The Unsung Hero award is given to a PFSB member who has demonstrated loyalty, outstanding service, and unselfish devotion to PFSB and Purdue University. In 1997, the award was renamed the Julie A. Swengel Unsung Hero Award in memory of Miss Julie Swengel, who died in a tragic accident in the fall of 1997. Award recipients are selected by PFSB members and select University Development staff.

Julie A. Swengel Unsung Hero Award Winners
Elaine Holstine (1984–85)
James Kuester (1985–86)
Cherie Zahn (1986–87)
Dawn Ritchie (1987–88)
Karalyn Carmichael (1988–89)
Ellen Cox (1988–89)
Jim Dimitri (1989–90)
Danielle Orr (1990–91)
Julie Eddleman (1991–92)
Andy Nelson (1992-93)
Kimberly LeBeau (1993–94)
Curt Kendall (1993–94)
Arrie McElyea (1994–95)
Wendy Tinkle (1995–96)
Bari Watkins (1995–96)
David Blind (1996–97)
Lindsay Crowder (1997–98)
Suzann Martin (1998–99)
Jason Duncan (1999–2000)
Rhea Ricker (2000–01)
Abi Kite (2001–02)
Amy Kilmer (2002–03)
Adam Schmeltz & Scott Nipple (2003–04)
Jeff Demerly & Annette Lamb (2004-05)
Joel Hartman (2005-06)
Arjun Ishwar (2006-07)
Laura Kightlinger (2007-08)