William Henry Danforth facts for kids

William Henry Danforth II (born April 10, 1926, died September 16, 2020) was a very important person. He was a doctor, a professor, and a leader at a big university. He also loved to help others by giving money to good causes. From 1971 to 1995, he was the head, or chancellor, of Washington University in St. Louis. His grandfather, William H. Danforth, started the Ralston-Purina company. William H. Danforth II was also the brother of John Danforth, who used to be a U.S. Senator.

Early Life and Education

William Danforth was born and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to several schools, including Community School and St. Louis Country Day School. He then studied at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, before moving to Princeton University. He finished his studies at Princeton in 1947.

After college, he went to Harvard Medical School to become a doctor. He then worked at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. During the Korean War, he served as a doctor in the Navy. In 1957, Danforth returned to St. Louis. He joined the medical team at Washington University as a heart doctor. His family had a long history with the university, as his grandfather had also attended one of its schools.

Leading Washington University

William Danforth took on more leadership roles at Washington University. He became the vice chancellor for medical affairs. He also did important research with Nobel Prize winners Carl Cori and Gerty Cori. As vice chancellor, he helped Chancellor Thomas Eliot during the late 1960s. This was a time when many students were protesting.

In 1970, the Danforth family's charity, the Danforth Foundation, gave a huge gift to the university. It was $15 million over five years, which was a lot of money then. With everyone's support, William Danforth became the 13th Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis in 1971. He took over from Thomas H. Eliot.

Making the University Stronger

During his 24 years as chancellor, William Danforth helped Washington University become famous across the country. He led a very successful fundraising effort called the Alliance for Washington University. They raised $630.5 million, which was a record for universities at that time.

He also created 70 new teaching positions for professors. The university's special savings fund, called its endowment, grew to $1.72 billion. Many new buildings were built on campus. The amount of money given to students for scholarships tripled. Nearly 60,000 students graduated while he was chancellor. More students stayed at the university, and more minority students joined.

"Uncle Bill" and "Chan Dan"

Even though his time as chancellor started during a period of student protests, William Danforth was very popular with students. They often called him "Uncle Bill" or "Chan Dan." He was always visible on campus. He often walked around, talking with students and showing he cared.

After he retired in 1995, he was one of the longest-serving chancellors in the country. He stayed involved with the university. He became the Chair of the Board of Trustees. In 1999, he was named Chancellor Emeritus, which means he was still honored as a past leader.

Supporting Science and Research

In 1998, Danforth started the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. He named it after his father. He was also the first Chairman of its Board of Trustees. Before it closed in 2011, the Danforth Foundation gave its final $70 million to this center. In total, under William's leadership, the foundation gave over $423 million to Washington University. It also gave $226 million to the Danforth Plant Science Center.

Awards and Special Recognition

William H. Danforth received many honors for his work. In 1977, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat newspaper named him "Man of the Year." He also won the Alexander Meiklejohn Award. This award was from the American Association of University Professors for his strong support of academic freedom. This means he believed professors should be able to teach and research freely.

In 2006, the main part of Washington University's campus was named the Danforth Campus. This was to honor the Danforth family's many gifts to the university. In 2013, Danforth received The St. Louis Award, another important local honor.

A special scholarship is also named after William Danforth and his late wife, Elizabeth (known as Ibby). It is given each year to a Washington University student. This student must show high ideals, honesty, selflessness, and a commitment to helping their community. They must also be a leader and excellent in their studies.