The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has announced a $1.5 million gift from local philanthropist Cynthia Simon Skjodt to endow a chair at the school.

Awarded as part of the Lilly School's $100 million Moving Philanthropy Forward campaign, the gift from Simon Skjodt and the Samerian Foundation, which she founded, will endow the Melvin Simon Chair in Philanthropy in honor of her late father. The holder of the chair will teach and conduct research at the school, with the aim of educating future leaders in the sector and increasing the understanding and impact of philanthropy in the state and nationwide.

Melvin Simon, co-founder and co-chair of the Simon Property Group, gave generously to organizations and institutions in Indiana, including a $50 million gift to the Indiana University Cancer Center in Indianapolis, a gift to create Simon Hall on the university's Bloomington campus, and support for the life sciences and other programs. Simon Skjodt, who received a B.A. from Indiana University and a master's degree from Butler University, is involved with numerous charitable organizations in the state, including the Indiana Pacers Foundation, the American Cancer Society Guild, the Indiana University Foundation, the Indianapolis 500 Festival Foundation, and the Indianapolis Foundation, among others.

"My father inspired me many years ago to take pride in my community, to help lift up others, and to recognize that giving financially is just as important as giving of your time and attention," she said. "Philanthropy is the best resource to accomplish that. Education was also important to him, and it gives me so much personal pleasure to honor him with this chair at IUPUI. I hope that I am able to inspire my children, family, friends and others to give back and truly understand the need and the importance of being philanthropic."