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Indiana University and the IU Foundation honored Robert H. McKinney with the Herman B Wells Visionary Award at the 2017 Partners in Philanthropy celebration on June 8, 2017. McKinney, the benefactor of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, received the Wells award which recognizes an individual whose lifetime commitments of time, talent and treasure to IU reveal a deep understanding of the power of philanthropy to shape the future of the institution.

IU President Michael A. McRobbie and IU Foundation President Daniel C. Smith presented the award to McKinney and also conferred the Cornerstone Award, the Keystone Award, and the Family Legacy Award to other alumni at the event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis.

"The act of philanthropy is more than monetary generosity; it is a conscious commitment to the betterment of society," McRobbie said. "Such generosity that seeks to build a better future is at the heart of American higher education. This year, we honor those whose philanthropic support and service to IU have transformed the university's campuses and communities.

"As we recognize their dedication, we also reflect on their willingness to lead by example; to advocate for our students, alumni, faculty and staff; and to support the university as its most enthusiastic ambassadors. We are indeed fortunate to count them among Indiana University's most loyal friends."

Bob McKinney, whose motto is "doing well by doing good," has been virtually unparalleled in his support of Indiana University. He served on the IU Board of Trustees (1989-98, including one year as president) and on the board of advisors of IUPUI (chairman). Additionally, McKinney was an advising director to the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He is currently a member of the Robert H. McKinney School of Law Board of Visitors and the Indiana University Foundation Board of Directors. He has also served the Center on Representative Government (formerly the Center on Congress) at IU as an advisory board member.

McKinney's financial support of Indiana University includes the naming gift to the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, announced in 2011, which also provides funding for five endowed chairs and an endowment to fund the McKinney Family Scholarships. Further, he has contributed to the IU Maurer School of Law and the IU School for Public and Environmental Affairs.

Bob McKinney was born and raised in Indianapolis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and served on destroyers in the Pacific Theater for three years near the end of World War II. He also had a temporary appointment to Gen. MacArthur's staff before returning to law school in Indianapolis in 1949. He was later called upon to serve in the Korean War for two years, after the completion of his law degree from Indiana University.

Until his retirement in 2005, McKinney was chairman and CEO of First Indiana Company, parent company of First Indiana Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). He was chairman and CEO of the Somerset Group Inc. and a founding partner of Bose McKinney & Evans LLP in Indianapolis. His commitment to community-based banking prompted President Jimmy Carter to appoint McKinney as chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Company, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company.

McKinney and his five children actively manage the McKinney Family Foundation, with an emphasis on solving Indiana's environmental issues.

Nominations for Partners in Philanthropy awards are solicited annually from all IU campuses. A committee of representatives from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, IU Bloomington and regional campuses selects the award recipients.

"Not only are these individuals highly engaged in their support of Indiana University, they are also active volunteers, leaders and advocates in their local communities," Smith said. "Their collective generosity and service to IU are truly inspiring, and illustrates the fact that kindness takes many forms. From class campaigns to student scholarships and naming gifts, this year's Partners in Philanthropy set an extraordinary example for future generations to follow."

View a video biography of Robert H. McKinney.