Danhauer receives 2025-26 USI Alumni Service Award

Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI named Bridgitte Danhauer as the 2025-26 Alumni Service Award recipient on Saturday, January 31 in a special recognition ceremony in Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.

The Alumni Service Award is presented to an alumnus who demonstrates extraordinary service to USI and is selected by the USI Alumni Council.

Danhauer earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and professional services in 2008 from USI. She currently serves as the Director of Client Service at Pettinga Financial Advisors in Evansville.

Danhauer has served on the Romain College of Business Accounting Circle since 2018, leading as Chair from 2022-24. Prior to her appointment, she was a member of the Accounting Circle Young Professionals. She remains committed to advancing student success, regularly participating in the Accountants in the Classroom program.

Additionally, Danhauer volunteers as a guest speaker for many USI student organizations, including Accounting and Professional Services Club, Beta Alpha Psi and the Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter. She regularly attends Extravaganza, an annual networking dinner that connects students with community professionals—many of whom are business alumni—while helping them build their networks and learn about career opportunities in the field of accounting.

Danhauer was instrumental in launching and coordinating the Romain College of Business’ USI High School Business Day, which has grown to bring record numbers of high schoolers to the USI campus. She continues to be part of the High School Business Day Organizing Committee, and her impeccable attention to detail ensures the day runs smoothly with many high schoolers, teachers, parents and volunteers in attendance.

In her free time, Danhauer volunteers with Scouting America’s (formerly Boy Scouts of America) Merit Badge University, held annually on the USI campus. She has been a member of the Merit Badge Committee since 2019 and has taught the Personal Management course associated with the program. The course is one of 14 required badges for earning Eagle Scout rank. In 2025, USI added the American Business Merit Badge course to its curriculum.

Danhauer’s nominator writes, “Bridgitte was instrumental in coordinating the planning and implementation for both classes with Merit Badge University. This program, which brings hundreds of people onto campus, not only showcases USI and the Romain College of Business, but the engagement and immediate impact our business graduates have in the community.”

Rileigh Holman, President of USI Alumni Council, remarked at the ceremony, “Bridgitte’s leadership is rooted in service, integrity and impact, making her an exceptional choice for this award. We are thankful for the meaningful contributions she makes to the University of Southern Indiana.”

For more information about the USI Alumni Service Award, visit USI.edu/alumni or contact Maggie Carnahan, Director of Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI, at macarnahan@usi.edu.