The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis recently awarded its 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award to George Suttles, a 2013 graduate who received his Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree from the school. Suttles is the executive director of Commonfund Institute, the education and research arm of Commonfund designed to partner with and support nonprofit institutional investors. He leads the organization’s educational, market research, and professional development activities and is a member of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office.
“George is an exemplary alumnus of our program, and we’re thrilled to honor him with this award for his outstanding contributions to the field of philanthropy, both professionally and personally,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “We’re also very proud to welcome him back this spring as he’s been invited to serve as the May 2022 commencement speaker.”
Suttles’ previous experience includes the John A. Hartford Foundation and U.S. Trust/Bank of America. He’s currently on the adjunct faculty at New York University School of Professional Studies and is a member of numerous nonprofit boards. In addition to earning his master’s at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, he received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and a master’s of public administration from Baruch CUNY School of Public Affairs.
“I’m tremendously grateful to receive this award and join the many distinguished alumni that have come before me,” said Suttles. “Being chosen underscores for me what an honor it is to be part of the legacy of this school, and it definitely challenges me to continue showing up and trying to make the world a better place.”
As part of the nomination process, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Alumni Association Board of Directors wrote, in part, of Suttles:
“George has a unique ability to merge his personal values and integrity with his professional pursuits. He excels in both. On the personal side, part of George's reason for being in the philanthropic sector is to invest in leaders of color. He does that by the boards he chooses to serve, and how he chooses to invest his time and financial resources. On the professional side, he is a brilliant strategist, problem solver and thinker, which is exemplified by his ascension at the Commonfund.
“George is committed to systemic change that creates access and opportunities for marginalized populations, even if that means creating new systems and he always does that in collaboration and community.”
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes significant achievement in the fields of philanthropic research, practice, and academic study. This recognition exists to highlight the breadth and depth of talent trained by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and its predecessor, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis 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 undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.