Duane Chattin, a retired VU staff member and former Vincennes city councilman, will be honored next month with the Vincennes University Alumni Association’s 2024 Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service.
Since retirement, Chattin has remained connected to the university through the VU Foundation and Alumni Association, according to a press release issued by the university Monday.
“His support of Blazers Give Day has been steadfast,” the release states. “Chattin is a highly respected and easily approachable ambassador of VU. He is always willing to share his excitement with the next generation of Trailblazers.”
Chattin has held numerous leadership roles and committee appointments with organizations such as the Vincennes City Council, Vincennes Township Advisory Board, Transportation Committee for Advancing Indiana Municipalities, Vincennes Civitan Club, Humane Society, United Way, Jaycees, Leadership Knox County and the Knox County Development Corporation.
Chattin has long been a well-known figure across the VU community. He started at VU in 1983 and worked for the university for 35 years. Chattin last served as the Director of Public Information before retiring in 2018. Chattin rarely missed a university event and was rarely seen across campus without a camera in hand. He was a campus leader through roles on the President’s Advisory Committee, Professional Staff Congress, and numerous other committees. He always strived to connect VU and the community that it serves, the release states.
The Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service is named for former VU President Walter A. Davis. He spent his career dedicated to educational opportunities and community development in many roles, including K-12 educator and school administrator; a superintendent of schools in Bicknell and later in Covington; through the Army, where he was able to create schools for service members and veterans; and finally at VU where after spending two short years, his leadership was recognized by the Board of Trustees and he was appointed the president of VU, a post he held for 25 years.
Recipients of the honored award are selected by a committee representing the VU Alumni Association, VU Board of Trustees, VU Foundation, Vincennes community and a past recipient.
The Vincennes University Alumni Association will host an event on Sept. 14, to honor Chattin with the award.
Members of the VU Foundation and Alumni Office, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, and the family and friends of Chattin will present the citation in the Green Activities Center, 120 W. Harrison St., on the Vincennes Campus.
The Davis Citation has been presented yearly since 1952. It is awarded annually to a VU alumnus or a resident of the greater VU Community and recognizes civic leadership and contributions in addition to professional achievements. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and refreshments to follow.
To reserve Walter A. Davis Service Award Dinner tickets, please complete the registration form at vinu.edu/davis-dinner. Tickets are available through Sept. 6.
For those wishing to congratulate Chattin with cards, letters, and personal stories, please drop them off at the VU Foundation, located at 1109 N. 3rd St., or mail them to the VU Alumni Association, 1002 N. First St., Vincennes, IN, 47591.
For more information or questions, contact Director of Alumni Engagement Aaron Selby at 812-888-5332 or [email protected].
