Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the Athletic Club Foundation has bestowed an honor upon Gleaners President & CEO Fred Glass that has nothing to do with fighting food insecurity in Indiana.
The organization announced Glass has been named the 2024 Irish Citizen of the Year. The annual award goes to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of their Irish heritage through service to Indianapolis, to their family and other selfless acts that personify being Irish.
Glass’ dedication to service can be traced back to his time as a young boy in his father’s bar, helping to feed the hungry by having family holiday dinners with patrons who had nowhere else to go. Since then, he’s served Indianapolis and Indiana in a variety of ways as an attorney and civic leader, including acting as chief of staff to former Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh. He also served as president of the Marion County Capital Improvement Board, where he kept the Colts in Indianapolis, hosted NCAA Final Fours, and laid the groundwork for a successful bid bringing the Super Bowl to the city in 2012.
As for his Irish heritage, he knows some may question it with a last name like “Glass.” But outside of one German grandfather, his other grandparents all came from Ireland, bearing the names O’Brien, Brady and Mattingly.
“I am extremely flattered, honored and excited to be the 2024 Irish Citizen of the Year,” Glass said. “This award gives a new meaning to our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this year.”
As the Irish Citizen of the Year, Glass will participate in the Athletic Foundation’s annual events, including the greening of the canal on Thursday, March 14 and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Indianapolis on Friday, March 15.
