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STATEHOUSE (Dec. 11, 2024) – State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Anderson University President John S. Pistole at the York Performance Hall.
Pierce said Pistole has spent his career giving back to the Anderson community and the state of Indiana. Pistole is actively involved in community service, serving as president of Anderson University and working tirelessly to foster educational opportunities, promote local growth and strengthen the university's ties with the surrounding community.
"I am honored to have the privilege of awarding Dr. Pistole with the Sagamore of the Wabash, symbolizing a life of service and leadership in Indiana," Pierce said. "Dr. Pistole's dedication to our community and years of service exemplifies the values this award represents."
Pistole graduated from Anderson University in 1978 and earned his juris doctorate from Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He practiced law for two years before beginning a 26-year career with the FBI. Pistole was appointed to deputy directory in 2004, leading the bureau's counter-terrorism program after 9/11.
In 2010, Pistole was nominated by President Obama to serve as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. Pistole led a workforce of 60,000, the security operations of more than 450 airports throughout the U.S., the Federal Air Marshal Service and shared security for highways, railroads, ports, mass transit systems and pipelines. After serving over 4 years, Pistole remains the longest-serving administrator in TSA's history.
Pistole become Anderson University's fifth president in the Spring of 2015. During his leadership, the university has collected more than $7 million in grants.
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.
More information about Pistole and his career is available on Anderson University's website at https://anderson.edu/staff/john-s-pistole/.
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State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) represents House District 36,
which includes a portion of Madison County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) (left) presents Hoosier native and Anderson University President John S. Pistole (right) with the Sagamore of the Wabash on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the York Performance Hall.
