Distinguished Leaders In Philanthropy To Receive Rosso Medal For Ethical Fund-raising
(Originally published August 24, 2006)
INDIANAPOLIS - The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University will honor two distinguished philanthropy leaders with the Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fundraising, the Center's most prestigious award, at a dinner ceremony August 24.
Dorothy A. "Dottie" Johnson, president emeritus, Council of Michigan Foundations, and Dr. J. David Smith, retired associate dean for development at the Indiana University School of Medicine, are the honorees. The Rosso Medal recognizes lifelong dedication to emphasizing philanthropy's ethics and values, acting as a mentor to perpetuate and invigorate philanthropic traditions, and noted leadership in a long, productive career of distinction.
Since 1990, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, part of the School of Liberal Arts on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus, has presented this annual award to exceptional individuals.
The Rosso Medal was created to honor Henry A. "Hank" Rosso (1917-1999), a founder of the Center on Philanthropy and founding director of its public service program, The Fund Raising School. Mr. Rosso received the inaugural medal for establishing The Fund Raising School, which enables fundraising professionals to learn about ethical philanthropic fundraising, and for creating concepts of discipline and dignity in the profession. Other past honorees include Indiana University Chancellor Herman B Wells, University of Notre Dame President Theodore M. Hesburgh and national fundraising firm executives George A. Brakeley and Donald A. Campbell, Jr.
Johnson is a recognized and respected leader in the field of philanthropy and beyond. A former chair and member of the Center on Philanthropy's board of governors, she previously served for 25 years as the founding president of the Council of Michigan Foundations, the largest regional association of grantmakers, which serves more than 400 foundations and corporate members making grants for charitable purposes.
A passionate public servant and volunteer, Johnson was appointed to the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. She is a trustee and former chair of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Johnson is dedicated to teaching and mentoring as effective tools in continuing the philanthropic tradition. She founded Learning to Give, an initiative that educates children about the nonprofit sector and empowers them to volunteer in their communities. She served on Learning to Give's executive committee for 10 years helping to raise more than $13 million in public and private support for the program.
"Dottie Johnson is a shining example of how to lead effectively and ethically," said Gene Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. "She has nurtured powerful partnerships for the public good and continues to build a strong foundation for the future of philanthropy."
J. David Smith served as the associate dean for development at the Indiana University School of Medicine. From 1986 through his retirement in 2005, he demonstrated a life-long commitment to Indiana University, consistently providing the leadership necessary to facilitate public and private support for the medical school. Smith pioneered the school's in-house fundraising operation upon his arrival there. He built meaningful partnerships with thousands of alumni, former patients, faculty, corporations, foundations and service clubs, which helped to make the Indiana University School of Medicine a globally known and respected, cutting-edge institution. During his tenure he served as executive director of two capital campaigns which raised a total of $586 million.
Smith also served as associate director for Indianapolis during the university-wide Indiana University Capital Campaign that culminated in 1986, which raised $316 million dollars, far exceeding its $200 million goal. Sixty percent of that support came from Indianapolis community members.
"David Smith has been an integral part of the advancement of the practices of medicine, education and fundraising, not just in Indiana but world-wide. His professionalism and values have harnessed the power of philanthropy in ways that benefit the university," said Tim Seiler, director of public service and The Fund Raising School at the Center on Philanthropy.
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