JA Dubois County Inducts New Laureates into Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana announced the induction of two new Laureates into its 10 th Business Hall of Fame class at a press conference held on Thursday morning at the Dubois County Museum. 

The JA celebrates its 50 th anniversary this year in Dubois County. Junior Achievement Chair Matthew Weyer noted that “The Business Hall of Fame was created not only to honor and recognize these businessmen as visionaries, but also to support our future generations. JA’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy through financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship.” All 4 school corporations in Dubois County have a Junior Achievement program, and last year JA programming was provided to over half of Dubois County students. 

The President of Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation, Christian Blome, was on hand to announce the 2025 Junior Achievement Hall of Fame honorees. Blome served as facilitator for this year’s selection committee, which was hosted by Vincennes University. While many strong candidates were considered, Laureate Sue Ellspermann and Historical Laureate H.E. (Herb) Thyen were selected for induction into this year’s Hall of Fame. Blome said, “We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to these leaders for their generous philanthropy, tremendous efforts in the community and for the overall excellence in their character, in the way they conduct their business, and the way they conduct themselves.” 

Marcia Forston, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana was also present at the announcement. She said of the new inductees, “While they’ve had a huge impact on Dubois County, their impact is even broader than that. It is a regional impact…Just being able to show students and young people the opportunity that they have to be the next generation of leaders is quite an honor for us.” 

The induction ceremony will be held at the Huntingburg Event Center at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 1. The event, which will celebrate the new Laureates, will also raise funds for YA programs in Dubois County. The ceremony will be open to the public with the purchase of individual tickets or sponsorships. 

For more information on the Junior Achievement organization, its volunteer opportunities, or educational resources, visit swindiana.ja.org. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring