2026 ViVA Award Winners Announced

2026 ViVA Award Winners Announced2026 ViVA award honorees are pictured. Photo by Matt Howell.

By Muncie Rotary Club—

MUNCIE, IN— On April 14, 2026, Westminster Village was filled with gratitude and admiration as the community came together to celebrate the exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in Delaware County. The annual ViVA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon, a cherished tradition since its inception in 1993 by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club, in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, once again shone a spotlight on the selfless efforts of volunteers who embody the spirit of service.

The ViVA Awards serve as a beacon of appreciation for those who generously give their time, talent, and resources to uplift others and enrich the fabric of our community.

Vickie Armstrong Oliver, Ken Glaub, Dottie Kreps, and Beth Kroehler, were each honored with individual ViVA Awards, celebrating their tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to various causes across our community. Their passion and selflessness serve as an inspiration to us all, reflecting the true essence of volunteerism.

The 2026 ViVA Organizational Award was presented to the Muncie Central High School Alumni Association. Since 1995, the Muncie Central Alumni Association has served as a vital volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Muncie’s high school through extensive philanthropy and historical preservation. The Association has awarded over $76,000 in scholarships to seniors and nearly $39,000 in teacher grants, while funding diverse campus needs ranging from student assistance to the restoration of the school’s Abraham Lincoln statue. Beyond financial aid, the board maintains a public Memorabilia Room to preserve the school’s rich legacy, consistently fostering a positive, cooperative presence that bridges the gap between distinguished alumni and the current student body.

Additionally, the prestigious Edmund F. Ball Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Linda Gregory, honoring her lifelong dedication to service in our community and her influence on the betterment of those around her. Linda’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to continuous service and the transformative power of individual commitment.

The ViVA Awards luncheon was a poignant reminder of the extraordinary generosity and compassion that define Delaware County’s proud volunteer heritage. As we celebrate these remarkable individuals and organizations, we are reminded that it is through collective action and shared values that we truly make a difference in the lives of others.

About Rotary International

Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris and three business associates to “do good” in Chicago. Today, Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000 clubs work together to: promote peace; fight disease; eradicate polio; provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education; and grow local economies. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self” based on the foundation of our values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

Muncie Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at Noon at Minnetrista, 1200 North Minnetrista Parkway in Muncie, Indiana. Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club meets on Fridays at 7:00 A.M. at the Knights of Columbus, 3600 W. Purdue Avenue in Muncie, Indiana.