Butler University Founder’s Celebration: A Historical Exhibit

Ovid Butler passed away in July of 1881. Honoring Ovid’s commitment to “building up a collegiate institution” and “the common and equal rights of humanity,” University board member A. I. Hobbs proposed to the board on January 12, 1882, “that the seventh day of February be observed as Founder’s Day, and that the Faculty arrange for proper memorial services to be held on that day.” The motion passed unanimously.

1882

The first Founder’s Day was held in the University chapel on February 7, 1882—the anniversary of Ovid’s birthday. The program included addresses by Scot Butler, Ovid’s son and Butler faculty member, B. M. Blount, president of the Board of Trustees, and General John Coburn. Butler presented a portrait of his father to the Board of Trustees. “The world,” he said, “has not so many wise men, it has not so many just men, it has not so many God-fearing men, it has not so many men of large views and liberal sympathies, it has not so many philanthropic men,—that it can afford to forget one when he is dead.” Following a reply by Blount, Coburn delivered the principal address.

1900s

The observance of Founder’s Day evolved over the years. By the early 1900s it typically included speeches and music in the University chapel in the morning and an evening dinner, often held at the Claypool Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. In 1923 seniors appeared in caps and gowns for the first time in an academic procession at the chapel ceremony.

1920s

The University celebrated Founders’ Day for the first time in 1922 amid hopes of raising funds for a move to a new and larger campus. Ovid as well as other individuals who had contributed to the success of Butler University were recognized. “Mr. Butler would not want to be considered the only founder of this College,” said Professor Thomas Carr Howe in his historical address. “There were associated with him many others who gave of their life’s best effort, of their money, their prayers, their thoughts.”

By 1965

In 1965 Chris Theofanis, who led the Public Occasions Committee in charge of organizing the event, prepared a report on Founders’ Day. “There exists a pressing need to examine the current observance,” he wrote in his recommendations. “Evidence that the present program has lost its appeal is mounting. One obvious sign is the almost campus-wide disinterest shown by students.” Despite suggestions for changes, the format in 1966 was much the same as always. Founders’ Day was not held regularly for many years after.

2012

Founder's Day events restarted in 2013 with a focus on the founding ideals of the University. On November 27, 2012, a Butler student posted his article “Students Told to Disavow ‘American-ness, maleness, whiteness, heterosexuality’” on The College Fix website. He wrote about the syllabus for Political Science 201: Research and Analysis and the professor’s request that students use inclusive language. The unnamed professor told The Butler Collegian that the Political Science Department had received a barrage of hateful phone calls following its posting. In response the administration and faculty decided to bring back Founder’s Day. “In 1855, we were founded on the principles of inclusivity, equality and diversity,” Assistant to the Provost Monica Strigari said. “And those things should still hold true today and should be honored and celebrated. And our students should know that is what we are about.”