In the fall of 1998, the School of Public and Environmental Affairs received a $1 million endowment from Eloise Beardsley (right, bottom), an IU alumna.  This generous endowment was designed to fund public service initiatives and projects.  The funding was used to create a Chair, entitled the Keller-Runden Chair in Public Service.

The name of the Chair is derived from the names of Mrs. Beardsley's first husband, Bob Keller, and their daughter,  Linda Keller Runden (right, top).  IU alumnus Bob Keller was killed in action in 1944, leaving behind his wife and young daughter.  The name of the Chair serves as a lasting dedication to both Linda Keller Runden and Bob Keller.

In October 1999, SPEA Associate Professor Lisa Bingham was named the first appointee to the Keller-Runden Chair.  Professor Bingham joined the SPEA faculty in 1992 and has been involved with a variety of public service programs.  Click here to see more about Lisa Bingham, Keller-Runden Professor of Public Service.