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Indiana Governor Mike Pence, ’86, presented Sidney Eskenazi and Lois Eskenazi each with the Sagamore of the Wabash at a special ceremony at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.

Sidney and Lois Eskenazi are recognized philanthropic leaders in Central Indiana. In 2011, the Indianapolis couple contributed one of the largest gifts ever made to a public hospital in the United States, when they contributed $40 million for a new hospital and medical campus now known as the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Eskenazi Health. The hospital and health campus opened in December 2013.

Sidney Eskenazi grew up in Indianapolis, attending Manual High School before graduating from Shortridge High School, and both he and Lois Eskenazi are Indiana University graduates. Lois Eskenazi earned a bachelor’s degree that enabled her to work as a medical and lab technician. Sidney Eskenazi began his legal studies at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of law, and ultimately completed his juris doctorate at the IU Maurer School of Law. He established a successful real estate development company, Sandor Development Company, in 1963 and has built it into one of the nation’s leaders, with over 170 properties under management in 25 states. Sidney Eskenazi, founder and CEO of Sandor, continues to manage operations, along with his son, David Eskenazi, president at the Indianapolis office. Sidney Eskenazi named Sandor after his daughters, Sandy and Dori.

Sidney and Lois Eskenazi learned early the importance of philanthropy. After the example set by Sidney’s father and uncle, Sidney made giving back a priority. After a successful business transaction in 1970, Sidney established a scholarship fund at IU. Years later, IU presented Sidney and Lois with an opportunity to support the arts and art students by giving to the Indiana University Herron School of Art and Design. Today, the Herron School’s Eskenazi Hall honors that gift.

The Sagamore of the Wabash is one of the state’s highest individual recognitions. The term "sagamore" was used by the Native Americans in the northeastern United States to describe a great man-or woman-among the tribe to whom the chief would look for wisdom, guidance and advice. Similarly, the Sagamore of the Wabash is given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state and contributed greatly to Hoosiers statewide.