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Robert H. McKinney, the benefactor of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, received an IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award from the law school that bears his name. The honors were presented at a luncheon that took place on April 4 in Indianapolis.

Born in Indianapolis, McKinney graduated from Shortridge High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. During World War II, he served in the Pacific theater, including a period on General Douglas MacArthur’s staff, before returning to Indianapolis and entering law school. After completing his legal studies, McKinney was recalled to the Navy to serve in the Korean War for two years.

Until his retirement in 2005, McKinney was chairman and chief executive officer of First Indiana Corporation, the parent company of First Indiana Bank, now BMO Harris Bank. He was chairman and chief executive officer of The Somerset Group, Inc., and also a founding partner of the Indianapolis law firm, Bose McKinney & Evans.

McKinney served on the Indiana University Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1998, and was president from 1993 to 1994. He was chairman of the Board of Advisors of IUPUI and advising director to the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He is also a member of the IU McKinney Board of Visitors.

In 2011, McKinney made a landmark gift of $24 million to name the law school. Matching funds through the IUPUI IMPACT Campaign bring the total gift commitment to $31.5 million -- the largest gift the school has received in its more than 100-year history, and one of the largest in legal education.

Unable to attend the award presentation, McKinney was represented by his son, Kevin McKinney, and daughter, Marni McKinney Waterfield, who accepted the honor on his behalf. (In the photo at left, from left, are Kevin McKinney, Marni McKinney Waterfield, IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar, and IU McKinney Dean Andrew R. Klein.)

Additionally, the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health presented an award to Indiana University Health in recognition of the IU Health Law Scholars Program, a partnership between the Fairbanks School and IU McKinney Law. The program recognizes the academic achievement of highly qualified students who are pursuing health-related joint degrees and works to make those degrees more immersive and affordable. Students selected as IU Health Law Scholars receive scholarship support, experiential learning opportunities and co-curricular development opportunities designed to enhance their understanding of the complex interaction between health law, health administration and public health.

Presented each year since 1989, Spirit of Philanthropy Awards celebrate individuals, corporations, and foundations that have contributed to campus programs through gives and volunteer service. Schools and units on the IUPUI campus each nominate a recipient who has demonstrated a record of exceptional service as a donor or volunteer, and who has left a remarkable legacy in the IUPUI community and beyond.