Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis has honored a new class of distinguished graduates whose careers reflect years of dedication, leadership, and service. During its 2026 Alumni Awards, the institution’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences recognized four individuals who have used their education to shape communities, influence professional fields, and mentor future generations.
Each recipient represents a different path, but all share a common thread: they turned their academic experiences into meaningful careers that extend far beyond the classroom. University officials said the awards aim to highlight alumni whose work demonstrates both professional achievement and a commitment to helping others.
Among this year’s honorees is Ted Maple, whose journey began in Indianapolis. He attended UIndy in the 1990s, earning a degree in elementary education before building a career focused on improving opportunities for young learners.
Over the years, Maple has held a wide range of roles in education. He started as a public school teacher and later led an early childhood program designed to support children facing significant challenges. His work expanded into nonprofit leadership, including directing educational initiatives for United Way and leading a statewide early childhood education organization. Today, he serves as vice president for education at Lilly Endowment, where he helps guide large-scale investments aimed at strengthening educational outcomes.
Maple’s academic journey also includes advanced degrees, with a master’s from Butler University and a doctoral degree from Ball State University. Outside his professional life, he and his wife, Johanna, remain deeply rooted in the Indianapolis community, raising three children who are now adults.
Another honoree, Misty Spitler, has built a career that blends clinical practice, teaching, and leadership. Originally from Nebraska, Spitler worked for more than a decade with the U.S. Army Medical Evaluation Board, where she served as Lead Psychologist. Her work supporting military medical operations earned her the Civilian Service Achievement Medal.
Spitler holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a counseling master’s degree from Minnesota State University, and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Indianapolis. Since completing her doctorate, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology while also providing therapy and assessments through her practice, Evolve Therapy.
In addition to her clinical and academic career, Spitler has pursued a creative passion. After years of studying photography, she launched Perfect Game Photography, balancing her work as a psychologist with sports photography. She and her husband, Jeremy, are raising three sons.
The awards also recognized Sonya Ware-Meguiar, a licensed clinical social worker whose nearly four decades in the nonprofit sector reflect a deep commitment to service. For the past 18 years, she has served as chief executive officer of Girls Inc. of Johnson County, mentoring young women and helping them develop leadership skills.
Before taking on that role, Ware-Meguiar spent nearly two decades at Gateway Services, where she led programs focused on inclusion and advocacy. Among her initiatives was a summer camp that brought together children with special needs and their peers, as well as a self-advocacy group that later participated in an international conference.
Her community involvement extends far beyond her professional responsibilities. She remains active in numerous organizations dedicated to public health, economic development, and community support. Ware-Meguiar lives in Beech Grove with her husband and enjoys spending time with her growing family.
The fourth recipient, Jason Todd, followed a different path, beginning his journey at UIndy as a student-athlete. A native of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Todd attended the university on a football scholarship, playing running back and serving as team captain. He also received the Kate Ratliff Award for Outstanding Community Service during his time on campus.
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Todd launched his professional career in human resources, steadily advancing to leadership roles. He eventually became president and co-founder of a consulting firm that he later sold. Over the past two decades, he transitioned into the medical device industry, holding positions that ranged from clinical specialist to vice president of sales. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple President’s Club honors for consistent performance and dedication to patient-focused work.
University leaders say the annual alumni awards serve as a reminder of the diverse paths graduates can take and the lasting impact they can have. By recognizing professionals from education, psychology, nonprofit leadership, and business, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences hopes to inspire current students to see how their own careers might shape communities.
As this year’s recipients demonstrated, success is measured not only by professional titles but also by the ways individuals uplift others, strengthen institutions, and create opportunities for future generations. Through their achievements, these alumni continue to reflect the mission and values of the University of Indianapolis long after graduation.
