Long-time supporters’ generosity will improve understanding, practice of philanthropy
A generous gift from philanthropists Jerre and Mary Joy Stead to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI will allow the school to uncover new insights to increase understanding of philanthropy and to help nonprofits and donors strengthen the way they carry out their philanthropy, school officials announced today.
The $500,000 gift establishes the Jerre Stead and Mary Joy Stead Policy Research and Outreach Fund to support the school’s research and enable the new knowledge generated to be shared widely within the philanthropic sector and among those who make decisions affecting the sector.
“Indiana University and the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy express their deepest appreciation to Jerre and Mary Joy for their tremendous generosity and continued commitment to the study of philanthropy,” said IU President Michael A. McRobbie. “Philanthropy and civic engagement are integral to addressing today’s biggest societal challenges, and as we have seen with COVID-19, this is especially true during times of crisis. This gift will help us discover new insights into charitable giving, identify emerging trends and ensure that philanthropy continues to be a major global force for improving communities, institutions and people’s lives.”
“This great venture investment from Jerre and Mary Joy will help us advance our efforts to provide objective, high-quality research that informs philanthropic endeavors, connect philanthropy research and practice, and deepen public understanding of the important roles philanthropy plays in our society,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “We thank them for their generosity, their continuing support and encouragement for our school, and their vision in making this gift.”
Jerre and Mary Joy Stead are strong supporters of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. In 2014, they and their family created the Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy at the school, currently held by award-winning visiting global philanthropy scholar Pamala Wiepking, Ph.D. Jerre Stead has served on the school’s Board of Visitors since 2011 and is a lifetime member of the board. Indiana University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2018.
“Developing research that extends knowledge and enriches lives is an integral part of IUPUI’s mission. We are grateful to Jerre and Mary Joy for their commitment to strengthening and expanding philanthropy through their support of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s world-class research,” said Nasser H. Paydar, chancellor of IUPUI.
The Steads have long been committed to sharing their time and talent with others. Jerre Stead has chaired 16 capital drives for nonprofit organizations. Currently he serves on the Salk Institute Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Chairman of the Board of Garrett Evangelical Seminary. He is a past chairman of the Center for Ethics and Values at the seminary and of the Electronic Manufacturers Association. Mary Joy Stead has served on the University of Iowa Foundation Board of Directors since 1999 and Jerre serves on the UI Henry B. Tippie College of Business Board of Visitors at the university. The couple recently served as co-chairs of the IowaFirst campaign for Iowa medicine and as For Iowa. Forever More. co-chairs for the UI Health Care campaign.
A highly accomplished business leader, Jerre Stead has made numerous outstanding contributions in the private sector. He currently is Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clarivate Analytics plc, and had served as CEO of Churchill Capital Corporation until its merger with Clarivate in 2019. Formerly, he was Executive Chairman of IHS Inc. and led IHS to a very successful IPO in 2005. He has served as chairman and/or CEO of 10 major national and international corporations; in addition to Clarivate, Churchill Capital Corporation and IHS, they include AT&T Global Business Communications Systems, AT&T Global Information Solutions, NCR Japan, Square D Corporation, Ingram Micro and Legent Corporation.
Stead has served on 37 corporate boards during his career and has received numerous honors and awards, including the Kenneth B. West Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Corporate Directors in recognition of his service on corporate and philanthropic boards. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa where he earned his B.B.A., and of the Harvard University Advanced Management Program in Switzerland.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI 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, 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.