_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Butler University on
the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its founding.
Whereas, In 1855, two professors, some assistant teachers,
and 20 students walked through the doors of Butler
University and began what was to become years of academic
excellence and innovation;
Whereas, Because there were no high schools or adequate
private academies, Butler University operated its own
preparatory department until 1907, enrolling 60 students and
another 54 in the preprep classes the first year;
Whereas, Butler University was originally called North
Western Christian University and was located at 18th Street
and College Avenue;
Whereas, From its creation, the school began establishing
unheard of precedents, including admitting women on an
equal basis with men, admitting students representing
minorities, and allowing students, with parental consent, to
choose subjects suited to their needs under a new "elective"
system;
Whereas, Butler University also appointed Catharine Merrill as Demia Butler professor, and she became the first female professor of English literature in Indiana in 1870, making Butler the first in the nation to establish an endowed chair specifically for a female professor and only the second university to appoint a woman to the faculty;
Whereas, In 1879 the school became known as Butler
University in honor of Ovid Butler, a prominent Indianapolis
attorney and abolitionist who wrote the university's charter
in 1850;
Whereas, Butler University continued to grow, adding the
College of Education in 1930, the College of Business
Administration in 1937, the College of Pharmacy in 1945,
and the Jordan College of Music in 1951;
Whereas, To keep up with the growing needs of the
academic community, Butler began offering evening courses
in 1899, established a summer session in 1905, and created
a graduate division in 1932; and
Whereas, Butler University will continue to grow on the
solid foundation laid by its founders in 1855 and will
continue to offer visionary ideas and innovative academic
concepts to its students: Therefore,
SECTION 1. That the Indiana General Assembly congratulates
Butler University on the 150th anniversary of its founding and
recognizes its many contributions to the city of Indianapolis and the
state of Indiana.
SECTION 2. That the Principal Clerk of the House of
Representatives transmit a copy of this resolution to Butler University
president Dr. Bobby Fong.