From Indiana Central University to Uindy A Success

From Indiana Central University to Uindy: A Success Story Part III: The Esch years, 1944 -1970 Created by Christine H. Guyonneau @ University of Indianapolis, 2007

I. Lynd Esch, 4 th president

President Esch came to Indianapolis in the aftermath of WWII. The college has suffered from exceedingly low enrollment, but President Good had managed to clear the college debt before his departure. Shortly after the beginning of Esch’s tenure, in 1945, the College purchased 60 acres for future growth. 1946: Football reinstated 1946: Student Council formed 1947: College accredited by NCA 1947: Alpha Epsilon founded (Freshman Society) 1947: Epsilon Sigma Alpha founded (Senior Society) 1947: To alleviate housing shortage due to post-war strong enrollment, the college purchases a surplus of army barracks

In this aerial view of the campus, one can see the barracks to the left of Esch Hall. They stood roughly where Physical Plant is now

Education for Service, the school moto, was emphasized since the first commencement address by President J. T. Roberts in 1908. This sign appears in the 1947 yearbook, the Oracle.

On September 22, 1948, a new tradition began. Underclassmen had to wear a green cap called a beanie during the fall initiation festivities. The first beanie initiation took place at Garfield Park for the men and Longacre Park (south of the campus) for the women. They would wear it until the “tug of war”, a long tradition between freshmen and sophomores. This tradition stopped around 1975.

A “frosh” receiving her beanie

Upperclassmen giving instructions to “froshs”

The 50’s and 60’s

Building Growth

Nelson House, was built in 1955 from a bequest from the late Elnora and Roy Nelson’s estate. It was the first president house. It still is… On the right, President Esch is being serenaded by Christmas Carolers.

In 1947, President Esch initiated a fund raising campaign to erect several buildings. It was known as the “Golden Anniversary Fund”. As a result of the successful leadership of Edwin G. “Ted” Plum, a new building was erected in 1958. It was called Academic Building until it was renamed for President Esch in 1970. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in March 2006.

The Academic Building upon completion in 1958

Esch Hall 2005 new addition

1960: Nicoson Hall

Three alumni: Coaches David Wood, and Angus Nicoson, and basketball legend Bailey Robertson

In 1961, a new women’s dormitory is built thanks to a $300, 000 gift (the largest ever) from Elnora and Herman Krannert, after which the building is named. In 1986, it will be renamed after Dean of Women and long-time faculty member Virginia Cravens.

In 1962, a new science building is erected. It is dedicated to Ely Lilly in 1964. Note the Noblitt Observatory on top of the building that was transferred from its original building.

The Cummings Apartments, also built in 1962 at Mathews and Edwards Avenues, replace the barracks as housing for married students.

Thanks for a generous gift of $ 750, 000, the Louis Schwitzer Students Center opens in 1966

Schwitzer Lounge & Bookstore

Schwitzer Dining Room

In 1969, a new dorm was added to the campus. Called first New Dorm, then East Hall, if finally was renamed Warren Hall. It was the first Co-ed Dorm

New Programs are initiated In 1954, the Evening Division is created In 1959, the Nursing Program is initiated In 1962, WICR is established

1962: WICR established

But 1962 will be remembered by some as revolutionary, because after much pleading, dancing on campus was finally allowed!

In 1968, another revolution takes place…. The United Brethren Church, which had become the Evangelical United Brethren Church, merges with the United Methodist Church

Brown County Day A New Tradition now gone (1952 -2002)

On October 14, 1952, the Student Council and Student Christian Association planned the first Annual Picnic in Brown County State Park on a week day. It replaced a Sunday excursion to Mc. Cormick State Park.

In the fall of 1924, freshmen pulled sophomore into a tug-of-war into Lick Creek at Longacre Park, south of the campus. In 1966, the tug-of-war became part of the Brown County Day activities, Tug of War in the 20 s Tug of war in the 50 s

Tug of War in the 80’s

Since the Fall of 2003, Brown County Day is now replaced by Fall Break