Each year the Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) Alumni Relations Office requests and receives nominations for the Distinguished Alumnus award. The award is in recognition of Alumni who have accomplished outstanding achievements in their field of endeavor and who have made significant contributions that benefit their community, state, nation, or IUPUC.

IUPUC alumna Julie McCawley has accomplished outstanding achievements in her career as a software specialist while significantly contributing to the Columbus Community and IUPUC.

In the 1970s, Julie was the co-director of the Video Action Center, which was then the public access channel for Columbus. In her role, she covered not-for-profit groups, and her efforts won national recognition. Additionally, she directed a program, which featured long-term Columbus residents who discussed the history of Bartholomew County.

An increased interest in computer science eventually led her to enroll at IUPUI Columbus, known today as IUPUC. While enrolled, she worked at ICDS, who installed the first computer system for the government of Bartholomew County. After her 1987 graduation, she advanced in the field of computer technology for several companies in Indianapolis.

In the year 2000, she began a career at Reams Asset Management in Columbus, and after 13 years with the company retired. Dave McKinney of Reams Asset Management remembers when Julie joined the IT department. He says, “At that time the department was in poor shape, our network was unreliable, and our systems environment was poor. Julie worked very hard to stabilize the environment, and at the same time developed a competent staff. The progress she made in a short period was remarkable. Her successes were recognized when Julie was promoted to Chief Information Officer.”

Dave shares that after hiring Julie the company experienced tremendous growth. “We added offices, developed significant remote access capabilities, and access client capabilities, however, this progress added significant stress to our systems. Julie was always up for the challenge. Her optimism was unfailing.”

In her role, she developed a Disaster Recovery Plan, was the on-site manager of remodeling and construction projects, and in the interest of employee health, organized an on-site yoga and exercise classes. Dave shares that even today he misses Julie’s enthusiasm, her sense of humor, and especially her laugh.

Her passion for historic preservation led her to co-found a local group titled, “Preserve to Enjoy.” Members have a passion towards preserving area historic homes. In the 1980s, the group successfully raised funds to restore two buildings completely and was successful in getting the Historic District of Columbus included in the National Register.

Julie continues this dedication with membership in today’s Historical Downtown Neighborhood Alliance. What began as an informal neighborhood watch group recently managed to remove an overlay that allowed homeowners to rent rooms and apartments without regard to building codes. The group's mission statement is reflective of Julie’s efforts to, “preserve, protect, promote and improve historical downtown Columbus Indiana.”

As a member of Tri Kappa, Julie assisted in organizing the first children’s art show at The Commons. This effort corresponded with the Indiana Department of Public Instruction that has continued its tradition of supporting the arts of Columbus.

She is a charter member of the Columbus/Bartholomew Telecommunications Commission, board member of the Bartholomew County Library Associates, and a member of the council of Utopia, an animal protection group. Also, as a charter member of the IUPUC Alumni Board and Association, she assisted in the development and chaired on the IUPUC committee for an annual bike ride event that raises money for scholarships of what is now the Harvest Bicycle Boogie.

Barb Garton expresses her support by saying that Julie is an inspiration to those who know her; her kindness, generosity and big heart has and will continue to inspire others.

Julie and husband Harry have adult son Chris. Chris and wife Misty have four children, two of which are currently students at IUPUC.