Irene Lilly McCutchen and William McCutchen Jr. will be honored by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy during the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) Spirit of Philanthropy Awards ceremony April 13 in Indianapolis.
"We are grateful to be honored by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. We want to offer our deep appreciation to the people who created the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University in 1987 and to all those who established the school - officially named on April 9, 2013," the McCutchens said.
"We admire the school's faculty, staff, students and alumni; together they form a dedicated family which 'increases the understanding of philanthropy and improves its practice worldwide through critical inquiry, interdisciplinary research, training, and civic engagement,'" the McCutchens continued. "We appreciate the way they are all engaged in accomplishing great things for individuals and communities around the world. Dean Amir Pasic says our students accomplish great things by 'applying their talent, their passion, and the growing body of useful research on how and why giving and voluntary action can make a difference.' We always want to be related to people who have this kind of passion which leads them to offer their talent creatively - with love for all creation."
The McCutchens make philanthropy a part of their daily lives through their volunteer work and generous giving and have long been active in many nonprofit and charitable organizations. Both are volunteers in higher education: Irene serves on the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's Board of Visitors and Bill co-chairs a campaign for Duke Divinity School.
A generous lead gift from the McCutchens to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy was instrumental in establishing an endowed deanship honoring the school's founding dean. In addition to helping the school attract outstanding deans, the gift makes it possible for the school's dean to nimbly and creatively respond to challenges, take advantage of opportunities and fulfill the school's mission. The gift was made through the Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Fund.
"Renie's thoughtful and enthusiastic leadership on our board and Renie and Bill's generous support are helping to ensure that our work will have an enduring impact," said Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. "We thank them for all that they do for our school, and we are pleased to honor their deep commitment to strengthening philanthropy and to engaging future generations in making a difference in the lives of others."
In 2014, Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie presented Irene with the inaugural Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Medal of Distinction, which is awarded to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the school through their talents and service.
Irene earned her bachelor's degree at Duke University and is a life-long civic leader. An Indiana University alumnus, Bill earned a Ph.D. at the Kelley School of Business in Bloomington. He is a former professor of management at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, City University of New York, and previously was a senior executive at Eli Lilly and Company.
The annual IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy luncheon and ceremony is sponsored by IU Indianapolis and the Indiana University Foundation.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The 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.