Sharon Mangas named 2017 Distinguished Alumnus by IUPUC (Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus) at the annual Circle of Leadership Celebration. The event was held on Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Harrison Lake Country Club.

Each year the Distinguished Alumnus Award is given in recognition to a deserving alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding professional contributions and accomplishments, service to the community, and service to the university. 

Sharon graduated from IUPUC in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies. While still a student at IUPUC, she was recommended to the late Harry McCawley, then associate editor of The Republic, as a writer for a community columnist project. Sharon has been affiliated with The Republic ever since.

In addition to her work at The Republic, Sharon has worked for the Columbus Area Arts Council, Columbus Regional Health, Columbus Optical, Viewpoint Books, and as a travel agent. She currently writes ‘My Back Pages,’ a column for the Prime Time Magazine and has had several stories published in Guidepost magazine, including a flood recovery story, which will appear in the November issue. She is a Leadership Bartholomew County graduate and has volunteered with local schools, “Mother’s Morning Out” coop program at her church, and recently headed the planning committee for the 50-anniversary celebration at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus.

Sharon is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and served as a Board member during two terms, including secretary/treasurer this past year. “The IUPUC mission is personally meaningful to Sharon as demonstrated by her service to students and to the Alumni Association as a Board member and volunteer,” stated Rob Zinkan, former IUPUC Development and Alumni Director. Sharon is a firm believer in giving back to her alma mater and consistently shares her time, talent, and treasures with IUPUC.