Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS – Orr Fellowship, an early career development program for versatile high-achievers and future-focused businesses in Indianapolis and Evansville, announced recently its newest cohort of Fellows for 2026.
Nearly 100 college seniors and recent graduates have been matched with leading Indiana-based partner companies and will begin their Fellowships upon graduation in January for December graduates and in June for May graduates, according to a provided news release. Warsaw native Blake Schnackenberg, Butler University, KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller), was among them.
Founded in 2001, Orr Fellowship recruits, assesses and matches university graduates with high-agency roles at growing Indiana businesses in Central and Southwest Indiana. Together, Orr Fellowship and its partner companies give graduates the professional development resources and support network they need to accelerate their careers. The program boasts a network of nearly 700 alumni from universities across the U.S.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this new group of highly motivated up-and-coming talent to Orr Fellowship,” said Steven Emch, president of Orr Fellowship. “With these vetted, high-potential graduates, Orr partner companies gain dedicated, skilled employees who contribute significantly to their success and are more likely than their non-Orr peers to remain with the organization long-term.”
As the Southwest Indiana Orr Fellowship chapter continues to grow, it has added over a dozen new partner companies for 2026, including: Atlas World Group, Banterra Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Evansville, Easterseals, German American Bank, Indiana American Water, Matrix Integration, Orthopaedic Associates, SS&C Technologies, Ten Adams, University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana, Youth First and United Companies.
“Orr Fellowship’s mission aligns perfectly with our regional plan to grow the young adult population,” said Lloyd Winnecke, President and CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “Our first cohort of Fellows is having an amazing experience, immersing themselves in world-class business opportunities and fun, unique cultural events. As the premier post-graduate experience in the nation, Orr Fellowship is an important facet of helping us attract and retain top talent in the region.”
This year’s Fellows, formally selected after Finalist Day interviews in Indianapolis and Evansville, will gain unparalleled career development, an expedited pathway into the Kelley Evening MBA program and Butler University MBA program, formal leadership training, networking opportunities, mentorship and community building within Indiana’s thriving business ecosystem.
Orr Fellowship has also added more than a dozen new partner companies in Central Indiana to its network for 2026, including: Authenticx, First Merchants Bank. Frēijē Engineered Solutions Company. Guidepath Consulting, KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller), Lockhart Cadillac, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Mission Critical Group, Recovery Force Health, Royal United Mortgage, The Mind Trust, The Oaks Academy, Topo Advisors, Will Power Excavation and Bulldozing and Yalla Solutions.
For the first time, the new Orr Fellowship cohort includes graduates from University of Houston, Kentucky Wesleyan University and University of Washington, further expanding its national reach.
