From community building to conservation, humanitarian aid to health access and environmentalism to economic development—just to name a few career paths—the 2017 graduates of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy are ready to put their education to work.
The 66 women and men earning Ph.D., Master of Arts or Bachelor of Arts degrees or graduate certificates in philanthropic studies match the Class of 2016 as the largest number of graduates in the history of the school and its predecessor. The fifth group of graduating students since the school’s founding in 2012 received their degrees during Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) commencement ceremonies May 14.
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the nation’s first school dedicated to research and teaching about philanthropy, also held a school graduation ceremony at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis immediately following the IU Indianapolis commencement.
“These graduates are already changing lives and communities,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “Whether they select roles in the philanthropic sector, start their own nonprofit, or choose to help move philanthropy forward through positions in the private sector or in government, they leave here confident that they have the knowledge and abilities they will need to be thoughtful, innovative leaders and lifelong learners.”
The keynote speaker was Rusty Stahl, M.A. ’00, president and CEO of Fund the People, a national campaign to maximize investment in the U.S. nonprofit workforce. In addition to earning a master’s in philanthropic studies, he participated in the school’s Jane Addams Fellowship.
A commencement reception for graduates and their families and friends was held May 13 in the NCAA Hall of Champions. The featured speaker was Tami Tarpley, M.A. '10, assistant dean of development and external relations for the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IU Indianapolis.
The 2017 graduates represent a wide range of experience, from veteran philanthropic sector leaders completing graduate-level programs that expand their knowledge and enhance their careers and organizations to civically engaged undergraduates.
Philanthropic organizations across Indiana and the nation will benefit from the graduating students’ expertise. This year’s graduates have earned new opportunities in positions such as:
- Prospect Development Associate, Indiana Youth Institute
- Alumni Relations Coordinator, Keystone School, San Antonio, Texas
- Communications Coordinator for the national Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination
- Director of Development, Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Project Consultant, Thomas P. Miller and Associates
- Associate Director of Development, Indiana University School of Global and International Studies
Other graduates are continuing their current roles at organizations such as:
- Vice President of Client Strategy, Pursuant
- Director of Philanthropy, HSHS St. Francis Hospital
- Chief Development Officer, Children's Hope Alliance of North Carolina
- Client Services Coordinator, Huser Special Care
- Managing Director of Development, Missouri Historical Society
- Consultant, Learning to Give
- Director of Major Gifts, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division, The Salvation Army
- Development Coordinator, Society of Professional Journalists
- Program Manager, Renew Indianapolis
Several graduates have earned special honors, including:
- The IU Graduate and Professional School’s Elite 50 students list includes M.A. recipients Molly Braden and Imoleayo Adeyeri
- The William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion was awarded to bachelor’s degree recipient Anna Powell, and master’s degree recipient Taylor Rhodes (who also earned this honor as an undergraduate)
- Bachelor's degree recipient Erin Crowther participated in the Honors College program and will graduate with honors.
"During my time at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, I gained essential knowledge to take the next step in my career," said Emily Garrott, who will begin working as director of development for the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences this spring. "I also met a group of friends that I hope to keep in touch with as we all advance in our nonprofit careers, and I studied under professors who are the leading experts in our field."
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 and “Like” us on Facebook.