Executive Director of the University of Indianapolis Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning David Dresslar received one of the highest honors from the Mayor’s Office.
When Dresslar was gathered with friends at his house on Nov. 5, Mayor Greg Ballard stopped by Dresslar’s house and gave him a big surprise: a plaque declaring Nov. 5 to be “David Dresslar Day.”
“It was a pleasant surprise when the mayor stopped by and gave me the proclamation,” Dresslar said.
Communications Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office Emily Garrett said proclamations are meant to honor hard-working citizens of the community, such as Dresslar.
“He [Dresslar] has been a really great partner for the Mayor’s Office. One of the big reasons why the mayor wanted to recognize him is that he [the mayor] appreciates all the work that Dresslar has done for education in the city, ”Garrett said. “He’s a partner they really value, and they wanted to honor him this way.”
Dresslar has been in the education field for nearly 40 years. He began his career as a science teacher in Lawrence Township schools in the 1970s. Then he was promoted up to administration. Dresslar took a superintendent position in Grand Rapids, Mich., which he held from 1986 to 2003. Once Dresslar retired, he discovered the position at UIndy in 2004. He is currently the executive director of CELL.
According to Dresslar, CELL provides assistance to schools throughout the state of Indiana to improve student academic success. CELL works with school administration to enhance the education of students so that they are prepared for their post-secondary education.
“The work with [the] CELL program and the Mayor’s Office has been a team effort and a representation of CELL’s work over the years,” Dresslar said. “All the work I have done has been a group effort, and not just my own work.”
Dresslar is currently battling leukemia and will receive a bone marrow transplant. While he is on medical leave, CELL’s assistant executive director, Janet Boyle, will be the acting executive director.
