Dennis or Denny as he is known to most people has been in the customer service business for over 30 years. Customer satisfaction is his obsession. In 2000, Denny Sponsel purchased RJE Business Interiors.  RJE has been providing design services, consultations, sales expertise, exemplary customer service and furniture for the business community located throughout central Indiana.  Not like a “constantly-wondering-if-he-turned-off-the-oven” obsession, but an “always-striving-to-do-the-best-possible-job” type of obsession.  It’s a healthy obsession that 9 out of 10 psychologists would see no problem with. And although Denny is extremely busy making sure customers are completely satisfied, he always makes time for community involvement. 

Though not an Indiana State alumnus, Smith said Sponsel is passionate about what the college does for students. One of the most innovative ideas Denny developed for the College is the Executive Dining Experience. Each fall and spring, Scott College of Business and the Meis Student Development center host the Executive Dining Experience which brings top-level executives from a variety of industries together with our students.  It’s an opportunity for our students to network, polish their communication skills and discuss trending business topics with those on the cutting edge.  Thanks to the generous support from Denny, these events have been a huge success for our students’ professional development. For this he received the Award for Innovation during our 50th anniversary celebration in 2015.

Denny Sponsel talking to students in 2010

Denny is very active in the community and serves on the United Way of Central Indiana Board and was the 2007 Campaign Co-Chair and Chair of Resource and Development Committee. He is on the Community Board for the IUPUI Library, IU School of Informatics Advisory Board, the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation Board of Directors, the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies Board of Trustees (Chair), Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. Board of Directors (Chair), and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis (2008-09 President), Board and Program and Membership Committees, Board of Trustees for Harrison College (Chair), Methodist Health Foundation Board, Indiana Historical Society Board, Chair of Division 8 2012 Super Bowl Committee, Big Ten Football Championship Committee, and Indiana State University School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. Sponsel has received the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Indiana University Partners in Philanthropy Keystone Award, Indiana University Foundation President’s Award, finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and American Business Ethics Award.

Further Reading:

Scott College honors past, celebrates future during 50th anniversary event (April 14, 2015)​
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