News Release

FORT WAYNE — On Thursday, Sept. 21, community leaders Mike Packnett, Earl Brooks II and Chris Rupp are being honored at the Junior Achievement Business and Education Leadership celebration recognizing community leaders. The awards ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Mike Packnett, former chief executive officer of Parkview Health, and Earl D. Brooks II, recently retired president of Trine University, will be inducted into the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 1984 as a testament to the free enterprise system and to men and women with character and leadership qualities.

The Ove Jorgensen Spirit of Leadership Award, honoring those dedicated to community and supporting positive futures for young people, will be presented to certified public accountant Chris Rupp, senior accountant with DWD CPAs & Advisors.

“Each of these honorees, and others who walked this path before them, offer young people positive examples of success in the free enterprise system,” says Lena Yarian, president of Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana. “And during the 2022-2023 school year, community leaders like them made it possible for JA to achieve a reach of nearly 185,000 student interactions that delivered the experiential learning that excites and inspires students.”

For more information, contact Yarian at (260) 484-2543.