Daniels recognizes Ken Sandel with One Brick Higher Award

(From left) President Mitch Daniels; Ken Sandel, One Brick Higher Award recipient; Suresh Garimella; and Jim Almond. (Purdue University photo/Alex Kumar) Download image

President Mitch Daniels honored Ken Sandel with the One Brick Higher Award on Wednesday (Oct. 11).

The One Brick Higher Award is a special recognition given to Purdue faculty, staff and students who go beyond the requirements of their role and, through extraordinary effort, improve the lives of those around them, increase the effectiveness of the workplace or prevent or solve problems.

“For his deep commitment, competence and dedication to the University and its programs, Ken Sandel exemplifies what it means to build Purdue ‘one brick higher,’” Daniels said. 

Sandel, who serves as senior director of sponsored program services, provides leadership and sets the direction for the University’s sponsored programs function by ensuring effective and timely research support for faculty, staff, students and external partners. In this position, he has worked closely and collaboratively with Suresh Garimella, executive vice president for research and partnerships, on proposals, pre- and post-award management, contract negotiation and more.  

“Ken Sandel was instrumental in our landing the Microsoft grant, and with his help we closed on our largest-ever industry grant at $52 million with Eli Lilly,” Garimella said. “These are projects that have necessitated our collaboration and personal handling, and he has come through with flying colors.”  

Jim Almond, senior vice president for business services and assistant treasurer, also works closely with Sandel on business support functions for Sponsored Program Services.

“Ken’s collaborative leadership, strong relationship building skills, and knowledge of Purdue University have helped grow the University’s sponsored program funding and has no doubt made a positive impact on the University,” Almond said.