HCLA Honors Distinguished Alumna

01/04/2012

past news

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy Alumni Association bestowed its 11th annual distinguished Alumna Award to Ellen M. Rosenthal, a 2004 graduate of the program, at its Holiday Luncheon on December 8. The award was established to recognize graduates who have realized the ideals of the Academy experience—to utilize their time, talents and energy to make a positive contribution to the community.

For the past decade, Rosenthal has pursued a special interest in museum learning and visitor behavior. During her tenure as president and CEO, Rosenthal has led Conner Prairie through the transformation from a living history museum to an interactive, guest-centric history park. She also guided the creation of the award-winning “Opening Doors to Great Guest Experiences,” a training DVD-CD ROM now used by more than 1,200 museums worldwide, impacting an estimated 26 million guests. Most recently, Conner Prairie was one of five national museums awarded the 2010 Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal presented by First Lady Michelle Obama at a White House ceremony.

Since becoming president of Conner Prairie, attendance (excluding school groups) has risen 122% and Conner Prairie became Indiana's only Affiliate of Smithsonian Institution. Under Rosenthal’s direction, Conner Prairie was named the country's magnetic museum for vibrancy and positive growth by American Association of Museum researchers. She serves as chair of the Fishers Economic and Community Development Commission, co-chair of the Indianapolis Cultural Consortium, and is a member of the board of the Institute for Learning Innovation, Annapolis, Md., and the editorial board of the Indiana Magazine of History.

[Ellen’s complete bio is attached]

“It is a great honor to be recognized by HCLA, an organization that has contributed so much to my growth as an informed and involved member of the Hamilton County community,” stated Ellen Rosenthal, President and CEO of Conner Prairie Interactive History Park.

Past recipients of this award are: Beth Gehlhausen, Jill Meisenheimer, Susan Foellenger, Susan Jennings, Sharon Smith, Kim Bradley, Alan Hinds, Christi Wolf, Julia Kozicki and Michelle Corrao.

The Leadership Academy also presented two special awards at this year’s program. County Commissioner Steve Holt and Board Member Bruce Breeden were also recognized as Distinguished Service Award winners for their service and contributions to the Hamilton County Leadership Academy. Commissioner Holt has supported the leadership academy throughout his tenure as a county commissioner and Breeden served as the first non-graduate board member for the last six years. He has also served as a speaker for the program.