Indiana Governor Honors Late Business Leader
On Thursday, December 28, 2025, Governor Mike Braun presented the Sachem Award posthumously to Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil. The ceremony took place at the governor's office, where the award was accepted by Lucas's family members.
Forrest Lucas, who passed away in August at age 83, became the 20th recipient of this annual honor that acknowledges Hoosiers for their significant impact on the state. He was the first individual selected by Governor Braun for this recognition.
"Forrest Lucas exemplified what it means to be a Hoosier," Braun stated in an official release. "As a self-made entrepreneur, Lucas applied the work ethic he learned on the family farm to build an iconic American company, and left an indelible mark on the state of Indiana through his passion for sports and racing, philanthropy, and moral character."
From Humble Beginnings to Business Success
Lucas grew up on a small family farm in rural Brown County and began his career as a truck driver before establishing Lucas Oil with his wife in 1989. The company expanded significantly over the years, eventually securing naming rights for Lucas Oil Stadium when the Indianapolis Colts opened the facility in 2008.
The governor's office highlighted Lucas's extensive charitable work, noting his support for numerous local organizations including Project Harvest, Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash, the Central Indiana Police Foundation, and the Colts' Horseshoe Helpings events. He also helped raise substantial funds for Peyton Manning Children's Hospital through the Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament.
Historical Context of the Award
The Sachem Award has a distinctive history within Indiana government. Governor Edgar Whitcomb introduced the concept in 1970, borrowing the Algonquin term for village leaders to describe business and industry figures who served as state hosts. After falling out of use, the award was reinstated in 2005 by Governor Mitch Daniels.
