Philanthropists Maureen and Jim Hackett will be honored by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy April 9 during the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) Spirit of Philanthropy Awards ceremony in Indianapolis.
“Maureen and Jim are inspiring, savvy and strategic philanthropists who have advanced the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the field of philanthropy immeasurably by sharing with us their expertise, time and philanthropic gifts,” said Gene Tempel, founding dean of the school. “We thank them for their generous support, and we are especially grateful for Maureen’s leadership, insight and wise counsel as a member and chair of our board of visitors as we became the world’s first school of philanthropy.”
The Hackett family created the nation’s first endowed chair in women’s philanthropy at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The Eileen Lamb O’Gara Chair in Women’s Philanthropy is named for Maureen’s remarkable mother, an entrepreneurial business woman who dedicated her life to helping and caring for others.
The chair, which will conduct and share groundbreaking research focused on gender and giving, will ensure that women’s philanthropy remains prominent and permanent in the study of philanthropy. It will develop new knowledge to inform women philanthropists in their philanthropic journeys and help nonprofit organizations better understand and engage women as donors and volunteers. The Hacketts also have made several important gifts to support the school’s infrastructure.
“It is a pleasure to be part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and its work in the vanguard of educating, strengthening and training philanthropy leaders and nonprofit organizations,” Maureen Hackett said. “The School’s programs, leadership, faculty and staff are outstanding, and we are honored to help them take that excellence to the next level.”
Philanthropy is a core value for the Hacketts and their four children, and they are actively engaged in many causes in Houston, Nantucket, Indianapolis and elsewhere across the country. Their community and national involvement reflects their deep commitment to family, faith and education: they are passionate about mental health care advocacy, children’s health, Catholic education, and youth development, among other causes, and give generously of their time, resources and skills. Both Maureen and Jim serve as volunteers and leaders on multiple nonprofit boards nationally.
The annual IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy luncheon and ceremony will be at the IU Indianapolis Campus Center. IU Indianapolis students, administrators, deans, directors, faculty, staff, honorees and community members are expected to attend. The event is sponsored by IU Indianapolis, the Indiana University Foundation, and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter @IUPhilanthropy or “Like” us on Facebook.