Putnam native earns Career Award from Rose-Hulman Institute

Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Neil Irwin
Courtesy photo

TERRE HAUTE – Putnam County native R. Neil Irwin has received the Career Achievement Award from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s alumni association for his career achievements, along with service to Rose-Hulman and his community.

Born and raised in Putnam County, Irwin was graduated from Fillmore High School in 1959.

He and his wife, Michele, a 1963 Greencastle High School graduate, continue to spend time on a family farm in the county, along with a residence in Phoenix, Ariz.

Irwin earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rose Polytechnic Institute in 1963. While a student, he played varsity basketball, was president of the athletic Letterman’s Club and was vice president of the senior class. He would later receive a law degree from Indiana University and lead a successful 45-year law career in Phoenix.

In addition to his law services, Irwin co-founded the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, and chaired organizations such as the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board and Phoenix Valley of the Sun Visitors and Convention Bureau. He also served as finance chairman for a Phoenix bond election, and provided years of leadership service to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Arizona State University Downtown Campus Advisory Committee.

Irwin, who has received the Downtown Phoenix Visionary Award, was named one of the 25 most admired chief executive officers and top-level executives by the Phoenix Business Journal.

Irwin is now directing The Irwin Companies, focusing on areas of real estate, farming and consulting.

He has been named an alumni fellow of the Indiana University Mauer School of Law, the school’s highest alumni recognition.

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