Awards
- IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award (2019)
About Edmund F. Byrne
Edmund F. Byrne joined IUPUI in 1969, helped establish the Department of Philosophy (the first department in the IU School of Liberal Arts), and taught philosophy for 29 years. Though he initially specialized in philosophy of technology and business ethics, since retiring he has focused on peace studies. Byrne created the E. F. Byrne Peace Studies Award to encourage liberal arts faculty and students to examine the destructive effects of particular technologies, business and/or religious practices, et al., especially when directed toward war.
Byrne cherished his longtime life partner, Anne Donchin, who died in 2014. Anne, also a philosopher, was a coordinator of the Women's Studies Program and an internationally renowned feminist bioethicist. Byrne also created the Donchin and Byrne Women's Studies Student Fund in Anne's memory.
Professor Emeritus Byrne's is especially remembered for his lasting impact on the University through his years of leadership and visionary support.