One commonality across this campus, across the country, and even across the world, is the tradition of naming buildings after people. Rich people, that is. This same principle applies to the name of DePauw. What began as Indiana Asbury University in 1837, switched to the current name of DePauw University 47 years later, thanks to a very wealthy and generous native Hoosier, Washington C. DePauw.
DePauw, who was born in Salem, Ind., in 1822, originally earned his fortune during the Civil War by purchasing supplies for the government and investing in government bonds. He eventually owned a series of farms, mills and even a bank. His greatest business endeavor, however, was the American Plate Glass Works factory that he opened in New Albany, Ind, At one point, this factory led the entire nation in plate glass production.
His involvement in Indiana Asbury University began with small donations to various literary societies on campus, as well as to the construction of East College. He was later elected to the Board of Trustees and acted as the chairman of the university's finance committee. Indiana Asbury was not his only school of interest, however. DePauw had a reputation as both a philanthropist and a Methodist, which his donations reflected. After the female seminary school in New Albany received extensive financial support from DePauw, it chose to rename itself the DePauw College for Young Ladies.
Prior to one of DePauw's trips to Europe, he began to draw up his will, which directed that a significant portion of his estate be used for creating a Methodist college in Indiana or Washington D.C. that would be established in his name. When Indiana Asbury caught wind of DePauw's intentions for his hefty estate, they proposed to DePauw that he donate the money to Indiana Asbury instead, and they would in turn rename the university after him.
While this proposition would suffice DePauw's goal of having a Methodist college named after him, he responded to Indiana Asbury with a bit of a challenge. He would agree to redirect the portion of his estate to the university, but only if the Indiana Methodists raised $150,000 and the town of Greencastle raised $60,000. Even though the Methodists ended up falling short of his proposed funding, DePauw's generous nature held true; he agreed to match each dollar raised with two of his own.
Instead of setting the portion of his estate aside for the university after his death, the transfer was made in October of 1883, while DePauw was still alive. The name change was officially approved in January of 1884, and on May 5, 1884, Indiana Asbury University officially became DePauw University.
While it may seem that DePauw's largest contribution to the university was simply its name, his generous donation of a great portion of his wealth was used to create and build five brand-new buildings on campus, including the law and theology schools. Later, he and his family contributed to the foundation of the music school as well.
While DePauw University celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, it is important to look back and remember all the professors, students, administrators and donors that have made these past 175 years of uncommon success possible. Washington C. DePauw's generosity toward the school has made DePauw University what it is today.
- Leah Freestone is a junior from Brownsburg, Ind., majoring in history. features@thedepauw.com
