Partners in Philanthropy celebrates extraordinary service, visionary leadership
By Indiana University Foundation
June 13, 2025
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten and IU Foundation President J Thomas Forbes recognized honorees as 2025 Partners in Philanthropy during a June 5 ceremony in Indianapolis.
“The unwavering support of volunteer leaders has catalyzed transformative change across Indiana University,” Whitten said. “Such support has ensured that students succeed at IU and beyond, facilitated groundbreaking research and helped IU serve our state in ways that improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers.”
Honorees received one of four awards: Cornerstone Award, Keystone Award, Herman B Wells Visionary Award or Family Legacy Award. Each year, nominations are solicited from all IU campuses. A committee of representatives from IU Indianapolis, IU Bloomington and regional campuses selects the award recipients.
“IU Foundation’s Partners in Philanthropy Awards give public recognition to individuals whose philanthropic efforts on behalf of Indiana University have risen beyond the ordinary,” Forbes said. “The awards are not based simply on giving, but also on an individual’s extraordinary service and volunteerism in philanthropy.”
This year’s honorees are:
Cornerstone Award: A-Lan Reynolds
The Cornerstone Award recognizes individuals whose partnership, volunteer involvement and generosity have been instrumental in the success of a single Indiana University campaign or a fundraising initiative for a campus, program or school.
A-Lan Reynolds’ goal is to enhance the IU Department of Astronomy’s reach and reputation. She serves as an astronomy department advisory board member, and she and her late husband John have been invaluable to the growth of the department.
Inspired by John’s positive IU experience, their support began in 1984 and includes the WIYN Telescope and a planned gift to establish the John and A-Lan Reynolds Chair in Astronomy, an astronomy endowment and travel funding for undergraduate students. It will also continue to fund a post-baccalaureate fellowship, a faculty research fund and additional initiatives. These will complement the McCreery Travel Award honoring John’s grandfather, the man who “introduced him to the stars.” Reynolds hosts rigorous student field science programs at the Reynolds Field Station in New Mexico.
Keystone Award: Jane and Jay Jorgensen
Jane and Jay Jorgensen are pillars of Indiana University philanthropy. Their support extends over 20 areas within IU, traversing academics, culture and engagement and belonging initiatives. The Jorgensen Family Global Gateway Scholarship provides future teachers with international experiences, while their endowed internship for the university and support for the Ferguson International Center and IULMIA Fellowship highlight their forward-thinking approach.
Jane, an IU alumna, serves the IU Foundation Board and is a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council and the Queer Philanthropy Circle. The Jorgensen’s visionary generosity strengthens IU’s mission, making them deserving Keystone Award recipients.
The Herman B Wells Visionary Award: Craig and Stephanie Brater
The Herman B Wells Visionary Award honors individuals who have shown an understanding of the power of philanthropy through their lifetime commitment of time, skill and donations.
Stephanie and Dr. Craig Brater embody the spirit of service and philanthropy. Dr. Brater advanced medical education and research as the IU School of Medicine dean, and he now serves as vice president for programs of the Walther Cancer Foundation and president of the Regenstrief Foundation.
Passionate about IU’s partnership in the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) program, the couple has fostered deep connections in Kenya and supported initiatives including the Sally Test Child Life Center. In 2019, they created the Brater Family Scholarship in Global Health, providing life-changing international experiences for students. We’re grateful for their dedication to IU.
Family Legacy Award: Cynthia Simon Skjodt, on behalf of the Simon Family
The Simon family has established a distinguished legacy at IU characterized by transformative philanthropy that spans several decades and influences a wide range of fields, including cancer research, the humanities, and the arts. Mel and Herb Simon initiated this legacy in the 1980s and have since carried it forward through three generations.
Cynthia Simon Skjodt has been instrumental in renovating Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and generously supports scholarships, the arts, and endowed chairs. The Herbert Simon Family Foundation has made significant contributions to initiatives such as the McKinney Midwest Climate Project and various community engagement programs.
Mel Simon’s substantial gift to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center established the Joshua Max Simon Cancer Research Fund, enhancing both research capabilities and patient care. Furthermore, 10 family members collaborated to develop Simon Hall, a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary science building.
The family’s dedication to literacy is illustrated by Herb’s endowment of the IU-Indianapolis libraries deanship. Through their collective vision and generosity, the Simon family continues to profoundly impact IU, ensuring its growth and excellence for future generations.