Awards

Partners in Philanthropy - 2024

Keystone Award

Bicentennial Medal - 2020

About Luzetta A. Newkirk

Lifelong learners fueled by curiosity, Delano (Del) and Luzetta (Letty) Newkirk found themselves drawn to the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University. First, as nontraditional students, auditing art history and music classes for decades, then as patrons and advocates on the museum’s National Advisory Board. Their ties to IU run even deeper, though: the two spent many years on campus, Del earning his BS and MBA from the Kelley School of Business in 1961 & 1962, respectively, and Letty completing her degree in journalism from The Media School in 1962.

For the past thirty years, the Newkirks have reflected a passion for art, learning, and philanthropy through their service at the Eskenazi Museum and across IU. Their involvement and support span the campus and includes volunteer work with the Office of the President, the Women’s Philanthropy and Leadership Council, the IU Jacobs School of Music, IU Alumni Association, and IU Press—all carried out with contagious enthusiasm and a focus on the student experience.

Letty, who also serves as a museum docent, recalls with a smile the many times she has witnessed students light up when experiencing a learning moment, when the dots are connected through a story, an artwork, or a conversation. It is for those students and that light that the couple has worked tirelessly to create a lasting impact. Notably, Del and Letty participated in the Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign with a transformative gift in support of the museum’s newly renovated gathering space, which is now an inspiring place that sparks students’ curiosity.