Genevieve G. Shaker, Ph.D., is the inaugural recipient of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Distinguished Alumni Award.
Shaker is associate dean for development and external affairs for the Indiana University School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) and assistant professor of Philanthropic Studies in the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She also is an adjunct professor of Liberal Arts.
“Dr. Shaker exemplifies the idea that our school’s strength is our talent. She is a ‘triple threat:’ an outstanding development professional, teacher and scholar,” said Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. Her contributions to philanthropy and the field of Philanthropic Studies already are numerous, and we look forward to her leadership for many years to come.”
Recognized locally and nationally for her accomplishments, Shaker is well regarded within the philanthropic research and fundraising communities. She was named the national Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Emerging Scholar for 2015. She has been recognized as one of Indianapolis’ leading young professionals by the Indianapolis Business Journal, selected for the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award in 2013 and 2015 and noted as an on-campus leader by the IU Indianapolis Office for Women.
“As only one of many worthy candidates for the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, I am reminded that we share a remarkable heritage of a unique program—a world leader in its commitment to voluntary action for the global public good,” Shaker said. “As a representative of Lilly Family School of Philanthropy alumni, I am personally humbled. I know I speak for us all when I express my appreciation to those who established the school and inspired graduates to make the world a better place through our knowledge and experience—as professionals and private citizens. I am one, but we are many and we are prepared to engage philanthropy to improve the world.”
Shaker will be presented with the honor during the school’s Henry A. Rosso Medal awards dinner in Indianapolis on Thursday, October 29 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 West Maryland Street in Indianapolis. During the event, Edith Falk and Lilya Wagner will receive the 2015 Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising. A reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the evening are $40, and reservations are required by October 21.
The awards dinner is a prelude to the school’s 2015 symposium, “Philanthropy and Fundraising: What We Know and What We Need to Know,” which will be held on October 30 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The keynote speaker is Alan Hassenfeld, an international business leader, philanthropist, former chairman of the board and current chairman of the executive committee of Hasbro, Inc., a multi-billion dollar international toy company. Kim Laughton, president of Schwab Charitable, is the luncheon speaker.
Shaker’s research focuses on higher education advancement, the changing nature of the American professoriate, philanthropy, public good and faculty work. She has a particular interest in faculty and staff philanthropic giving and is extending her workplace giving research into other employment arenas. She has written and presented extensively for both scholarly and practitioner audiences and published an edited book on the philanthropic nature of faculty work with Columbia University’s Teachers College Press. She has received prestigious awards for her writing and research from organizations such as the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) Forum, the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) and the Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network. Shaker earned a Ph.D. in higher education and a master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
The Distinguished Alumni Award was created by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s alumni board to assist the school in recognizing significant achievement in the fields of philanthropic research, practice and academic study. For over a quarter of a century, people of diverse talents have been educated by the school and its predecessor, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Award recipients must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of philanthropic research, practice or academic study; be at least five years removed from their graduation; demonstrate significant professional achievement and leadership in furthering philanthropy; and provide leadership and service within professional associations, philanthropic organizations or to the school or IU Indianapolis.
About the 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 in the world. 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 and “Like” us on Facebook.