School of Social Work honors Michael and Barbara Bass with Spirit of Philanthropy Award
Michael and Barbara Bass were honored Thursday with the Indiana University School of Social Work Spirit of Philanthropy award.
The couple was honored for its decision to mark their 50th anniversary of graduating from Indiana University by creating a scholarship to assist students in the School of Social Work.
Michael received a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1956, while Barbara received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work the same year. The Basses, who were unable to attend Thursday’s ceremony, live in northern Ohio, but have always had a fondness for IU, where they met as students.
Michael is a successful businessman and Barbara is engaged in volunteer activities that help people cope with mental illness to lead independent, productive lives.
As social workers are the largest providers of mental health services, the Basses see their scholarship as a way of supporting students who will have careers that address the serious problem of mental illness.
The honor came at the Spirit of Philanthropy at IUPUI annual luncheon and celebration ceremony held in the IUPUI Campus Center.
IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz noted “recognizing the true spirit of philanthropy and the change it makes in our community is one of the advantages we have and Indianapolis.”
Researchers have said philanthropy is triggered when people see themselves as part of a community, be it the family, neighborhood or a nation, Bantz said. He applauded the nominees for not only helping IUPUI, but in essence the state and the country.
“You are helping us engage and change the community we are part of.”
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School of Social Work Dean Micahel Patchner (left) with School of Social Work Alumni Board President Laura Jefferson, accept the Spirit of Philanthropy award on behalf of Michael and Barbara Bass from IUPUI Chancellor Charles Bantz
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