Butler University

Butler University is a private liberal arts university in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA), founded by abolitionist and attorney Ovid Butler in 1855. It serves over 4000 undergraduate and graduate students in 60 degree programs through five colleges: Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the Jordan College of Fine Arts.

North Western Christian University was the name when the school opened on November 1, 1855 at what is now 13th and College, with no president, 2 professors, and 20 students. In 1875, the university moved to a 25-acre campus in Irvington. It was there that the school was renamed Butler University "in recognition of Ovid Butler's inspirational vision, determined leadership, and financial support." In 1922, they purchased Fairview Park, and in 1928, moved their campus to the current Fairview location. The campus consists of 20 buildings covering an area of 290 acres (1.2 km²).

Academics

National guides give Butler high marks for academic quality with an emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences. Butler University offers value in education: high standards and expectations for students are paired with a maximum amount of individual attention.

Athletics

The school's athletic teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete in the NCAA Division I Horizon League. Butler's basketball arena, Hinkle Fieldhouse, was the largest basketball arena in the US for several decades. It is considered a Hoosier Hysteria icon: from its opening in 1928 until 1971, it was the site of the final rounds of the Indiana state high school basketball tournament.

In 1954, Butler hosted the historic final when Milan High School (enrollment 161) defeated Muncie Central High School (enrollment over 1,600) to win the state title. The state final depicted in the 1986 movie Hoosiers, loosely based on the Milan Miracle story, was shot in Hinkle Fieldhouse. A renovation of the Butler Bowl (football stadium) to be finished soon will include field turf, which will allow the Butler Bowl to host football, soccer, lacrosse and other events.

Notable alumni

Jim Jones (Peoples Temple founder)
Joe Longardner (professional saxophonist)
Peter Lupus (actor and bodybuilder)
George Ryan (former Illinois Governor)
Fraser Thompson (Rhodes Scholar)
Marty Amberger (Gay Magician)
Thad Matta (Ohio State Men's Basketball Head Coach)
Barry Collier (University of Nebraska Men's Basketball Head Coach)

Notable Faculty (Past and Present)

Dan Barden (Author of John Wayne: A Novel)
Paul D. "Tony" Hinkle - invented the orange basketball
Lauren Smith- actress

Greek Houses

Fraternities

Sororities

Points of interest

External links

References

Butler University | Indianapolis, Indiana | Universities and colleges affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) | 1855 establishments