What is Philanthropy? dedicated to the memory of Robert Payton

Robert Payton (1926-2011)

Robert Payton, the first Executive Director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, sadly passed away.  You can get an idea of the tremendous influence he had on the world of philanthropy by reading his writings found at the Payton Papers web site as well as his book Understanding Philanthropy co-authored with Michael Moody.  Bob lead an interesting and exciting life and career that included serving as president of Hofstra University and C.W. Post College, and as United States Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Cameroon during the Johnson administration.  He was one of Executive Producer Salvatore Alaimo’s professors in the PhD program in Philanthropic Studies at IU, and was a great influence on his career and his life.  Alaimo states, “If it were not for Robert Payton, I would not be where I am today. I, along with many researchers, scholars, teachers and practitioners are forever indebted to him for his writing, teaching, mentoring and holistic approach to studying and understanding philanthropy.  This is why I have decided to dedicate the documentary What is Philanthropy? to his memory.  He will be surely missed but never forgotten. His influence will live on in us and in those after us for generations to come.”