Behind the Standing Ovation at IU Foundation's Partners in Philanthropy Event

 

Four stories that moved a room—and captured the spirit of giving.

 

There are nights when everything aligns, the intention, the emotion, the story. This year’s Partners in Philanthropy celebration was one of those nights.

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Presented annually by the Indiana University Foundation, the event recognizes the individuals whose generosity shapes the university’s present and future. IU President Pamela Whitten and IU Foundation CEO JT Forbes opened the evening, setting the tone for what became a moving tribute to vision, legacy, and lasting impact.

Blueline has had the honor of working alongside the IU Foundation for years. For this year’s ceremony, we created a series of individual honoree films, each one approached like a short cinematic profile, capturing the essence of the why behind giving. These weren’t just videos; they were stories crafted with heart and precision, designed to play on the big screen and live on long after the event lights faded.

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Four awards were presented: the Cornerstone Award for lifetime giving, the Keystone Award for transformative volunteer leadership, the Herman B Wells Visionary Award for those who embody IU’s enduring spirit, and the Family Legacy Award, celebrating generational giving.

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Each film traced the path of an honoree's journey, woven with archival images, intimate testimonials, and moments of reflection that brought their IU stories to life. In addition, we crafted a powerful opening impact video to set the tone for the evening, reminding everyone in the room of the ripple effect generosity can have across campuses, communities, and time.

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The response in the room said it all: a standing ovation that echoed what we already knew - these stories matter.

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We’re proud to have been part of this year’s celebration, and proud to continue telling stories that honor the people shaping IU’s future.

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With care,

The Blueline Team

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P.S. If your institution is looking for a more meaningful way to honor legacy, ​let’s talk​. Storytelling isn’t just what we do. It’s how we help people remember. The impact of giving deserves more than a slide deck.