DePauw University facts for kids
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| Latin: Universitatis Depavensis | |
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Former name
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Indiana Asbury University (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 | $730 million (2022) |
| President | Lori S. White |
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Academic staff
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254 |
| Undergraduates | 1,754 (2022) |
| 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 (pronounced "duh-PAW") is a private college in Greencastle, Indiana. It focuses on a liberal arts education. This means students learn a wide range of subjects.
The college started in 1837 as Indiana Asbury University. It changed its name to DePauw University in 1884. The school has a history with the Methodist church. It was created to be a place for learning that welcomed everyone.
In 2022, DePauw had 1,754 students. They came from 39 different states and 39 countries. The campus is about 45 miles west of Indianapolis. It covers 175 acres and has 36 buildings. There is also a large 520-acre DePauw Nature Park nearby.
DePauw is part of the Great Lakes Colleges Association and the North Coast Athletic Conference. Many famous people have graduated from DePauw. These include chemist Percy Lavon Julian, astronaut Joseph P. Allen, Nobel Prize winner Ferid Murad, author Barbara Kingsolver, and former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. The Society of Professional Journalists was also started at DePauw.
Contents
History of DePauw University
Indiana Asbury University was founded in 1837. 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.
In 1884, the university changed its name. It became DePauw University to honor Washington C. DePauw. He gave many large donations to the school. His biggest gift helped create the School of Music in 1884. Before he passed away, Washington C. DePauw gave over $600,000 to the university. This would be like giving about $17 million today.
In 2002, DePauw received a huge gift of $128 million from the Holton family. This was the largest gift ever given to a liberal arts college at that time. Then, in 2024, the school got another $200 million gift. This included a $150 million anonymous donation and $50 million from other donors.
The Society of Professional Journalists was founded at DePauw in 1909. It was started by a group of student journalists. The world's first Greek-letter sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, also began at DePauw in 1870. DePauw is also home to two of the oldest continuously running fraternity chapters in the world.
During World War II, DePauw University helped the U.S. Navy. It was one of 131 colleges that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program. This program helped students become Navy officers.
Since July 2020, Lori White has been the president of DePauw University. She is the first woman and the first African American to lead the university.
Academics at DePauw
DePauw offers a liberal arts education. This means students learn a lot of different subjects. They can take classes outside their main area of study. They also take part in special Winter Term classes and trips.
Some of the most popular majors for students who graduated in 2021 were:
- Economics
- Speech Communication
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry
- Psychology
- Sports and Physical Education
Admissions to DePauw
DePauw is considered "more selective" for admissions. This means it's a bit harder to get in. 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 closely at your GPA and high school class rank. Letters of recommendation are also important.
University Rankings
| USNWR Liberal Arts College | 45 |
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| Washington Monthly Liberal Arts | 64 |
| Forbes | 132 |
In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked DePauw 45th among liberal arts colleges in the United States. Forbes magazine ranked DePauw #132 among all colleges and universities in the U.S. in 2022.
Academic Calendar and Winter Term
DePauw University uses a special 4–1–4-1 calendar. This means there are 15-week Autumn and Spring Semesters. 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. Or they can go on off-campus trips, like internships, service trips, or international studies. More than 80% of DePauw graduates have studied abroad.
Faculty
DePauw University has a small student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. This means there are 9 students for every teacher. No classes have more than 35 students.
Some notable faculty members include:
- Sunil Sahu, a professor of Political Science.
- Erik Wielenberg, a professor of philosophy.
- Ellen Maycock, a retired mathematics professor.
School of Music
DePauw University has one of the oldest private music schools in the country. It was founded in 1884. The School of Music has about 170 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 5:1. The average class size is 13 students. The School of Music is located in the Green Center for Performing Arts. It offers degrees in music performance, music education, and musical arts. In 2024, the School of Music became the "Division of Music" under the new "Creative School."
Media Outlets on Campus
The Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media is where the school's media facilities are. This includes a television station, a radio station, a newspaper, and two magazines. All of these are run by students. The DePauw newspaper started in 1852. It is Indiana's oldest college newspaper. WGRE radio station was ranked the #1 college radio station in 2010. The Pulliam Center is open 24/7 when school is in session.
Campus Life
DePauw University has more than 100 student organizations. Students can join intramural sports teams. They can also take part in plays and musical shows. Many students also do community service and volunteer work. For example, students help organize the Putnam County Relay For Life event.
Greek Life
DePauw has a strong Greek system. This means many students join fraternities and sororities. The first Greek-letter fraternity for women, Kappa Alpha Theta, was founded at DePauw in 1870. Almost 70% of DePauw students are part of a Greek-letter organization. In 2014, DePauw was ranked #1 for Greek Life by the Princeton Review.
Athletics
The DePauw sports teams are called the DePauw Tigers. They compete in the NCAA Division III North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC).
Monon Bell Classic
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 the Monon Bell, a 300-pound train bell. It has been part of the rivalry since 1932. This is one of the oldest college football rivalries in the country.
In 1933, the DePauw Tigers football team had a perfect season. They won all 7 games and their opponents scored zero points against them. In 2007, the women's basketball team won the Division III national championship. The women's softball team also did very well. In 2021, they finished third at the NCAA Division III Softball Championship.
Traditions
Music
The DePauw University School of Music holds many concerts and recitals. These are often free and open to everyone. Students also organize concerts for the campus. Famous performers like Dave Matthews, Train, and The Black Eyed Peas have played at DePauw.
Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) was founded at DePauw University in 1909. It is now the largest journalism organization in the nation. SPJ works to protect freedom of speech and the press. It also helps educate new journalists.
Rector Scholarships
Since 1919, the Rector Scholar Program has recognized top students. These scholarships are given to students with excellent grades and character. A limited number of full-tuition Presidential Rector Scholarships are available.
Ubben Lecture Series
The Ubben Lecture series started in 1986. These lectures 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, Colin Powell, and Condoleezza Rice.
Boulder Run
The Boulder Run is a fun tradition at DePauw. Students run to and from the Columbia Boulder. This boulder is located in the center of campus near the East College building.
Campus Golf
Campus Golf is a game played with a golf club and a tennis ball. Players try to hit their tennis ball against different targets around campus. They try to do this in the fewest number of swings.
Notable Alumni
Images for kids
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East College tower
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Green Center for the Performing Arts
See also
In Spanish: Universidad DePauw para niños
