DePauw Stories

With the start of a new academic year just days away, President Lori S. White welcomed community partners to campus for the 2025 State of the University breakfast. Addressing a room full of civic, religious, nonprofit and university leaders — including State Representative Beau Baird, as well as Chris Crabtree from U.S. Senator Jim Banks’ staff and Roni Ford from U.S. Senator Todd Young’s staff — President White offered an overview of DePauw’s recent accomplishments and a preview of several upcoming initiatives.

Attendees received an update on the Bold and Gold 2027 Strategic Plan, now at the midpoint of its five-year timeline. White reported about the recent increased student enrollment numbers, the launch of the Creative School and the School of Business and Leadership, the significant campus-wide progress in prioritizing freedom of expression and the generous financial support received in the form of historic gifts from alumni and friends and a substantial grant from the Lilly Endowment.

“All of our accomplishments to date have been made possible by the hard work and commitment of our faculty, staff, students and our partnership with the community,” she said. “Our focus at DePauw is to engage in the hard work and visionary thinking that will enable us to flourish by continuing to uplift our mission to educate leaders the world needs, as well as our commitment to being an important anchor and economic engine in our Greencastle community and Putnam County for many years to come.”

White also shared updates about DePauw’s important work still in progress, such as the collaborative Growing Green and Gold Together initiative advancing under the joint oversight of both campus and community leaders. She highlighted how these endeavors build upon the vision of DePauw’s founders to serve as the light and splendor of the common good.

“As a university, we are fully committed to being part of the common good in action for this community in all the ways that we can,” said White. “We want to be a good and welcoming neighbor and do all that we are able to contribute positively to the many great things that are happening in our community and to work together with you to respond and solve community challenges.”