Reunion Weekend 2026
2026 was a special Alumnae Reunion Weekend at Linden Hall! We celebrated class years ending in 1 and 6, and we were especially honored to recognize our Distinguished Alumna, Yvonne Orji ’01, during Saturday’s brunch celebration.
This weekend was all about reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating the lifelong sisterhood of Linden Hall.
Linden Hall Names Yvonne Orji ’01 as 2026 Distinguished Alumna
We are proud to announce that Yvonne Orji, Class of 2001, has been named the recipient of our 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award — one of Linden Hall's highest honors recognizing graduates who have achieved excellence in their field while embodying leadership, character, and global citizenship.
An Emmy-nominated Nigerian-American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and author, Orji is best known for her role as Molly on the hit HBO comedy series Insecure, created by Issa Rae. Her standout performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress and established her as a fan favorite.
Past Distinguished Alumna Recipients
2025 Distinguished Alumna: Jean Cougnenc Bepko ‘60
Jean arrived at Linden Hall in 1956 as a freshman, traveling from Argentina where her father worked for RCA Victor. Immersing herself in campus life, she was especially drawn to drama and thrived under the mentorship of Miss Sullivan, starring in the senior play The Barretts of Wimpole Street.
After graduating, Jean attended Endicott College, majoring in marketing and communications. She went on to intern at NBC and built a successful career in New York City’s media world. It was there she met her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Bepko.
Jean’s life took her from New York to Chicago and ultimately Indianapolis, where Jerry served as Dean and later Chancellor at IUPUI. Jean became an influential leader and fundraiser, particularly for women’s studies and the arts, establishing multiple scholarships and endowment funds. She also played key roles with the Indiana Literacy Foundation, Indianapolis Arts Council, and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.
Among her many honors, Jean has received the IU School of Nursing honorary alumni award, the Maynard K. Hine Medallion, and was named one of Indianapolis’ Most Influential Women. She has represented Indiana on global trips to Israel, France, Russia, and multiple African countries, and was awarded the prestigious “Sagamore of the Wabash” three times.
Jean now splits her time between Florida and Indiana, cherishing moments with her children and grandchildren, and remembering her late husband of 54 years, Jerry.
Linden Hall celebrates Jean Bepko’s extraordinary contributions and is honored to recognize her legacy with the 2025 Distinguished Alumnae Award.
2024 Distinguished Alumna: Margy Whitmer '70
The Alumnae Association was thrilled to recognize Margaret "Margy" Whitmer '70 as the 2024 Distinguished Alumna, in light of her contributions to society on a global scale by producing and directing Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and associated productions.
2023 Distinguished Alumna: Joey Yocum '59
In 2023, the Alumnae Association honored Josephine “Joey” Haubner Yocum ’59 as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnae Award for her many years of service preserving the history of Linden Hall through her work with the archives.