Butler University - Carillon / Drift Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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iHtnru nf Intlrr (Unllrur S EARLY as 1 84 1 the general conventions of the Christian Church of Indiana began to discuss the desira- bility of an institution of higher education in the State. A canvass of the State in 1 849 indicated that the time had come for definite action. Chiefly through the labors of Ovid Butler, then a successful lawyer of Indianapolis, a charter was secured from the Legislature in 1850, providing for a joint stock corporation. The name decided on was Northwestern Christian University. Work of construction began eighteen months later on a campus along what is now College Avenue. On November I, 1855, the first session opened with four instructors — President John Young, Professor of Natural Science; A. R. Benton, Professor of Ancient Languages; James R. Challen, Principal of Preparatory Department, assisted by Love H. Jameson. About 1873 citizens of Irvington offered a campus of twenty five acres emd $150,000 for the erection of buildings, on condition that the University remove to that suburb. The offer was accepted. In the fall of 1875 instruction began in the new buildings in our present location. In the following year the name was changed to Butler University, m honor of Ovid Bulter. who had practically founded it. The catalogue of 1877-78 contains this statement from the Directors : It has long been felt by many friends of the institution, that the old name was too long, and in some important particulars, as a university name, entirely inappropriate. In considering the question of a change, it was thought but a just tribute to the man, who has contributed so largely both of his means and his time for the permanency and success of the University, to give it his name. It is due him, however, to say that he neither sought nor desired such change to be made, and though holding the majority of stock, declined to vote in the election of the Directors that made the change of name. It was the voluntary offering of those who desired to convey to him some expression of their appreciation of his life-long devotion to a great and good cause. For many years a Law department was maintained, and later a Medical department. In 1897 articles of association were filed for the University of Indian- apolis, including Butler as the College of Liberal .Arts, the Indiana Law School, the Medical College of Indiana, and the Indiana Dental College. At present Addison C. Harris is president of the University.