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Making an Impact

Steve Kern

BURKE/TILLEY FUND NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR PHILOSOPHY GRADUATE STUDENTS

Graduate students in philosophy will soon have a newsource of support. Founded by alumnus Stephen J. Kern (B.S., Business, 1973; B.A., Philosophy, 1990), The Burke/Tilley Fund for Graduate Students in Philosophy provides funding for students to attend conferences, apply for Ph.D.programs, and complete scholarly research.

The new fund is named for longtime philosophy faculty, Michael B. Burke and John J. Tilley. Burke, now professor emeritus, retired in 2008 after 28 years in the department; Tilley, who came to IUPUI in 1988, currently serves as the department chair.

Kern cites the two as inspiring scholars and teachers who awakened his love of philosophy. "The years I spent studying philosophy at IUPUI from 1988 to 1990 were two of the best years of my life," said Kern. "My experiences as a student of Professors Burke and Tilley were highlights of those years. They deserve this recognition and much more."

"It never occurred to me at the beginning of my educational journey at IUPUI that I might someday be able to help other students along their way," said Kern. "I'm delighted by the way things have turned out."

In conceptualizing the fund, Kern wanted to celebrate the role of philosophy in his life by helping with department and student needs. The opportunity came in the form of supporting the general master's degree program as well asits concentrations in bioethics and international researchethics.

The Burke/Tilley Fund is the first of its kind in theSchool of Liberal Arts, a fact that is not lost on department chair Tilley.

"We are enormously pleased that Steve has chosen to endow the new fund," says Tilley. "It's a tremendous help to our graduate students and it enables the faculty to continue helping them long into the future. I am humbled by this gift and thrilled about what it means for our wonderful students."

"Graduate students in philosophy have the educational experience that will prepare them to make a significant, positive impact on our society," said Kern. "I am pleased to be able to help in their endeavors."

The first round of awards will be made in 2012.

CHARITABLE GIFT FUNDS MAKE GIVING EASY

Steve Kern made his gift for the Burke/Tilley Fund through the Charles Schwab Charitable Gift Fund. Charitable gift funds are donor-advised funds that enable individuals to support their preferred charities and gain tax benefits. After an online form, with the click of a mouse Kern requested a gift be made to the Department of Philosophy through the IU Foundation. The gift fund connects to Kern's other accounts with Schwab, making it a breeze for him to designate assets for charitable purposes. The Schwab Fund is just one of many organizations, including community foundations, which provide this service. To learnmore about giving through donor-advised funds contact Gen Shaker, gshaker@iupui.edu.

--In the photo above - From left to right: John Tilley and Steven J. Kern

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