The Indiana University Alumni Association (IUAA) gathered last Thursday evening, November 20, for their annual IU Indianapolis Alumni Leaders Dinner to share their appreciation for alumni and volunteer leaders for their contributions in support of the Indianapolis campus and its alumni programs. At the event, the IU School of Liberal Arts also recognized two alumni, Casey Harrison and Tom Hanley, who have distinguished themselves professionally and exhibited extraordinary service to the school, the IU Indianapolis campus, and Indiana University.
2025 Career Achievement Award: Casey Harrington
Given for outstanding accomplishments in their professionals and in service to the school, the IU Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis community, Casey Harrison, was honored with the IU School of Liberal Arts Alumni Career Achievement Award. Casey earned her bachelor’s in communication studies in 2010 and master’s degree in applied communication in 2013. Casey willingly shares her skills with students on campus, modelling professional habits, and helping people based on what she has learned as part of the Indianapolis campus and liberal arts community.
Outside of her participation on the Indianapolis campus, Casey’s accomplishments are far-reaching across our community. She has held positions with marketing companies, the Indy Chamber, Emmis Communications, the Pacers, and more. Most recently, Casey started her own business in PR and other communication initiatives, called Polished Strategic Communications, which is a full-service, boutique communications agency that specializes in education, access and equity, workforce readiness, and community-centered initiatives. Through her business, Casey has used this opportunity to provide resources for the broader community, and her work reflects her values. Her commitment to lifting others up is central to her work. On an annual basis, 60% of the company’s time each year is spent doing pro bono work for LGBTQ+, black-owned, and other minority-owned businesses, as Casey believes that these businesses often receive less support from the state. Casey is proud to help change this by equipping these businesses with access to information and resources. The IU School of Liberal Arts is honored to recognize and celebrate Casey Harrison with the Career Achievement Alumni Award.
2025 Distinguished Alumni Award: Tom Hanley
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the School of Liberal Arts’ highest honor. Tom Hanley was recognized this year as an alumnus who has displayed enduring excellence in his field while continuing extraordinary service to the School, IU Indianapolis, and Indiana University.
A 2009 graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies, Tom represents what it means to turn a nontraditional academic path into a profoundly transformative career. Since founding Nine13 Inc., Tom has dedicated himself to improving the lives of youth and underserved communities through a unique integration of health, education, and logistics. Under his leadership, Nine13 has launched two flagship programs: Kids Riding Bikes, a nationally recognized initiative promoting youth fitness and mobility education, and a logistics operation that tackles food insecurity through the transportation and delivery of essential goods. These programs not only meet immediate community needs but also reflect a scalable model of social entrepreneurship rooted in empathy and equity. Tom embodies the very highest ideas of Indiana University and the School of Liberal Arts through his legacy of civic engagement, innovative leadership, and impactful service.
Throughout his career, Tom has shown a consistent commitment to public service, community collaboration, and youth development. He has used his experience, passion, and entrepreneurial drive to tackle some of our most pressing social issues with creativity and compassion. Tom is an exceptional example of how an IU liberal arts education can fuel innovation, leadership, and service. The IU School of Liberal Arts is honored to recognize and celebrate Tom Hanley with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Casy Harrison and Tom Hanley are shining examples of the power of a liberal arts education. The Indiana University School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis, the IU Alumni Association, and the entire campus community congratulates them and looks forward to following their bright futures.