Awards
- Thomas Hart Benton Mural Medallion - 1996
- Retirement Celebration
- Martinsville, Indiana
- Presenter: Tony Mobley
About Robert R. Baxter
Robert R. Baxter contributed his strong builder’s expertise to Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Riley Hospital for Children for decades. In the 1970’s, IUPUI Chancellor and Vice President Glenn Irwin brought Baxter, a building contractor and real estate developer, on board as his special assistant to help in overseeing the continuing growth of IUPUI's academic programs and focus on the physical development of the campus. $229 million was spent to build several new classroom buildings, parking garages, and athletic facilities during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
While serving as special assistant from 1975-1991, Baxter built strategic connections, made presentations, and nurtured relationships and partnerships with other organizations that helped lay the foundation for the future envisioned by Irwin and other IUPUI leaders. Baxter’s work in campus development established the Natatorium as a place for nationally prominent fitness and sports competitions and trials, contributed to urban revitalization efforts in the neighborhoods around IUPUI such as Lockefield Gardens, and positioned IUPUI’s involvement in many large-scale public-private activities, such as the Aquatic Olympic Trials, National Sports Festival and the Pan American Games and other major athletic events. Baxter served on the Riley Memorial Association (now the Riley Children’s Foundation) Board from 1971 to 1991; then as executive director and president from 1991-1996. He was also named a Life Governor of the Association. During his tenure, Baxter assisted in developing more than 20 endowed chairs, professorships and educational endowments for Riley Hospital.
The Baxter Foundation, established by Baxter’s grandfather and grandmother, Frances Delight Doyle Baxter, made a transforming gift of $500,000 in 1964 to the Association that made it possible to construct a “mother’s pavilion” at Riley Hospital for Children to allow mothers to stay at the hospital to provide greater care for their children. The innovative Baxter Parent Care Pavilion, a 12-room unit, officially opened on October 6, 1971, and helped families adjust and hospital physicians to see the worth of having their patients going there before going home. Baxter also used his experience as a builder to help the Association upgrade and expand the Camp Riley for Children with Disabilities facilities and become a worldclass outdoor recreation campus for children with disabilities and special needs. Because of his leadership, buildings were updated and made more accessible. Even after his retirement in 1996, Baxter worked as a Riley Hospital volunteer and came up with the Magic Castle Cart; a mobile toy cart stocked with toys, rings, bracelets, stuffed animals, plastic spiders, snakes, and crossword puzzles. The cart continues to flourish and delight Riley Hospital patients and families. His first Magic Castle Cart was sponsored by the Indianapolis Kiwanis Club, of which he has been a member since 1959. His second cart is sponsored by the Ball State University Dance Marathon. Baxter was recognized for his volunteer leadership by the Indianapolis Business Journal in 2020; his idea grew into a dedicated crew of twenty volunteers, pushing two carts around Riley Hospital 4-5 nights a week, bringing smiles and fun to Riley Hospital patients.
Baxter provided leadership on many boards throughout his career, including the Indianapolis Sports Center, Indianapolis Downtown Kiwanis Club, Madame Walker Urban Life Center, and the Eiteljorg Museum. He also served as a Trustee for Hanover College, Indiana Central University (now University of Indianapolis), and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Baxter received numerous honors and awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the IU Department of Parks and Recreation in 1985, and Indiana governors Otis R. Bowen and Robert D. Orr also named him a Sagamore of the Wabash. In 1996, IU awarded him the Thomas Hart Benton Mural Medallion, recognizing Baxter for meritorious service that expanded the university’s reach, improved the university’s programs and for exceptional achievements reflecting central values and principles of the university and contributing to the betterment of humanity.