>newground
Ed Hutton, Karen Hanson, IU President Adam Herbert with Honors College students.
Philanthropy, in large part, is about transformation.
It’s about a need to give, the need to leave the world a better place by helping others. It’s about supporting the young people who will be tomorrow’s world leaders.
And that is why Indiana University has named its Honors College for alumnus, philanthropist, and successful businessman Edward L. Hutton.
It is apt for the Honors College to bear Hutton’s name. Hutton, a donor who is passionate about Indiana University, shares the passion and ability for learning that typifies honor students. Their opportunities to learn in this program come in smaller classes with challenging curricula, a variety of outside activities and service programs, and study abroad options.
Hutton once wrote: “I have a burning desire to see Indiana University be the number one university in the country for sending its students overseas for study.”
That kind of passion sets Ed Hutton apart. He corresponds with students who are studying abroad. He stays informed about the University today. When students talk about their experience of going to another country, nearly all mention Ed Hutton as the reason for their being able to go. More than money, he gives them encouragement and a vision.
The story of how the school came to change its name began in 2003. Hutton gave $9 million to create an endowment for the International Experiences Program, a part of the Honors College. IU agreed to match the interest income from that gift and subsequently named the program for him.
It was, in fact, his experience abroad during and after World War II that transformed Hutton. “The experience profoundly changed my life, so much that I’ve always held that those years of living abroad were the key to my development as a person and success as a businessman,” he says.
Late last year Hutton expressed a desire to extend his financial commitment to the Honors College.
A public university like IU can be what Thomas Jefferson called “the natural aristocracy,” which elevates through virtue and talent, says Honors College Dean Karen Hanson. And, she adds, Hutton is living proof of that Jeffersonian faith in talent and hard work.
The fact that Ed Hutton is able to help others develop their potential through talent and hard work brings full circle the benefits of his own transforming philanthropy.
>Jana Wilson
Learn more about the International Experiences Program.