Kirk A. Root

Kirk A. Root, chief auditing executive with Skyline Corp., recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University South Bend. The award was presented at commencement exercises on May 6.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to an alumnus or alumna who has achieved success in their chosen field as well as contributing to the university.

Root, a resident of Elkhart, has worked for Skyline for 35 years. He received his master's of science in business administration from IU South Bend in 1984 and his master's in business administration in 1989. He also has an undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University.

He has been active in the IU South Bend Alumni Association serving as president and board member. He also served on the scholarship committee and as an organizer for the creation of a scholarship fund for student athletes.

Root was a member of the IU Alumni Association Executive Council from 1995 to 1998, and Hoosiers for Higher Education since its inception. He was in the first class of recipients of the IUAA President’s Award for exceptional volunteerism.

Outside the university, he is active in community events. He is a past president of the Elkhart County Shrine Club and Junior Achievement of Elkhart County. He has served on the board of the United Way of Elkhart County, and he is the treasurer and a board member for the Elkhart Centre. He also helps organize the Elkhart Jazz Festival, which the Elkhart Centre produces each summer, and other events.