Hundreds of Hoosiers gathered in Indianapolis to celebrate Mike Braun ’76 being sworn into office as Indiana’s 52nd governor.
Braun took the oath of office January 13 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre alongside his family, former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, and other politicians and public servants.
He reflected on the “risk-takers and trailblazers” who built Indiana and pledged to lead Hoosiers as the state continues to face challenges including the cost of health care and the economy—some issues Braun focused on during his gubernatorial campaign.
“In the face of any challenge, Hoosiers have stepped up to take our state to unprecedented heights and we’re not going to stop doing it,” Braun said. “Today, we face a new crossroads. We find ourselves seeking the same freedom and opportunity for which our ancestors journeyed here. And this time, we don’t have to travel far to achieve it.
“I am committed to be a governor of not just words, but action, as we create a prosperous future for all Hoosiers,” Braun concluded his inaugural address. “It will take teamwork. It will take partnership. It will take collaboration. This is why we should all feel a spirit of optimism. Now it’s time to get to work.”
A businessman from Jasper, Indiana, Braun is the founder and CEO of Meyer Distributing and owner of Meyer Logistics. He previously served in the U.S. Senate and represented District 63 in the Indiana House of Representatives. He was also a member of the Greater Jasper School Board.
Braun earned a bachelor’s degree majoring in economics from Wabash College in 1976 and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1978. While at Wabash, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Student Senate, Phi Delta Theta, and the track and field team.
The inauguration ceremony was also a special occasion for Wabash’s Glee Club who performed the national anthem.
“It was a very exciting opportunity,” said Choral Director Juan Hernandez. “I am very proud of the performance our students gave and how they represented Wabash College at such an important event for Indiana.”
Marco Garcia ’28 was surprised when Hernandez first informed the group that Braun had requested the Glee Club to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at his inauguration.
“It felt surreal to be on stage with Governor Braun,” Garcia said. “This experience is a testament to how Wabash alumni continue to support and give back to the College by creating meaningful opportunities for current students.”
Jake Weber ’25 said performing the national anthem is something the Glee Club is used to, but performing it at the gubernatorial inauguration raised the stakes for the ensemble.
“Those of us not already on campus for comps came back from our breaks a week early to rehearse and perform for the Governor,” Weber said. “The actual event was like none other the Glee Club has performed at. The Hilbert Theatre is such a phenomenal venue, and performing in the same space as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was an amazing opportunity.
“As the only four-year member of the Glee Club, I’ve seen the exponential growth that the Glee Club has undergone this year,” he continued. “I know the Glee Club can be very proud of how we represented Wabash College to many of the top officials in the state.”
Henry Chilcoat ’27 said many attendees congratulated and thanked the 12 Glee Club members for such a great performance.
“I couldn’t count how people came up to us with compliments,” Chilcoat said. “I felt honored to represent Wabash this way. The event demonstrates how important the College is to the state of Indiana and reinforces how foundational the Glee Club and its rich history are to Wabash.”
In addition to Braun, Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush administered the oaths of office for Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith and Attorney General Todd Rokita ’92.