Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2007

About Mark Vaughan

Mark Vaughan attended Purdue University, where he completed a degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Health in 1972. He later came to Indiana University, where he completed an MBA in 1978. Vaughan went on to work in investment, first at Continental Illinois National Bank, then later at Northern Trust. He held the position of Vice President of Investment Management at both companies.

Vaughan is active in his community and has volunteered on the Endowment Investment Committee of the United Way, coached a Stock Market Simulation program for high school students at DePaul University, and gives bird walk tours in his local community. He also served as a mentor for IU business students through the Kelley Alumni Leader initiative.

He and his wife, Paula Grist, have been philanthropic supporters of IU for a long time. Their first true philanthropic endeavor was IU's Camp Brosius. Before the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management’s academic courses at Camp Brosius begin each year, Vaughan and Grist volunteer to open the camp, performing routine maintenance, cleaning, and porch screen installation. When the school initiated a Camp Brosius Advisory Council in 2006, Vaughan accepted the sustainability and fundraising chairperson positions. In these roles, Vaughan, along with Grist, traveled weekly to Camp Brosius to visit with IU alumni participants to present the case for support of the camp. Hoping to set an example and inspire the philanthropy of others, they also personally contributed to the camp at a leadership level.

The couple also created a scholarship in honor of Charles, Vaughan's father. The elder Vaughan had graduated from IU's school of journalism and practiced in Indianapolis for most of his 40-year career. The Freedom of the Press Scholarship honors his commitment to investigative journalism.