Ashcraft recognized for service to American Humanics, Inc.

Sixty years and 60 remarkable individuals.

Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, director of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and professor of nonprofit studies in the School of Community Resources and Development, was among 60 leaders honored at the 60th anniversary celebration of American Humanics, Inc (AH) in Kansas City, Mo., in January.

The honorees were recognized for making significant contributions to the leadership, growth and development of AH over the 60 years since its inception. Among the 60 honorees were not only founding visionary leaders such as Jack Armstrong, Robert Long, George Pardee and Dr. Ashcraft, but also national organizations and foundations such as the United Way of America, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA of the USA and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

"What a privilege it has been to lead a body of work that was incubated and nurtured at ASU and that has earned respect across the national AH network,” said Dr. Ashcraft in response to learning about this national recognition. “Members of Phoenix Rotary Club 100 are to be acknowledged, because they planted the seed those many years ago by providing the resources necessary to assure success of the American Humanics program at ASU," he added.

This recognition paid tribute to Dr. Ashcraft’s 25 years of dedication to AH and service as the executive director of the ASU AH program. His passion and dedication to the development of nonprofit and philanthropic studies has made ASU one of the country’s leading universities in the field.

Steve Davidson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale and AH alumnus, was one of only eight students in the program when Dr. Ashcraft first took the position as executive director.

“What Robert has done over the years really puts me in awe,” said Davidson. “He’s turned the ASU program really into a dynasty. There were only 15 campuses at the time and now there are more than 60. He’s done a phenomenal job in building the programs and preparing the students for successful careers in the nonprofit sector.”

In many ways, Dr. Ashcraft wrote the early history of American Humanics by developing many of the handbooks and materials utilized by students throughout the nation. Numerous campus programs have used the ASU model for preparing the next generation of leaders for working with the nonprofit organizations in their communities.

“American Humanics is stronger today because of the advice, leadership, and steady support from Dr. Robert Ashcraft,” said Dr. Kala M. Stroup, president of American Humanics, Inc. “The respect that the sector and the foundations have for him is hard to measure, but we all know that when universities, foundations, faculty, and nonprofit leaders ask about the strongest and most comprehensive programs in the country, Arizona State University is always mentioned.”

American Humanics, Inc. is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofits that are dedicated to preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders and finding them placement in the field. Established in 1948, American Humanics Inc. is the only national organization devoted to training and certifying nonprofit professionals.

The mission of Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation (formerly the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management) is to help build the capacity of the social sector by enhancing the effectiveness of those who lead, manage, and support nonprofit organizations. As part of the College of Public Programs and in partnership with the School of Community Resources and Development, the Center provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, and volunteers by offering research, technical assistance, workshops, conferences, classes, and capacity building programs. For more information, visit: http://nonprofit.asu.edu.