Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars Program

Born in 1889 to loving parents, including a formerly enslaved father, Dr. Morton-Finney was one of seven children in his Kentucky home.  His mother died when he was 14 years old, and his family moved to Missouri.

By the age of 22 he joined the US Army and served until 1914. He served honorably as a member of the Buffalo Soldiers, a black-only regiment.  Due to racism and discrimination, he was denied officer status even though he earned the rank of corporal and sergeant.  He also served in 1918 in France during WWI as an infantryman.  Dr. Morton-Finney married Pauline Angeline Ray, and in 1922, they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. They later had one daughter, Gloria Ann Morton-Finney.

Throughout his life, Dr. Morton-Finney earned eleven academic degrees, five of those in law.  His first degree was in 1935, and the last degree was from Butler University in 1965.  He also was fluent in seven languages.

He was born on June 25, 1889, and passed away on January 28, 1998, at 108 years old.  His grave is in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, where his wife and daughter are also buried.

• 1935:  Admitted as a member of the Bar of the Indiana Supreme Court
• 1941:  Admitted as a member of the Bar of the US District Court
• 1972:  Admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court
• 1991:  Inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame
• 1996 (he was 107):  Retired from practicing law, believed to have been the oldest practicing attorney in the US

Philosophy:

Seek diverse experiences, Invest in community, and Reflect on your development.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, each student will gain and improve skills in the following areas:

• Intercultural Competence – actively learning from a variety of diverse cultures with deep respect
• Perspective Taking – thinking critically to analyze and synthesize diverse perspectives
• Integrative Learning – connecting life experiences and goals to academic development
• Leadership – engaging and motivating others to achieve a shared vision and outcomes
• Social Justice – evaluating and taking action to advance equity
• Communication – utilizing diverse forums to share, listen, and reflect with community partners
• Empathy – relating to and understanding others with diverse identities and experiences

Characteristics:

• Positive mindset
• Experienced in volunteering
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work
• Ability to reflect on lived experiences
• Active listener
• Demonstrated willingness to learn
• Experienced in identity-based engagement (i.e. student organizations, religious groups, etc.)
• Preparedness to vulnerably contribute in diverse spaces
• Clear understanding of action needed to address inequities MFDSP Overview
• Clear understanding of action needed to address inequities
• Capacity to engage in community service
• Time-management skills
• Self-motivation

Each Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars Program scholar spends dedicated time throughout their Butler experience participating in on campus diversity, equity, and inclusion advancement. Scholars are also charged with investing in the well-being of the communities we occupy through service.

Each scholar is required to complete 3 tasks per month:

1. Attend 2 Program Meetings: each two-hour meeting includes components of student team building, social activities, identity development, civic engagement, issue-based dialogue, community-based activism, service, or introspective reflection
2. Complete 10 Hours of diversity/community engagement: any volunteering, activities, engagements, or events that promote intercultural competence or service to the community would count towards the ten-hour requirement. required program meetings count towards the ten hours
3. Submit 1 Journal Reflection: reflection includes a personal account of development, experiences, opportunities, questions, etc within the recent month in the program

• Morton-Finney Equity Leadership Team (MELT): Each cohort has student representatives that serve on this team to plan cohort meetings, social activities, community engagement opportunities, and support for scholars at large. The process to join includes an application, brief interview, and selection.
• Cohort Meetings: This program requirement includes team building, leadership development, DEI workshops, opportunities to network, social engagement, community service, dialogues across difference, reflection, and much more!