INDIANAPOLIS - Selecting a board of advisors and planning for the upcoming year are top priorities for Dr. William G. Enright as he begins his work as the first full-time director and senior fellow of the Lake Family Institute on Faith and Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Enright, former senior pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, began his duties Jan. 1 at the Center, which is headquartered at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He replaces Dr. Robert Wood Lynn, who served over the last year as interim director.
"I am excited about my new role with the Lake Family Institute and the opportunities it presents," Enright said. "My hope is that the Institute will become a valued and respected resource for those who want to gain a better understanding of the integral links between faith and charitable giving."
Enright has been a minister in the Presbyterian faith for nearly four decades, serving for the last 20 years at Second Presbyterian. During his leadership, the church became the 15 th largest Presbyterian congregation in the country and offered innovative programs, including a national fellowship for seminary graduates interested in parish ministry.
Prior to 1980, Dr. Enright served at two separate Presbyterian churches in Illinois. He currently serves on the Lilly Endowment Inc. Board of Directors. Enright also is active on various other advisory boards of hospitals, foundations and universities, including Hanover College.
Enright earned a Ph.D. in Church History from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as a Master of Theology from McCormick Theological seminary, where he also served as vice chairman of the board of trustees. He received a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College, and a graduate degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
"Bill Enright's talent in building collaborative relationships, his involvement in Indianapolis, and his expertise in faith and giving provide the Lake Institute with exactly the founding leadership needed," said Charles R. Bantz, IUPUI chancellor and vice president for long-range planning at Indiana University. "We are fortunate he is willing to put his talent to work in building the foundation for the Institute's success."
Much of Enright's initial activities include identifying local and national candidates from various faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam and Judaism, to fill a board of advisors that will help guide the work of the Institute. Enright also is discussing with different leaders across the country the vision for the Institute and how it can serve the needs of those who will benefit from it, including philanthropists, churches, communities and nonprofit service organizations.
"Bill Enright brings a wealth of experiences that will greatly enhance the life and work of the Lake Family Institute," said Eugene R. Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. "We are grateful for his leadership and we look forward to helping him establish the Institute as a respected national resource on issues pertaining to faith and philanthropy and delivering important services locally."
The Lake Family Institute will explore the relationship between faith and giving through the various religious traditions, enable people from all faith traditions to gain insight into the practices and challenges of giving and create venues where people can come together to talk about issues relating to giving and volunteering. Some of the proposed activities include public lectures, civic conversations about faith and giving, publications, and research.
The Lake Family Institute honors the legacy of Thomas and Marjorie Lake and ensures that their values and commitment to faith and philanthropy will be passed on to future generations. The Lake Family Institute is located at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, which is a leading academic center that increases the understanding of philanthropy and improves its practice through research, teaching, public service and public affairs.
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