Trine honors Kathy Eikenberry as Woman of Distinction

Trine University honored Kathy Eikenberry, known along with her husband Mike for her service and philanthropy throughout the Greater Fort Wayne area, with its annual Woman of Distinction Award during the university’s annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 3.

The event was held in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center.

Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president, presented the award.

“Kathy and Mike have been true, dedicated, loyal friends of Trine University for many years now, where Mike has served as a member of the board since 2014 and serves on both the Audit/Finance and Advancement/Campaign committees,” Dr. Brooks said. “Their connections and advocacy for Trine have resulted in millions of dollars for the university through their work and advocacy with multiple organizations throughout Northeast Indiana.”

About Kathy Eikenberry

Through service and philanthropy, Kathy Eikenberry has positively impacted many charitable organizations in the Greater Fort Wayne area, both on her own and in partnership with her husband, Mike, a member of Trine University’s Board of Trustees. 

Kathy raised three children while working for the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches in Fort Wayne, overseeing the fellowship’s international missions and serving as educational director, where she worked with curriculum for camps and Sunday School. She also managed  a three-day annual convention with an average of 2,000, attendees which included bringing missionary families in from various countries and securing housing and food.

She served as executive manager at her local church in Fort Wayne, where she supported a new building project. She also led the women’s ministry.

She became director of development for Hope’s Harbor, which provides hospitality for families with children receiving medical care. One of the rooms within Hope’s Harbor is named in memory of her sister. As director of development, she led major fundraising efforts, including the Treasure Chest for Hope event.

She served as executive director of the Mad Anthonys Foundation. In that role she organized two major events, the Red Coat Gala and the Pro-Am Golf Tournament, with duties that included developing marketing and web content as well as preparation for the events.

Kathy also has served on the boards of the Early Childhood Alliance, Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN), The Carriage House and Youth for Christ. In addition, she worked to collect food and supplies for the YWCA to provide shelter management.

Feeling very strongly that their marriage is a partnership, Kathy has attended every dinner and event that Mike has been part of, including events like the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Driving Experience, which has grown from 10 drivers to more than 50.

She also hosted parties for PNC Bank employees and customers in their home for many years.