Franklin College Chaplain Honored with Top Service Award While 22 Employees Recognized for Milestone Years of Service

For the 31st year, Franklin College employees gathered to enjoy a holiday meal together and pay tribute to colleagues celebrating milestone anniversaries with the college. The event also serves as a time to honor one staff member with an award of excellence.

The Margaret Hommell Staff Service Excellence Award, given in memory of the late Margaret Hommell, an example of long-time service excellence among the Franklin College staff, was initiated in 1999 to recognize a staff member for quality internal customer service, exceptional job performance, service to the college community, and embodiment of the mission and value of Franklin College.

Rev. Hannah Adams Ingram, Ph.D., director of religious life and chaplain at the college, is the recipient of the 2024 Margaret A. Hommell Staff Service Excellence Award.

Adams Ingram began working for the college in 2017. She began her higher education journey at Anderson University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religion. She then earned a Master of Theological Studies from Emory University in Georgia. She completed her Ph.D. in Religious and Psychological Studies from the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology.

Letters of support for Adams Ingram were numerous and cited her warmth, her compassion and her ability to sense the needs of others and find a way to fulfill those needs. As the longest-serving member of the Division of Student Development, Adams Ingram serves as a mentor to her colleagues and provides a sense of institutional history that is invaluable to her coworkers. One nomination cited: “The culture of care and community that she has helped to establish and works to perpetuate will serve the institution and its constituents for years to come. Her contributions to the college cannot be overstated.”

Another nomination stated: “Hannah is a colleague who not only supports others but anticipates their needs, often without them having to ask. She promotes rest and wellness, even in the midst of the most challenging times. She embodies grace and never seeks recognition for her efforts. As an amazing colleague, educator and chaplain, she exemplifies the qualities that this award seeks to honor.”

Another colleague wrote: “Hannah is a servant leader, someone who models the very best qualities of compassion, integrity, and dedication. She advocates fiercely for marginalized groups and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Her actions speak louder than words, and her unwavering commitment to the idea of All Are Welcome Here is evident in everything she does.”

Adams Ingram received an engraved plaque and a monetary award of $250. She also has the honor of being listed on a plaque, displayed in Old Main, along with previous recipients of the award. Adams Ingram resides in Franklin with her husband and daughter.

Full-time employees honored for their years of service with the college include the following:

5-year service awards: Ananya Chandra (Indianapolis - 46204), Andrew Jones (Franklin), Jonathan Rice (Franklin), Kandra Sejas (Greenwood), Chang Shen (Franklin), Sandra Shoaf (Indianapolis - 46237), Jeremy VanAndel (Indianapolis - 46220).

10-year service awards: Katie Burpo (Bargersville), Kellie Schmidt ’02 (Franklin), Martin Sewell (Franklin).

15-year service awards: Jarrod Brett ’98 (Franklin), Brenda Ferguson ’95 (Whiteland), Jamie Bromley (Franklin), Casey Hayes (Franklin), Craig Parker ’09 (Franklin), Randall Smith (Greenwood).

20-year service awards: John Krull ’81 (Indianapolis - 46260), Robin Roberts (Franklin), Kim Elier (Franklin), Judy Yarnell (Franklin).

25-year service awards: Karen Cole (Trafalgar).

35-year awards: Betsy Schmidt ’85 (Franklin).

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