Purdue’s Mark Lundstrom receives Sagamore of the Wabash from Gov. Holcomb

Mark Lundstrom, Purdue University’s chief semiconductor officer, on Wednesday (Oct. 2) was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of the state’s highest honors, by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb in recognition of his contributions to the semiconductor industry.

Lundstrom was nominated for the prestigious award by Purdue President Mung Chiang, who highlighted Lundstrom’s impact on the state and nation as the first university-appointed chief semiconductor officer.

Lundstrom is the Don and Carol Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. From 2021-22, Lundstrom served as principal advisor on microelectronics to the executive vice president for strategic initiatives. In 2023, Chiang appointed him a special advisor to the president and chief semiconductor officer, a role in which he has been instrumental in establishing the university as a frontrunner in semiconductor education.

Chiang’s nomination applauded Lundstrom’s leadership in connecting Purdue’s research and success in the semiconductor industry with the state, resulting in a robust economic development trajectory that offers future opportunities for Indiana’s and the nation’s workforce.

Lundstrom was named the acting dean of the College of Engineering during 2020 and interim dean during the 2022-23 academic year. 

The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates, who served from 1945-49. The term “sagamore” was used by the tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to Indiana or the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and citizens who have contributed greatly to the Hoosier heritage.