STATEHOUSE (Aug. 12, 2025) – State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Michael and Nancy Uslan, for their decades of service, philanthropy and contribution to the arts.
Michael, a triple graduate from Indiana University, created and taught the world's first accredited college course on comic books at IU in 1971, which drew national media attention and led to opportunities with DC Comics and Marvel. In 1979, Michael acquired the film rights to Batman and has served as executive producer on every Warner Bros. Batman film since 1989, including all major live-action and animated features.
After years of working in media production Michael earned a Daytime Emmy Award in 1995 for "Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?" along with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Inkpot Award and an honorary doctorate from Monmouth University.
Today, Michael continues to share his expertise as a professor of practice at IU's Media School and has donated his 30,000-comic collection to IU's Lilly Library, giving students access to hands-on resources for learning about comic book creation.
Nancy has supported IU through her leadership, philanthropy and volunteer work. She made contributions to IU Southeast and helped IU's School of Nursing by funding scholarships that advance the education of students enrolled in nursing and health care fields. As an active volunteer and donor, Nancy was inducted into the university's Presidents Circle for her work and donations.
She also helped establish IU's Books and Beyond program, which provides books to the Kabwende Primary School in Rwanda along with a cultural exchange program between U.S. elementary school students and Rwandan students. Since its creation in the mid-2000s, more than 20,000 copies of "The World Is Our Home" has been distributed, which is a collection of stories co-authored and illustrated by students in Rwanda and Bloomington.
Through IU's school of Education, the program has expanded to include a three-week literacy camp for Kabwende students, teacher trainings and a playground installation for the Kabwende School.
"Michael and Nancy's dedication, generosity and accomplishments have encouraged Hoosier students to explore career paths in the arts and health care related fields," Carbaugh said. "They go above and beyond to help people both in our community and around the world. They embody the spirit the Sagamore of the Wabash represents, and I'm honored to present them with the state's highest award."
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) (right) presents a Sagamore of the Wabash to Michael Uslan (left) and Nancy Uslan (center) on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
