School of Music

1911—Van Denman Thompson appointed

In 1911, Van Denman Thompson began what was to be a largely influential 45-year tenure at DePauw. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Van Denman Thompson was a respected organist and composer. He was highly regarded on campus, and as student of Thompson and 1948 DePauw graduate Maureen Carkeek recalls: “We were all so in awe of him that just being around him was such a privilege. He had such a mystique around him.” As university organist, Thompson was an important figure in the Wednesday chapel service held at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, and also played a popular Vesper service on Sundays. One of the main concert venues at DePauw, Thompson Recital Hall, was named in his honor. Thompson was appointed dean in 1937.