President Daniel J. Elsener | Marian University website

Fred Glass, president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank, was inducted into the Marian University 2024 Clayton Family Circle of Honor. Ted Karras Jr., Marian University’s head football coach, was recognized with the university’s Wall of Fame award at the 2024 Clayton Family Circle of Honor ceremony on April 24.

Hosted by Indianapolis Recorder Senior Multi-Media Reporter Jade Jackson, the 15th annual Clayton Family Circle of Honor took place at the Marian University Arena and Conference Center with over 600 guests in attendance.

During the event, Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener announced $5 million in new gifts and pledges to support Marian University athletics and student-athletes as part of the Journey to 2030: Always Forward campaign.

Fred Glass was honored for his more than 30 years of service as a civic leader in Indianapolis and Indiana. His roles have included chief of staff to former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, president of the Marion County Capital Improvement Board, vice president and director of athletics at Indiana University, and now president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank. Glass is recognized for his commitment to student-athletes and shares Marian University's vision that athletics is a laboratory for leadership development.

Ted Karras Jr. received recognition as a 2024 Wall of Fame Inductee. The award honors individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to Marian University both on and off the field. Karras Jr., who started Marian University's football program in 2006, led it to a NAIA national championship in 2012 before returning as head coach in 2022. He has been instrumental in building Marian's athletic brand around winning culture, academic excellence, and leadership development.

The annual award dinner celebrates Marian University athletics and honors those inducted into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor. Several student-athletes were also recognized for their accomplishments:

Track and Field:

- Arriana Benjamin: 2023 NAIA All-American Honors in weight throw, discus throw, shot put; All-Crossroads League honors.

- Jacob Netral: 2024 NAIA National Champion in shot put; multiple NAIA All-American Honors.

- Isaiah Tipping: Qualified for various NAIA events; six-time All-Crossroads League Outdoors recipient.

Cycling:

- The team won its 24th Track National Championship (fall 2023) and its eighth BMX National Championship (spring 2024).

- Individual titles were won by Stephanie Lawrence, Liz Stevenson, Claire Kudlata, Amir Danel, Luke Arens, Fred Meredith, Jonah Hover, Sean Azcui, Carter Kasianowicz.

- Cameron Wing and Violet Cejalvo won Male and Female Individual Championship titles.

- Lizzy Gunsalus won the Elite U23 National Championship at the Cyclocross National Championship (2023).

Three student-athletes served as speakers at the event:

- Katherine (Katie Jo) Hirsch (women’s lacrosse goalkeeper).

Students leading prayers during the ceremony:

- Taylor Thomas (track & field).

- Adarius Reese (bowling).

“The Clayton Family Circle of Honor stands as a testament to the Clayton Family’s unflagging commitment to quality education illumined by the light of faith and the role athletics plays in advancing their commitment,” said Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener. “Marian University’s past, present and future partnership with alumni and friends provides championship athletics programs that effectively foster character, leadership, and academic achievements.”