FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — Faculty from the IU School of Medicine and the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy were honored March 11 at the 35th annual Minority Achievers Awards and Scholarship Gala, an event that recognizes minority individuals who have excelled in life’s work, service and scholarship.
The awards dinner is presented by the Center for Leadership Development, which fosters the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana as future professional, business and community leaders by providing experiences that encourage personal development and educational attainment.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has been in a strategic partnership with the center since January 2008. The partnership was created to increase the impact of IUPUI’s contributions to the center and extend IUPUI’s reach to more youths and their families within Indianapolis.
Dr. Sheryl Allen, associate dean for medical student affairs and an associate professor in the departments of emergency medicine and pediatrics, was recognized for achievement in education, postsecondary category. Aimee Laramore, associate director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, was recognized for achievement in public service and community service.
Allen graduated from the Center for Leadership Development program when she was in high school. She remembers listening to a female physician talk about the pressures of the field, how important it is to always do your best and always be an example to others, messages that resonated with Allen.
“She is a leader and a mentor for countless undergraduate students, medical students, fellows, graduate students and faculty,” Dr. Peter Nalin, executive associate dean for educational affairs, wrote in nominating her the award.
Within the area of philanthropy, Laramore works to provide an opportunity to be more intentional about creating significant impact that matches the true values and goals of the religious community.
Before joining Lake Institute, Laramore actively served the nonprofit sector as owner/lead consultant for ALlyd Image Solutions. Specializing in facilitation, strategic planning and outcomes-based measurement, her work can be seen through more than 90 nonprofit entities and businesses within the Midwest.
Her passion for highlighting black philanthropy and faith-based philanthropy helped facilitate key partnerships with Friends of Ebonie, Head & Heart Philanthropy and Shaw University; and hosted minoValaida Fullwood, author of “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists,” as the 2014 Lake Distinguished Visitor.
Laramore’s efforts support ongoing work to reframe public understanding of the term “philanthropy” and to broaden the field of philanthropy, said David P. King, who is the Karen Lake Buttrey Director of Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. “She sees black philanthropy as an opportunity to build on the work of her ancestors while leaving a legacy for her children and all children.”