DePauw University facts for kids
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| Latin: Universitatis Depavensis | |
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Former name
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Indiana Asbury College (1837–1884) |
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| Motto | Latin: Decus lumenque reipublicae collegium |
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Motto in English
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The college is the splendor and light of the common good |
| Type | Private liberal arts college |
| Established | 1837 |
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Religious affiliation
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Methodist Episcopal Church (historical) |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $932.6 million (2024) |
| President | Lori S. White |
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Academic staff
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209 (fall 2023) |
| Students | 1,819 (fall 2023) |
| Location |
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U.S.
39°38′27″N 86°51′47″W / 39.64083°N 86.86306°W |
| Campus | Small town, 655 acres (265 ha) |
| Colors | Black & gold |
| Nickname | Tigers |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division III – NCAC |
| Mascot | Tyler the Tiger |
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DePauw University is a private college in Greencastle, Indiana, United States. It focuses on a liberal arts education. The university was started in 1837 as Indiana Asbury College. It changed its name to DePauw University in 1884.
The college has a history with the Methodist church. It was founded to be a welcoming school for all religions. In 2023, about 1,800 students attended DePauw. Its campus is located west of Indianapolis. It covers about 175 acres and has 36 buildings. There is also a large 520-acre nature park nearby.
Contents
History of DePauw University
How DePauw University Started
Indiana Asbury University began in 1837 in Greencastle, Indiana. It was named after Francis Asbury, an early American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The people of Greencastle helped raise money to bring the college to their town. At first, only men could attend. But in 1867, women were also allowed to enroll.
Name Change and Big Gifts
In 1884, the university changed its name to DePauw University. This was to honor Washington C. DePauw. He gave many large donations to the school. His biggest gift helped start the School of Music in 1884. Before he passed away in 1887, Mr. DePauw had given over $600,000 to the university. This would be like giving about $17 million today.
The school has continued to receive big gifts. In 2002, it received $128 million from the Holton family. This was the largest gift ever given to a liberal arts college at that time. In 2024, DePauw received another huge gift of $200 million. This included a $150 million anonymous donation and $50 million from other donors.
Student Organizations and Leaders
Many important student groups started at DePauw. The Society of Professional Journalists, known as Sigma Delta Chi, was founded here in 1909. It was started by student journalists, including Eugene C. Pulliam. The first Greek-letter sorority in the world, Kappa Alpha Theta, also began at DePauw in 1870.
DePauw is home to two of the oldest continuously running fraternity chapters. These are the Delta chapter of Beta Theta Pi and the Lambda chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. During World War II, DePauw was one of many colleges that helped train students for the Navy.
Current Leadership
Since July 2020, Lori White has been the president of DePauw University. She is the 21st president. Ms. White is the first woman and the first African American to lead DePauw University.
DePauw University Campus
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East College of DePauw University
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Tower of East College
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| Location | 300 Simpson St., Greencastle, Indiana |
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| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | 1869 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000047 |
| Added to NRHP | September 25, 1975 |
DePauw University is located about 45 miles west of Indianapolis. The campus has 36 main buildings. It covers about 695 acres, which includes a 520-acre nature park. There are 11 residence halls and many college-owned houses for students.
The oldest building on campus is East College. It was built in 1877. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. DePauw also owns McKim Observatory. East College was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
DePauw has two libraries. The main one is Roy O. West Library. There is also a Music Library inside the Green Center for Performing Arts. The libraries have many books, videos, and online resources for students.
Academics at DePauw
Learning and Majors
DePauw offers a liberal arts education. This means students learn a wide range of subjects. They can take classes outside their main area of study. Students also take part in special Winter Term classes and trips.
In 2021, some of the most popular majors were economics, speech communication, computer science, biochemistry, and psychology.
Academic Calendar and Study Abroad
DePauw's school year has a special schedule. It includes two 15-week semesters (Autumn and Spring). There is also a 4-week Winter Term and a May Term. During these shorter terms, students take one course. They can explore a new subject on campus. They can also join internships, service trips, or international study trips. More than 80% of DePauw graduates have studied abroad.
DePauw has a small class size. There are about 10 students for every teacher. The average class has about 17 students.
Becoming a Student
U.S. News & World Report says that getting into DePauw is "more selective." In 2023, new students had an average GPA of 3.97. Their SAT scores were usually between 1160 and 1420. Their ACT scores were between 24 and 31. The university looks at grades, class rank, and recommendation letters when deciding who to admit.
University Rankings
| USNWR Liberal Arts College | 50 |
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| Washington Monthly Liberal Arts | 56 |
| Forbes | 170 |
In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked DePauw as tied for 50th among liberal arts colleges in the U.S. Forbes magazine ranked DePauw #170 among all U.S. colleges and universities in 2024. Washington Monthly ranked DePauw 56th among liberal arts colleges in 2024. This ranking looks at how colleges help society.
Special Programs and Institutes
The Prindle Institute started in 2007. It is a place for students and teachers to think and talk about ethics. Ethics means studying what is right and wrong. The institute also shares ideas through The Prindle Post and a podcast.
DePauw University has one of the oldest private music schools in the country. It was founded in 1884. About 100 students attend the Institute of Music. The student-to-teacher ratio is 5:1. The Institute of Music is in the Green Center for Performing Arts. It offers different music degrees. In 2024, the School of Music became the "Institute of Music."
The Rector Scholar Program started in 1919. It honors students who are excellent in their studies and character. Rector Scholarships are given to top students admitted to DePauw. Some students can even receive full-tuition Presidential Rector Scholarships.
Society of Professional Journalists
On May 6, 1909, a group of DePauw University student journalists started Sigma Delta Chi. This group later became the Society of Professional Journalists in 1988. Today, it is a large journalism organization. It supports free journalism and high ethical standards. It also helps new journalists and protects freedom of speech and the press.
Ubben Lecture Series
The Ubben Lecture series began in 1986. These talks are free and open to everyone. Many famous people have spoken at DePauw through this series. Past speakers include Malala Yousafzai, Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Jane Goodall, Tony Blair, and Colin Powell. Other speakers have included Jimmy Kimmel, Andrew Luck, and Condoleezza Rice. The series has hosted 114 events over 33 years.
Student Life at DePauw
DePauw offers over 100 student groups. These include sports, music, and theater productions. Students can also join local chapters of national organizations. Many students volunteer and help their community. For example, students organize the Putnam County Relay For Life event.
The Boulder Run is a fun tradition at DePauw. Students run to and from the Columbia Boulder. This boulder is in the middle of campus near East College. Another tradition is campus golf. Students use a golf club and a tennis ball. They try to hit the ball against different targets on campus.
Greek Life
DePauw has a long history with Greek-letter organizations. These are like clubs or fraternities and sororities. The first Greek groups started just eight years after the college was founded. Women were admitted in 1867, and soon after, the first sorority began. Almost 70% of students at DePauw are part of a Greek organization. There are many fraternities and sororities on campus. Some of these groups were even founded at DePauw.
Campus Media
The Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media is where the school's media facilities are located. This includes a student-run TV station, a radio station called WGRE, a newspaper, and two magazines. The DePauw newspaper was first published in 1852. It is Indiana's oldest college newspaper. The Pulliam Center is open to students and teachers 24 hours a day.
Music and Concerts
The DePauw University Institute of Music holds regular concerts. Students and teachers perform, and visiting artists also give concerts. Most of these events are free and open to the public.
DePauw students also organize concerts for the campus. In recent years, performers have included Dave Matthews, Train, and The Black Eyed Peas. Famous past guests include Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and The Carpenters.
DePauw Athletics
The DePauw Tigers compete in NCAA Division III sports. They are part of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Every year since 1890, DePauw University plays American football against its rival, Wabash College. This game is called the Monon Bell Classic. The winner gets to keep a 300-pound train bell. This bell has been part of the rivalry since 1932. The DePauw-Wabash series is one of the oldest college football rivalries in the nation.
Famous People from DePauw
DePauw University has many successful former students. These include famous chemist Percy Lavon Julian. Other notable alumni are Angi Inc. founder Angie Hicks and astronaut Joseph P. Allen. Nobel Prize winner Ferid Murad also attended DePauw.
Other well-known alumni include newspaper publisher Eugene C. Pulliam and director Chinonye Chukwu. Best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver and Pulitzer Prize winner James B. Stewart are also graduates. ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen and former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle are DePauw alumni. Lee Hamilton, who was Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission, also went to DePauw.
Some notable teachers at DePauw include Sunil Sahu, a political science professor. Erik Wielenberg is a philosophy professor. Ellen Maycock is a retired mathematics professor.
See also
In Spanish: Universidad DePauw para niños
