The truest, purest expressions of philanthropy can be found closest to you.
Recently, LFSOP alumni George Suttles addressed this year’s graduates during commencement exercises in May. We thought our whole community might benefit from his words and wisdom.
Dean Pasic, esteemed faculty, family friends, and celebrated and decorated graduates, I send you congratulations and gratitude, thank you for allowing me to be here with you today. I am here because I was fortunate enough to receive this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. I am filled with gratitude to my Lilly family for providing me the education and support to pursue my passion to serve communities we all care about. I always tell people that my time here at Lilly, and in Indianapolis, was a transformative time for me. I made good friends and did good work here. I reflect fondly on my professors and classmates. Shout out to Lance Chrisman and the Anthem Foundation team, who brought me in as a graduate assistant and never looked back. The Anthem team poured into me and working with them is still one of the highlights of my professional life.
What an auspicious occasion! You studied, you wrote all the papers, did all the problem sets, listened to all the lectures, and handed in all the midterms and finals, and now, we are all here together to celebrate what you have accomplished. I would be remiss if I did not reflect on the fact that each one of you accomplished your academic goals in the midst of a global pandemic, a racial reckoning spurred by the senseless murders of Black people by the hands of police, the realization that it may be too late to turn back the damage that has been done by global warming, and arguably one of the most consequential election/legislative/political periods of our time, …and amidst all of that here we are…amazing.
You come into the world of philanthropy, and the broader nonprofit sector, at a time where you are needed most. Your hearts and minds are desperately needed in the sector, no matter what it is you choose to focus your efforts on, the tools and resources you have received here at the Lilly School will serve you, and communities we all care about, well. So thank you for all you have done to get here, and thank you in advance for all you will do to make the world a better place.