Indiana State University is proud to recognize Joe Evelo, Rachel Leslie, and Steve Zink as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Honored for their professional achievements and commitment to their communities, this year’s recipients will also lead the Blue and White Homecoming Parade as Grand Marshals.
“Joe Evelo, Rachel Leslie, and Steve Zink exemplify the very best of Indiana State University through their leadership, service, and enduring commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “Their achievements bring great distinction to our University, but what is truly remarkable is the way they have carried the values of Indiana State into their professions, communities, and daily lives. We are proud to honor Joe, Rachel, and Steve as our 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and delighted to welcome them back to campus to serve as Grand Marshals of the Blue and White Homecoming Parade.”
Since its establishment in 1957, the Distinguished Alumni Award has honored Indiana State University alumni who have achieved distinction in their careers, made meaningful contributions to their communities, and demonstrated an enduring commitment to supporting and advancing their alma mater.
“Each of this year's honorees has a story that reflects the lasting connection our alumni have with Indiana State,” said Dr. PJ Thompson, Executive Director of the Indiana State University Alumni Association. “Their leadership and accomplishments have made an impact beyond our campus while contributing to the legacy of the University. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the example they continue to set for fellow Sycamores.”
The honorees will be recognized alongside this year’s philanthropy award recipients at the sixth annual President’s Dinner later this fall.
“Alumni engagement is essential to the continued growth and success of Indiana State University,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “Our alumni strengthen the University in many ways, from sharing their expertise and advocating for Indiana State to investing in opportunities for future generations. Joe, Rachel, and Steve demonstrate the lasting role our graduates can have in advancing their alma mater, and we are proud to recognize them.”
The Blue and White Homecoming Parade brings together Indiana State student organizations, campus groups, local businesses, and community organizations to celebrate Sycamore spirit and welcome alumni back to campus.
This year’s parade will kick off at 9:00 a.m. at 9th and Cherry Streets before traveling west along Wabash Avenue and north on 5th Street. Following the parade, alumni and friends are invited to continue the Homecoming celebration at the Alumni Association’s pre-game tent at Memorial Stadium beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Sycamores will take on the Youngstown State University Penguins, with kickoff slated for 1:00 p.m.
Parade entry applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 23. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, bands, Indiana State offices and departments, and student organizations are encouraged to participate and can register here. For questions, email ISU-Homecoming@indstate.edu.
Award Recipient Biographies:
Joe Evelo
Joe Evelo earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Indiana State University in 1972. He has remained connected to his alma mater and currently serves on the Indiana State University Foundation Investment Committee. Evelo also serves on the Board of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and has held leadership roles with numerous charitable organizations throughout the Greater Cincinnati community.
Evelo joined Merrill Lynch in 1975 and went on to become a pioneer in holistic wealth management. Recognizing the need for families to receive comprehensive financial guidance, he began developing a team-based approach in 1989 focused on all aspects of a client’s financial life. He later founded The Evelo|Singer|Sullivan|Bruegge Group, a private wealth advisory team based in Cincinnati. Through entirely organic growth, the Group has expanded to 31 professionals and oversees approximately $11.5 billion in entrusted client assets as of June 30, 2026. Evelo remains actively involved with clients while mentoring the next generation of advisors and helping guide the strategic direction and culture of the practice.
Throughout his career, Evelo has received numerous industry accolades, including recognition on Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors in America list for three consecutive years from 2008–2010. He was also included in Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors rankings from 2008–2015 and was ranked as the No. 1 Financial Advisor in Ohio from 2013–2015. The Evelo|Singer|Sullivan|Bruegge Group has also been recognized annually among Barron’s Top Private Wealth Advisory Teams in America since the ranking began in 2019. Evelo has additionally been recognized by the Financial Times and Worth among the nation’s top financial and wealth advisors.
Rachel Leslie
Rachel Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication, public relations and journalism from Indiana State University in 2006 and a Master of Leadership Development from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is also a graduate of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Association Chamber University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management, and the Indiana Leadership Forum.
Leslie founded RJL Solutions in 2017 and has more than two decades of experience in government relations, strategic communications and collaboration. What began as an advocacy firm has grown under her leadership into a statewide strategy company specializing in government relations, marketing and communications, grant strategy, economic development, and association management. RJL now operates offices in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and Evansville and launched a division in Washington, D.C. in 2025. As an experienced collaborator and registered lobbyist, Leslie strategically connects clients with state and federal relationships and resources while cultivating partnerships across Indiana and beyond.
Leslie’s leadership has earned recognition throughout Indiana. In 2025, RJL Solutions was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Fast 25, ranking as the 11th fastest-growing privately held company in Indiana, and Leslie was named Nexstar Media Group’s Remarkable Woman of the Year. She has also twice been named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s IBJ 250 and is a recipient of Indiana State University’s G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award and the Golden Oak Award from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Leslie also serves on several boards and committees, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Governor’s Defense Taskforce.
Steve Zink
Steve Zink earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Indiana State University in 1974. He continued his education by earning a graduate degree in history from the University of Wisconsin, a graduate degree in library science from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in information systems science from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Computing and Engineering.
Throughout his career in higher education, Zink served as a faculty member and administrator, including a tenure at the University of Nevada, Reno. He became the University’s first Vice President of Information Technology while simultaneously serving as Dean of University Libraries. In these roles, Zink brought together professionals in information technology, instructional technology and library services, with the work culminating in the 2008 opening of the 300,000-square-foot Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. From 2011–2016, he served as Vice Chancellor for the Nevada System of Higher Education, the coordinating body for Nevada’s public higher education institutions. In 2016, the University of Nevada, Reno awarded Zink Emeritus status.
In addition to his leadership in higher education, Zink has made significant contributions to the fields of information technology, management, and information policy. He is the author of four books and more than 120 publications and served for 20 years as chief editor of an Elsevier Science journal focused on information policy. A multiple National Science Foundation grant recipient, Zink has received numerous honors and recognition for his publications and professional service.