Donna Vandergraff and Lisa Taylor Crane receive Distinguished Service Awards from Purdue College of Health and Human Sciences

Two key partners of the Indiana CTSI’s Community Health Partnerships program are being honored by Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) for their long-standing leadership and community impact. Donna Vandergraff and Lisa Taylor Crane received the Distinguished Service Award as part of the 2026 HHS Alumni Awards.

Donna Vandergraff, of West Lafayette, serves as an extension specialist and Community Health Partnerships liaison within Purdue University’s Department of Nutrition Science. Her work has focused on strengthening community-based health initiatives and fostering collaboration between academic research and public health practices across Indiana. Vandergraff’s career reflects a sustained commitment to improving population health through service, education, and partnership building.

Lisa Taylor Crane, of Hope, Indiana, is a retired director of the Columbus Regional Health Healthy Communities Initiative and active member of the Community Health Partnerships Advisory Board. During her career, Crane has led efforts to improve community well-being through preventative health strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and programs aimed at long-term quality-of-life improvements. Her leadership has had a lasting influence on public health initiatives in southern Indiana.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional community leadership and whose work has significantly enhanced the lives of individuals and communities. Vandergraff and Crane were formally honored at the HHS Alumni Awards Ceremony on March 27, 2026, at Purdue University.

You can learn more and view the other awardees on the Purdue University 2026 Alumni Awards page.