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Three IU McKinney alumni have been selected by the McKinney Law Alumni Association as recipients of the Early Career Achievement and Distinguished Alumni awards, as well as a new award honoring former IUPUI Chancellor and Dean Gerald L. Bepko.

Early Career Achievement Award

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.

Doneisha L. Posey, J.D. ’14  

Doneisha Posey, a 2014 graduate of IU McKinney School of Law, has quickly established herself as a leader in civil rights and equity law in Central Indiana. Along with her role as founder and CEO of Impacto Strategies, she is also Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Black Onyx Management, a business consulting firm. Ms. Posey has also made significant contributions as Deputy Director and General Counsel at the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and Executive Director and VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ivy Tech. Recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, she co-founded the Women’s Equity Brunch and has been honored as an inaugural Diversity in Law awardee by the Indiana Lawyer, 40 Under 40 by the Indianapolis Business Journal, a Shining Star by the Indianapolis Recorder, and an Indy’s Best and Brightest by Junior Achievement.

Ms. Posey’s dedication to civil rights and social justice stems from her deep belief in fair and equitable treatment for all. As an adjunct professor of civil rights and racial justice at IU McKinney, she helps shape the next generation of legal minds, focusing on systemic solutions. Her impact extends beyond the courtroom and classroom—she is also a professional speaker lending her expertise and skill to advancing the cause of equal justice for others.  She served as keynote speaker for IU McKinney’s 2024 Diversity Dinner.

Ms. Posey is the proud mother of two amazing children – Naima and Cairo. She loves traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Posey's accomplishments reflect her passion for making a lasting impact in the legal field, particularly in creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. For her work, the IU McKinney Alumni Association is proud to award Doneisha Posey the 2024 Early Career Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to civil rights advocacy and leadership at the intersection of law and social justice. In the photo are Doneisha Posey (left) and Sharon Cruz.

Inaugural Gerald L. Bepko Servant Leadership Award

The Gerald L. Bepko Servant Leadership Award is named after the longest serving chancellor of IU’s Indianapolis campus (formerly IUPUI) 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, inspiring others in the profession to emulate Chancellor Bepko’s commitment to servant leadership.

Dennis E. Bland, J.D. ’92

Dennis Bland, J.D., is a visionary leader and dedicated advocate for youth and education. A proud graduate of Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1992, Dennis currently serves as President of the Center for Leadership Development, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization committed to fostering the advancement of African American youth. Under his leadership, the Center has empowered thousands of young people to pursue academic excellence and career success, shaping a generation of leaders.

Dennis Bland’s commitment to servant leadership is evident throughout his career, and he is a recognized figure for his dedication to civic leadership, education, and community engagement. He serves or has served on several boards, including Citizens Energy Group, the IU Tobias Leadership Center, the IU Bloomington School of Public Health Dean’s Advisory Committee, and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, where he served alongside Mr. Bepko.  He was a member of the IU McKinney Law Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2006-2012. In 2004, Mr. Bland was honored with IU McKinney Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2023, he was honored as a “Living Legend” by the Indiana Historical Society and was inducted to the Indiana Academy in 2021, both honors bestowed upon him for his lasting impact on the community.

In his personal life, Dennis is active with his congregation as a deacon, trustee, and Sunday school teacher for Christ Temple Apostolic Church.  He also enjoys spending time with his family, reading, exercising, and traveling.

This inaugural award, named after former dean of the law school, campus chancellor, and interim president of Indiana University, is presented as a testament to a lifelong commitment to embodying the principles of servant leadership, integrity, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Mr. Bland’s work continues to inspire countless individuals and communities, exemplifying the power of leadership grounded in service and compassion. Therefore, Dennis Bland is the inaugural recipient of the Gerald L. Bepko Servant Leadership Award, a new honor presented by the IU McKinney School of Law Alumni Association to honor graduates who give of themselves to their profession and community in the mold of the award’s namesake. In the photo are Sharon Cruz and Dennis Bland.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law bestows 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. 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.

Steven H. David, J.D. ’82  

The Honorable Steven H. David is a legal luminary with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. A proud alumnus of Murray State University and the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 1982, Justice David’s career has been marked by service, leadership, and dedication to justice.

He began his legal journey in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General's Corps, where he served with distinction for 28 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. During his military service, he was stationed in various locations across the globe, including Germany, Panama, and Iraq. He provided legal counsel in some of the most challenging environments. He has served as a Prosecutor, Defense counsel, Military Judge, Staff Judge Advocate, Training Officer, and Commander. His commitment to the rule of law and his leadership earned him numerous awards and commendations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal – awarded by the Secretary of Defense.

Upon transitioning to civilian life, Justice David practiced law both in private practice and as corporate counsel, before embarking on a judicial career. In 1995, he was elected Judge of the Boone County Circuit Court, where he presided for over 16 years. During this time, he gained a reputation for fairness, innovation, and compassion, especially in areas involving family and juvenile law.

In 2010, he was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court by then-Governor Mitch Daniels. His 12 years on the state’s highest court were marked by landmark decisions in areas including constitutional law, criminal justice reform, juvenile justice, and mental health. Justice David became a respected voice for judicial independence, and his commitment to improving the administration of justice earned him recognition statewide and nationally. He also worked extensively on programs addressing the needs of veterans in the legal system and was a leading advocate for improving access to justice for all Indiana citizens.  In addition to his service on the court and in the community, Justice David also teaches regularly at IU McKinney Law, demonstrating his interest in the development of the next generation of legal professionals.

After retiring from the Indiana Supreme Court in 2022, Justice David transitioned to private practice, joining the firm of Church Church Hittle + Antrim, where he continues to contribute his vast legal expertise, mentoring young attorneys, and providing strategic counsel in complex cases, as well as handling a myriad of other legal matters, including mediation, arbitration, consulting, appellate work and litigation. He has also returned to the Indiana trial courts and serves as a Senior judge throughout the state when needed.

Justice David is married to Catheryne Pully, the Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Court Services and a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves. Together they have climbed to Everest Base Camp, hiked the Grand Canyon, taken trapeze lessons, completed full Ironmans and traveled extensively throughout the world. Justice David has two children, Colin and Danielle, and three grandchildren.

Justice David’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to public service, excellence in the legal profession, and a passion for ensuring the justice system works for everyone. For these reasons he is the 2024 recipient of the IU McKinney Law Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award.  In the photo are Sharon Cruz and Justice David.