Kenneth J. Konesco Receives Indiana's Highest Distinction from Governor Mike Pence

Former Harrison College President Honored with a Sagamore of the Wabash Award

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Harrison College, a private sector college serving more than 4,000 students worldwide, announced today that former President Kenneth J. Konesco was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award during a private ceremony yesterday evening.  

The Sagamore of the Wabash award is one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the Governor of Indiana. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

"Ken is among a distinguished company of Hoosiers to be recognized for his passion and lifelong commitment to higher education not only within Indiana but beyond," said Jason Konesco, president of Harrison College. "His vision is reflected in Harrison College's dedication to ensuring the success for each of our students. His service on numerous higher education boards and commissions is a testament to our commitment to providing ongoing leadership and advocacy on policies affecting education. His friends and colleagues both inside and outside of Harrison College congratulate him on this honor."

Created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates, who served Indiana from 1945 to 1949, Sagamore of the Wabash honorees have included astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and citizens who have contributed to enriching Hoosier heritage.

About Kenneth J. Konesco
Kenneth J. Konesco is currently President Emeritus of Harrison College, after serving as its CEO, from December 1986 to January 2010. He was a past commissioner with the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), where he served as chairman of the board in 1999. ACICS accredits more than 650 schools and colleges in the states and abroad, representing more than 100,000 students. In addition to his responsibilities as past chair, Ken served as the president for five years and board member for the Indiana Association of Private Career Schools. In 1996, he was appointed by Governor Evan Bayh to serve as a commissioner for the Commission on Proprietary Education, where he continues to serve.

In addition, Ken has served as a past board member on the Indiana Association of Private Career Schools and Rotary Club of Indianapolis. He currently serves as a board member for Old National Bank, Legatus, Cole Noble District Association, Harrison College and Providence Cristo Rey High School.

He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Missouri and master's degree in education from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Ken resides in Indianapolis with Mary Ellen, his wife of 43 years. They have three children, Jason, Marc and Jennifer, and two daughters-in-laws, one son-in-law and eight grandchildren.

About Harrison College
Founded in 1902, Harrison College is a career-focused institution of higher education serving more than 4,000 students worldwide. The institution grants associate's and bachelor's degrees across five schools of study: business, health sciences, information technology, criminal justice and veterinary technology, as well as through its culinary division, The Chef's Academy. Harrison College offers students a customized learning environment that could include online, traditional classroom at one of its 11 campuses or two culinary schools, or through a combination of both. Harrison College campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and the institution is a candidate with The Higher Learning Commission, an affiliate of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). For more information, visit harrison.edu or call (888) 544-4422.

SOURCE Harrison College