Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis School of Business recently celebrated some of its most accomplished graduates with the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards, honoring alumni who have made remarkable contributions in their fields, positively impacted communities, and leveraged their UIndy education to achieve professional excellence. The awards shine a spotlight on individuals whose careers reflect dedication, leadership, and innovation, highlighting the university’s ongoing commitment to cultivating leaders who make a difference in the world.
This year’s distinguished recipients include Dr. Andrew Barnes, Dr. Neil Cowen, John Duffy, Stanley Jackson, and Michael Marquard — a diverse group whose achievements span higher education, healthcare, finance, and the pharmaceutical industry. Each has a unique story of professional success, personal commitment, and community engagement, demonstrating the breadth of impact UIndy graduates continue to have.
Dr. Andrew Barnes, a north-side Indianapolis native, serves as the fourth President of the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in Lancaster, guiding the institution through a period of growth and transformation. Dr. Barnes’s leadership has focused on connecting the college more closely to industry and enhancing career-focused opportunities for students. Prior to this role, he held leadership positions as Dean at both York College of Pennsylvania and Pratt Institute and spent many years as a professor of English specializing in Shakespeare and seventeenth-century poetry.
Barnes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from UIndy and continued his studies with an M.A. in Humanities from New York University, a Ph.D. in English Literature from Stony Brook University, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Bennington College. He is the author of two published books, with a third scheduled for release in 2026, and his artistic talents extend into textile art, blending literature, visual art, and weaving. Dr. Barnes and his husband, David Foley, Chair of Interior Design at Pratt Institute, split their time between Lancaster and Manhattan, where they have lived for 30 years, reflecting both professional commitment and a continued connection to the arts.
Dr. Neil Cowen has spent more than two decades driving innovation in pharmaceutical development. Currently Senior Vice President for New Product Planning at Soleno Therapeutics, Dr. Cowen played a pivotal role in leading the FDA approval and commercialization of VYKAT XR, the first approved treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare and life-threatening disease. He not only invented the drug but also guided its development from concept to approval, demonstrating extraordinary persistence and scientific leadership.
Dr. Cowen’s career includes senior leadership roles at Epicyte Pharmaceuticals, Dow Chemical, and faculty appointments at the University of Missouri, the University of Illinois, and the University of Indianapolis. He earned an MBA from UIndy and holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Iowa State University. Dr. Cowen has been married to his wife, Robin, for 43 years and is a proud father and grandfather, balancing family life alongside his professional accomplishments.
John Duffy brings more than 30 years of experience in investment brokerage and asset management to his role as Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. Duffy leads the Klausner Duffy & DiSalvo Group, managing over $3.5 billion in client assets. He has been recognized nationally, consistently listed among Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors since 2014, and his team has been named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
A UIndy graduate with a degree in Business Communications, Duffy has maintained deep community involvement. He has served on the Board of Bishop Simon Brute Seminary for 11 years, including four as Board Chair, participated in multiple $100 million+ Archdiocesan Capital Campaigns, served as Athletic Director for St. Simon, and currently serves as President of the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association. He and his wife, Melissa, reside in Indianapolis and are the proud parents of three children: Lauren, Martin, and Michael.
Stanley Jackson earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UIndy in 1984 and has spent more than 40 years building expertise in the healthcare and insurance industries. For the past nine years, Jackson has served as Chief Innovation Officer at Apex Benefits, an Indianapolis-based employee benefits consulting firm, where he helps organizations navigate complex benefits and healthcare challenges.
Prior to Apex, Jackson gained extensive experience in underwriting, account management, and financial analysis with health plans and third-party administrators. He has also served on the UIndy Alumni Board of Directors and maintains a family connection to the university, with three siblings who are also UIndy graduates. Jackson enjoys time with his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren in New York City, reflecting a career that has been matched by dedication to family and community.
Michael Marquard is a highly accomplished pharmaceutical executive with a career spanning four decades. Beginning as a sales representative with Lederle Laboratories, he rose through the ranks to hold leadership roles including Vice President of Sales, Vice President and General Manager of Oncology and Pharmaceutical Business Units, and eventually President of a branded division of a major generic pharmaceutical company. Marquard played a key role in marketing oncology, pharmaceutical, and biological products, including strategic acquisitions such as Immunex, whose development of Enbrel transformed treatment for autoimmune conditions.
Read also: University of Indianapolis opens new Music Therapy Center to expand services across Central Indiana
Marquard holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Youngstown State University, an MBA from UIndy, and completed the Executive Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He and his wife of 55 years, Norajane, reside in Wilmington, North Carolina, and are proud parents and grandparents, demonstrating a lifetime of professional success balanced with family commitment.
The 2026 UIndy School of Business Outstanding Alumni Awards reflect not only the professional achievements of these individuals but also their dedication to improving their communities and advancing the industries in which they work. From higher education and financial management to healthcare innovation and pharmaceutical development, the alumni represent a wide range of sectors where leadership, expertise, and innovation intersect.
The awards also highlight the ways in which a UIndy education can serve as a foundation for diverse and impactful careers. Whether leading institutions, developing life-changing treatments, managing complex financial portfolios, or navigating healthcare innovations, the 2026 honorees demonstrate the reach and influence of UIndy alumni.
By recognizing these outstanding alumni, the University of Indianapolis School of Business underscores its commitment to fostering leadership, community engagement, and excellence in education. The celebration of these accomplishments serves as an inspiration for current students, faculty, and the broader community, reinforcing the idea that the knowledge and skills gained at UIndy can translate into meaningful contributions on a local, national, and global scale.
The 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards remind the university community that success is measured not only by professional achievement but also by service, innovation, and the ability to positively impact the lives of others. Through their leadership, these alumni exemplify the values of the University of Indianapolis and the enduring influence of its School of Business.
In honoring Dr. Barnes, Dr. Cowen, John Duffy, Stanley Jackson, and Michael Marquard, UIndy celebrates a group of individuals whose dedication, talent, and vision continue to shape industries, inspire future leaders, and strengthen communities across the United States and beyond. Their achievements reflect a combination of hard work, education, and a commitment to using their skills for the greater good — a legacy that embodies the mission of the University of Indianapolis School of Business.
The 2026 UIndy School of Business Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony marks another milestone in the university’s ongoing effort to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates while fostering connections among alumni, students, and faculty. It is a testament to the power of education, leadership, and service, and a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on the world.
