IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law Alumni Association awards
The Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law annually recognizes alumni who have brought distinction upon themselves, their profession, and the IU McKinney School of Law. An alumnus is defined as any graduate of the school. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and nominations are held for three years after submission before they become ineligible for consideration. Details about the nomination requirements for each award are listed below. Award recipients will be recognized during the School of Law’s annual donor and awards banquet in the fall. Recipients must be in attendance to receive their honor.
Nominate someone for the Alumni Association Award
Award recipients will be recognized during events staged by the School of Law and its alumni association. Recipients must be in attendance to receive their honor.
Types of awards:
- Distinguished Alumni Award - Since 1981, the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law has bestowed its Distinguished Alumni Award upon individuals whose exemplary contributions epitomize the pinnacle of professional achievement and service. Recipients are distinguished by their outstanding dedication to advancing the legal profession, enriching their communities, and supporting their alma mater. Whether as eminent legal practitioners, esteemed judges, visionary leaders in business and non-profit sectors, or steadfast advocates for others, these alumni embody the ethos of excellence and service that defines the IU McKinney legacy. Through their unwavering commitment and profound impact, they serve as beacons, inspiring generations of McKinney alumni to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and excellence.
- Gerald L. Bepko Servant Leadership Award - The Gerald L. Bepko Servant Leadership Award is named after IUPUI’s longest serving chancellor and IU McKinney Law faculty member, whose legacy of servant leadership and selfless dedication towards others embodies the spirit of this award. The award honors alumni whose unwavering dedication has left a profound impact on their communities. It celebrates those who exemplify the essence of service and advocacy, reflecting qualities of compassion, integrity, and social responsibility through their quiet yet invaluable contributions enriching the significance of the legal profession. The award, open to legal professionals across various sectors including, but not limited to, public interest, education, and government, shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of alumni in often overlooked roles, inspiring others in the profession to emulate the recipient’s and Chancellor Bepko’s commitment to servant leadership.
- Early Career Achievement Award - Established in 2008, the IU McKinney School of Law's Early Career Achievement Award celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of young alumni who, within their first decade of professional practice, exemplify exceptional talent, dedication, and promise. Recipients of this award epitomize the spirit of IU McKinney through their outstanding contributions as early career practitioners to the legal profession, their communities, and/or service to their alma mater. By honoring their exemplary service and burgeoning leadership, this award affirms the school's commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals poised to leave an enduring impact on their community and alma mater.
- Requirement: The recipient will be in their early- to mid-career stage (having received their degree from the law school within the last ten years).
- Honorary Alumnus Award - This award is not given regularly and is bestowed upon a non-alumna/alumnus of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in recognition of outstanding contributions of time, leadership, service, and their dedicated efforts to bring greater recognition to law, and/or the School of Law.
