Bar Foundation Celebrates Hamilton, Shepard
Two well-known former public officials have received honors from the Indiana Bar Foundation. Lee Hamilton, who spent more than 30 years in Congress, and Randall Shepard, who retired from the Indiana Supreme Court in March, are 2013 winners of William Baker Awards for their civic education efforts. December 19, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Bar Foundation (Foundation) selected two individuals and two organizations for recognition of their service to civic education in Indiana. They are: former Congressman Lee Hamilton, Justice Randall T. Shepard, the Pierre F. and Enid Goodrich Foundation and the Winchester Foundation.
The awards were presented December 15 at the Celebrating Civics! State Dinner at Union Station, Indianapolis.
William Baker Awards: Lee Hamilton and Hon. Randall T. Shepard
In recognition of their long and extraordinary careers in public service, their commitment to civic education, and their work on the Indiana Civic Health Index former Congressman Lee Hamilton and the Hon. Randall T. Shepard were both recognized by the Indiana Bar Foundation. Their work on the inaugural civic health index brought much needed attention to Indiana's significant need for improvement in the area of civic responsibility. Both representatives lent expertise analyzing Indiana's areas of strength as well as areas that needed improvements like the significant lack of both voter turnout and voter registration documented in the Index.
“Indiana is extremely fortunate that both of these men continue to demonstrate their commitment to the public service ideals they have demonstrated over their extraordinary careers. They continue to helping make the case for civic education and the responsibility we each have to improving our communities,” said Charles R. Dunlap, executive director of the Foundation.
Dr. John Patrick Award: The Pierre F. and Enid Goodrich Foundation and The Winchester Foundation
During a decline of federal funding for Indiana’s civic education programs, both Foundations maintained their significant commitments to Hoosier students and Indiana’s We The People program. The Winchester Foundation board increased its support by 30 percent. Unlike some philanthropic foundations, neither the board nor the staff have sought any attention or special consideration for these donations.
“The humility in their philanthropic actions demonstrates that these organizations seek no attention for themselves but only that Hoosier students continue to benefit with a sound civic education,” said Dunlap. “That type of selfless giving is a lesson we can all heed.”
About the Awards
The William G. Baker Award is presented annually during the We The People state finals competition to an attorney who has shown outstanding dedication to citizenship education. The Dr. John Patrick Award is presented annually during the same time to a parent, teacher or other non-attorney who makes an outstanding contribution to citizenship education. These awards are presented annually by the Indiana Bar Foundation. For a complete list of past winners, visit the Foundation’s website www.inbf.org/.
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