This year’s honorees represent outstanding contributions to public education in Evansville and a lasting impact on our community.
The EVSC Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 inductees into the EVSC Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and have made a meaningful impact on public education in our community. Honorees include EVSC alumni, retired educators, and community members who have influenced the lives of many and demonstrated a commitment to service and educational excellence, making a lasting difference in the Evansville community. The 2025 inductees are:
Sally Becker
Sally Becker, a proud graduate of Bosse High School, has dedicated decades to advancing public education in Evansville, both as an EVSC Board of School Trustees member from 2006 to 2013 and through her earlier service with the Public Education Foundation. Known for her leadership and vision, she championed family engagement, co-authoring the district’s Parental Engagement policy and helping establish the Director of Parent Engagement role. Sally’s advocacy extended to initiatives like CYPRESS, which promotes respect, tolerance, and access to challenging historical content in schools. Her approach of meeting families where they are, whether in coffee shops or community spaces, built trust and empowered parents to support their children’s success. She continues to support Bosse High School and remains a strong advocate for students, families, and public education.
Dr. Steven Becker
Dr. Steven Becker has been a driving force in expanding medical education opportunities in Evansville and the surrounding region. As Associate Dean and Director of the Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville, and Koch Professor of Medicine, he has led the school since 2011 and oversaw its successful relocation to a new state-of-the-art downtown campus. A practicing radiologist since 1986, Dr. Becker has taught medical students at IUSM–Evansville since 2001 and continues to mentor the next generation of physicians. His leadership extends beyond the classroom through his role as founding chairman of the Southern Indiana Graduate Medical Education Consortium and as a member of the Indiana Graduate Medical Education Board. Dr. Becker’s work has strengthened both healthcare and educational resources in the community, creating opportunities for students and improving access to care for the region.
Richard and Rita Eykamp
Richard and Rita Eykamp have devoted their lives to strengthening Evansville through leadership, philanthropy, and education. Richard, a Bosse High School graduate with a degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University, joined his father at Mid-States Rubber Products in 1960 and helped transform the company into a global supplier for automotive and appliance industries. He served on numerous civic and corporate boards and has earned widespread recognition for his leadership and community contributions. Rita, a Mater Dei and University of Evansville graduate and former EVSC teacher, became a catalyst for arts and culture in Evansville, leading campaigns for the Victory Theatre and the Evansville Museum and serving as the first female chair of the UE Board of Trustees. Together, they support the Eykamp String Quartet, artists-in-residence at the University of Evansville and featured performers with the Evansville Philharmonic, who mentor student musicians, enrich campus performances, and inspire young artists across the region. Their legacy endures in landmarks such as Eykamp Hall, the Scout Center, and the Eykamp Prize, all reflecting their commitment to education and the arts.
Mayor Stephanie Terry
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, a lifelong resident of the city she is proud to lead, is a graduate of Bosse High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Kentucky State University and a Master of Science in health service administration from the University of Evansville. Mayor Terry spent four years as the first Deputy Director of Carver Community Organization before serving 13 years as Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Evansville, where she expanded programs, strengthened partnerships, and led major capital campaigns. In 2023, she made history as Evansville’s first female and first African American mayor, placing education and youth engagement at the heart of her administration by reestablishing the Mayor’s Education Roundtable, creating the Youth Advisory Council, and remaining actively involved with local EVSC schools, including Bosse and Glenwood. Her lifelong commitment to students, public education, and community progress has left a lasting mark on the city she calls home.
Terry Yunker
The late Terry Yunker is being inducted posthumously into the EVSC Hall of Fame in recognition of more than four decades of service as a teacher, coach, and principal. A graduate of North High School and the University of Evansville, he began his career teaching physical education at Harper Elementary and coaching basketball and track before moving to Plaza Park Middle School and later serving as assistant principal at Perry Heights Middle School. In 1990, he became principal of Thompkins Middle School, where for 19 years he was known for learning every student’s name, supporting staff both personally and professionally, and creating a culture of care and high expectations. His commitment to youth extended beyond the school year, from summers at Camp Carson to securing scholarships for YMCA campers, and he was instrumental in bringing a new gym to Thompkins. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students, educators, and families whose lives he touched.
2025 Hall of Fame Celebration
The 2025 EVSC Hall of Fame event will take place Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Old National Events Plaza. The evening will feature a keynote address by Aaron Barrett, a Central High School alumnus, former Major League Baseball pitcher, and 2019 World Series Champion with the Washington Nationals. His inspiring comeback after multiple career-threatening injuries has made national headlines and cemented his place as a symbol of perseverance and grit. The evening will also include a celebratory dinner and recognition of the inductees. Tickets will go on sale September 22, 2025.