IBJ is partnering with the NCAA and the Indiana Sports Corp. to recognize 10 community leaders with Be Better Awards—a nod to the late Jim Morris, a longtime business and civic leader—during the 2026 Men’s Final Four in April.
We encourage you to read these instructions fully before linking to the nomination form. But if you’d like, you can jump there by clicking here.
The awards will recognize individuals in central Indiana who embrace Jim’s authentic dedication to faith, family, friends, community and vocation. Businesses and nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate a single candidate (one per organization). Editors and leaders at IBJ Media—which publishes IBJ, The Indiana Lawyer and Inside INdiana Business—will choose 10 winners, who will be recognized by the NCAA during the Final Four on April 4-6 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Morris, who died in 2024, continually challenged himself and those around him to “be better.”
He was an architect of efforts to bring the NCAA’s headquarters to Indianapolis in 1999, attracting the organization from its longtime home of Kansas City, Missouri. He helped usher in Unigov during his six years as chief of staff for then-Mayor Richard Lugar from 1967 to 1973. He was instrumental in creating the former IUPUI, developing Market Square Arena and establishing Indiana Sports Corp. He also served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc., where he earmarked $25 million to help build the Hoosier Dome and raised funds for projects including the Indianapolis Zoo.
From 1989 to 2002, Morris was chair and CEO of Indianapolis Water Co./IWC Resources. And from 2002 to 2005, he served as executive director of the World Food Programme.
He spent his last 17 years with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, including 10 as vice chair starting in 2014. He was also twice the chair of the Indiana University board of trustees, serving on and off for several decades until 2023.
Watch this video created in 2024 to learn more about Jim Morris.
Organizations are invited to nominate individuals from across industry sectors—including law, health care, education, real estate, hospitality, manufacturing and more. We are looking for people who are going above and beyond to make central Indiana a better place to live and work.
Please review the nomination form before you get started. You won’t be able to save and come back to your work.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who live in central Indiana and are nominated by a company or nonprofit organization.
Who are we looking for?
Leaders who embrace Jim’s authentic dedication to faith, family, friends, community and vocation. Please note, nominees must be available for interviews and photos if they are chosen. IBJ reserves the right to rescind an award if the honoree is not available for interviews and photos before the deadline for the print publication.
What makes a good nomination?
Specific examples of community impact are very helpful. We need to know what your nominee has done or accomplished that sets him or her apart from others. We encourage letters of recommendation, which should also include specific examples and that make clear the writer has had personal experiences with the nominee.
How do I submit a nomination?
You must use our form to submit a nomination.
What do I need to submit a nomination?
You should have the following ready to go when you start filling out the nomination form:
- The nominee’s full name, mobile number, email address, current job position and company information.
- A description of why the nominee should be considered for a Be Better Award.
- Examples of community service and/or impact.
- Up to three letters of recommendation submitted as PDFs. You do NOT need letters, but letters do carry weight with judges. This is the only opportunity to add letters to your nomination form. Letters submitted separately will NOT be considered.
- Any other materials such as a resume or supporting information (not including letters of recommendation) collected into one PDF.
What is the deadline?
Nominations will close end of day Jan. 30, 2026.
Can I email or mail my nomination?
Nominations sent by email, fax and postal mail will not be accepted. No follow-up calls, please. Letters should be uploaded and submitted with the nomination.
Can I save my nomination form and come back to it?
No. Once you start the form, you must complete it or start over another time.
When will winners be honored?
During the NCAA Final Four weekend in Indianapolis, which kicks off on April 4. Profiles of the winners will also be included in a special publication in IBJ.
Will I be notified if I am nominated for an award?
You will only be notified if you are chosen or if we need to gather additional information.
Will I be notified if the person I nominate is chosen?
Nominators will be CCed on notification emails to selected honorees. If your nominee is not chosen, you will receive an email saying so only after all honorees have been notified. IBJ will not notify nominees who weren’t chosen.
What if I have additional questions?
You may contact Managing Editor Samm Quinn at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.