philanthropy and reinvestment through recognition of alumni success.
A Collective Celebration
This award is intended as a school-wide recognition of alumni whose work reflects the values and impact of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design. Nominations will draw on the insight of faculty, alumni, and the broader school community. Each year, two awards will be presented in a thoughtful setting—either as part of a larger school event or at an intimate dinner—creating a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the recipient’s accomplishments and inspire the next generation of Eskenazistudents.
Core Criteria
Demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their field. Recognition by peers, institutions, or the public through awards, publications, exhibitions, patents, leadership roles, or other significant contributions.
Pioneeringnew approaches, concepts, or techniques that have influenced their discipline. Contributions that have meaningfully shaped cultural, societal, environmental, or industry standards.
Recognizedleader,mentor, or change-makerwhoadvancestheir field andinspiresothers. Demonstrates integrity, cultural awareness, and socially responsible practices.
Active engagement with the Eskenazi School (guest lectures, mentorship, collaborative projects, advisory roles, philanthropy). Serves as an ambassador for the school’s values and reputation locally, nationally, or internationally.
Global Reach: Impact extending beyond their immediate community or country
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Successfully bridging creative fields with other sectors
Resilience: Overcoming significant challenges to achieve success
Nomination guidelines
Nominations may be made by
Eskenazi School faculty
IU alumni
IU students
Peers in the field
To maintain fairness in the selection process, self-nominations and nominations submitted by spouses, immediate family members, or members of the selection committee will not be accepted.
Supporting materials
Nominators should email the following supporting materials to soadalum@iu.edu:
Candidate's CV/résumé
One-page statement of impact/nomination letter
Three digital images (.jpeg) of work with captions and/or a website
One letter of support (beyond the nomination letter from a professional peer, employer, IU/Eskenazi connection, or community leader)
Nomination timeline
Nominations for the 2027 Eskenazi School Alumni Excellence Awards will be accepted until Friday, November 13, 2026.
Honorees will be informed of their award in mid-February, and an award presentation will take place in late April.
Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design resources and social media channels
