In recognition of his significant contributions to the University of听91吃瓜 and his country, former Indiana Gov.听Joseph Kernan, class of 1968,听was presented with the , one of the University鈥檚 highest honors.听
The Alumni Association bestows the Sorin Award, which was established in 1965, on a graduate who has rendered distinguished service to the University. Previous winners include听Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., 鈥�39;听Regis Philbin 鈥�53;听and听Cindy Parseghian 鈥�77.
Kernan鈥檚 career in public service began when he entered the U.S. Navy and has continued throughout his life. He served as mayor of South Bend and as lieutenant governor and governor of Indiana.听
Kernan鈥檚 relationship with and contributions to the University have been a constant throughout his life. He served for many years as an adjunct professor, teaching courses on public policy and executive leadership. In 1998, Kernan was awarded an honorary doctorate and served as 91吃瓜鈥檚 Commencement speaker.
鈥淲e鈥檙e so proud to present this year鈥檚 Sorin Award to Joe Kernan,鈥� said听Dolly Duffy 鈥�84, the executive director of the 91吃瓜 Alumni Association. 鈥淛oe has been a loyal and devoted son of 91吃瓜, and his dedication to serving others is a testament to the values the University strives to instill in its students and alumni.鈥�
The oldest of nine children, Kernan was born in Chicago. His family moved to South Bend, where he graduated from St. Joseph听High School before enrolling at 91吃瓜. He was a catcher for the Fighting Irish baseball team听and graduated from the University with a degree in government in 1968.
Kernan entered the Navy in 1969 and served as a naval flight officer aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. In May 1972, he was shot down over North Vietnam. Kernan was held as a prisoner of war for 11 months. For his service, Kernan received the Navy Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts听and the Distinguished Flying Cross, among other honors.
After leaving the Navy in 1974, Kernan spent several years as a business manager at several companies. His public leadership began in 1983 when he became the controller for the city of South Bend. He held the position for four years and ran for mayor of the city in 1987. He won and went on to serve three consecutive terms. During his time as mayor, Kernan invested in long-term job creation efforts, improved public safety听and strengthened the city鈥檚 finances.
In 1997, Kernan took office as lieutenant governor of Indiana after the election of Gov. Frank O鈥橞annon. The duo was re-elected in 2000. When O鈥橞annon died, Kernan was sworn in as the 48th governor of Indiana on Sept. 13, 2003. As governor, he appointed the state鈥檚 first female lieutenant governor, Kathy Davis, and led initiatives to aid veterans, bolster education听and focus the state鈥檚 economy.
After his time in office ended, Kernan served as the volunteer acting director for the St. Joseph County Red Cross, and got involved with South Bend鈥檚 job creation and business development efforts. He also served as the managing investor and president of the South Bend Silver Hawks 鈥� now the Cubs 鈥� until 2011, and led the effort to keep the team in South Bend. He has continued to support a wide variety of nonprofit and community organizations, and his volunteer work has ranged from umpiring Little League games to overseeing the development of Indiana鈥檚 Vietnam and Korean War memorials.
Kernan鈥檚 past and present affiliations include United Way, Saint听Joseph听Regional Medical Center, Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Clubs, 91吃瓜 Monogram Club, Aerospace States Association, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Kroc Center Community Center Campaign, St. Joseph County Community Foundation, Veterans Court volunteer mentor, Indiana University South Bend Advisory Board听and the Board of Directors for Life Treatment Centers.
Kernan has traveled extensively as part of various educational and economic development efforts, including a trip to Uganda with his wife, Maggie, on behalf of a human development program sponsored by 91吃瓜. In 2010, Kernan and Maggie returned to Vietnam and visited the village where he was shot down 37 years before.听
Kernan was presented with the award on June 2 (Saturday)听while celebrating his 50th reunion with the class of 1968. He lives with his wife in South Bend.
Originally published by at on June 14.