In a Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, July 14, former Indiana State Representative P. Eric Turner presented Indiana Wesleyan University alum Mike Roorbach ‘73 with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award. The award is presented to someone, selected by the Governor, who has significantly contributed to the state of Indiana and the Hoosier community.
“I was really surprised, and I don’t get surprised very much,” said Roorbach. “My first response was ‘To God be the glory. Great things he has done.’”
Roorbach, a Grant County resident, was chosen for modeling a life of “character, integrity and faith,” according to Turner. The 67-year-old has spent countless hours serving and contributing to Indiana Wesleyan and the surrounding area. Over the years, his roles in the community have included IWU Alumni Director, Marion School Board Member, Lakeview Christian School Principal and Executive Director at the Grant County YMCA.
The selfless service and passion Roorbach shows to his community also are reflected in his love for his family. Two of Roorbach’s children, Adam ‘99 and Janet ‘16, and two of his grandchildren, Jackie ’12 and Kevin ’17, have attended IWU. His wife, Karen, serves as IWU’s Senior Counsel to the President and University Ombudsman.
“I think being involved in my children’s and grandchildren’s lives is the greatest way of showing them love that money could never buy,” Roorbach said.
The Sagamore of the Wabash Award is a longstanding tradition in the state of Indiana that dates back to the term of Governor Ralph F. Gates (1945-1949). Like the renowned award, Roorbach hopes to leave a positive legacy.
“I hope [people remember] my witness to Christ,” Roorbach said. “I want to leave a legacy of serving the Lord, serving my family and serving my community.”