A History of Sunset Avenue and Butler University
Butler University, an institution with a rich history spanning over 175 years, has occupied three different campuses in Indianapolis. Originally known as North Western Christian University, and later as Butler College at the turn of the 20th century, the university celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2005. The history of Butler University is documented in various materials, including board minutes, official publications, ephemera, and the Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection, which comprises texts, documents, photos, visual images, and architectural plans. These resources offer insights into the evolution of the university and its campuses.
The Founding and Early Years
Butler University opened its doors on November 1, 1855, as North Western Christian University. From its inception, the university embraced inclusivity, admitting women and students of color, as well as students from diverse religious backgrounds. This commitment to non-sectarianism attracted students who had been dismissed from Bethany College due to their abolitionist beliefs.
Ovid Butler, the founder of the university, played a significant role in shaping its early academic landscape. Following the death of his daughter, a graduate of North Western Christian University, he endowed the Demia Butler Chair in English Literature. This was the first endowed chair in the country created specifically for a female professor.
Hinkle Fieldhouse: "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral"
Hinkle Fieldhouse, originally known as Butler Fieldhouse, stands as one of Indiana's iconic venues. Constructed in 1928 through philanthropic contributions from 41 Indianapolis businessmen, it has a celebrated 93-year history. The Fieldhouse has hosted countless memorable basketball games, community events, and notable public figures.
Early History and Notable Events
Butler's first basketball game in the Fieldhouse took place on March 7, 1928, resulting in a 21-13 overtime victory against Notre Dame. Although the building was not yet fully completed, the game drew a crowd of 12,000 fans. The official dedication occurred later.
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On October 28, 1932, President Herbert Hoover delivered a speech at the Fieldhouse to an estimated crowd of 23,000 people during his re-election campaign. The speech was also broadcast to a national radio audience.
In March 1935, Jesse Owens, future Olympic Gold Medalist, ran 60 yards in 6.09 seconds during the Butler Relays intercollegiate event, tying a world record.
On May 3, 1936, a grand piano recital was held to open National Music Week. Sigma Alpha Iota, the national professional music sorority, sponsored the event, bringing 125 pianos to the Fieldhouse. 825 pianists played various songs and accompanied the combined choirs of Butler University and the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music. The event raised funds for the sorority's scholarship and student loan programs.
The Fieldhouse hosted a six-day bicycle race in February 1937, with races lasting for 11 hours and 45 minutes each day. In March 1940, Butler hosted the 1940 Eastern Regional of the NCAA basketball tournament.
World War II and Post-War Era
During World War II, the Fieldhouse served as Army and Navy barracks. Sailors and Army Air Corps recruits were stationed there while attending training courses on campus.
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The "Milan Miracle" occurred at the Fieldhouse in March 1954 when Milan High School's basketball team defeated Muncie Central High School in the state high school basketball championship. Bobby Plump, who made the last-second shot to win the game, later became a star player at Butler.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Hinkle Fieldhouse on October 15, 1954. In March 1955 and 1956, the Crispus Attucks High School basketball team, led by Oscar Robertson, became the first all-Black team in the nation to win a state championship in an integrated tournament.
Evangelist Billy Graham delivered a speech to students at Hinkle Fieldhouse in October 1959.
Renaming and Continued Use
In November 1965, the Butler Board of Trustees voted to rename the facility from Butler Fieldhouse to Hinkle Fieldhouse, honoring Paul D. "Tony" Hinkle, Butler's coach and athletic director. Hinkle is also known for originating the orange basketball, which he created in collaboration with the Spalding Company to improve visibility for players and fans.
Hinkle Fieldhouse hosted the inaugural American Basketball Association (ABA) All-Star Game on January 9, 1968.
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The inaugural season for the Butler Women’s Basketball program took place in 1975-76, with the team’s home games being played at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
In August 1987, Hinkle Fieldhouse served as the volleyball host venue for the 1987 Pan American Games.
On November 28, 1993, Butler defeated Bobby Knight’s No. 11 Indiana Hoosiers 75-71, marking the team’s first victory over the Hoosiers since 1958.
Former President George H.W. Bush spoke at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 2, 2006.
Recent Renovations and Recognition
In November 2011, Butler announced a $16 million fundraising campaign to preserve and update Hinkle Fieldhouse. The renovations included exterior work, improved accessibility, and upgraded areas for sports medicine, strength and conditioning, academics, locker rooms, and athletic department offices.
Hinkle Fieldhouse hosted ESPN’s national College GameDay broadcast on January 19, 2013.
In 2014, Butler surpassed its fundraising goal for the Campaign for Hinkle Fieldhouse, raising more than $17.1 million for improvements. The practice gym was renamed the Efroymson Family Gym in honor of the largest gift to the campaign, a $1 million donation from the Efroymson Family Fund.
On January 4, 2017, Butler defeated defending national champions Villanova 66-58.
In October 2018, Butler University announced a second phase of renovations to Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Hinkle Fieldhouse is one of six Indiana venues that served as a host site for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Butler University has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Minority Alumni Council was formed to foster relationships between the university and minority alumni, promote the university to prospective students, and raise funds for minority alumni organizations. In 2005, the Black Alumni Association was launched, refocusing the efforts of the Minority Alumni Council.
Ms. Davidson retired on January 2, 2019, after 32 years of service at Butler University, where she served as Director of Diversity Programs and Director of the Efroymson Diversity Center. Randall Ojeda now serves as the Director of the Efroymson Diversity Center.
In the fall of 2020, the Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement was established to elevate the Black voice and experience at Butler University, dismantle systemic racism, and cultivate a more inclusive community.
Centers and Programs
The Center for Faith and Vocation was founded in 2002 with a gift from the Lilly Endowment. In 2024, the Center for Faith and Vocation updated its name to The Compass Center. While the name has changed, its mission remains the same: to support students, faculty, and staff in living lives of purpose, meaning, and contribution.
The Desmond Tutu Peace Lab, named in honor of Nobel Peace Prize awardee Desmond Tutu, is a think tank dedicated to undergraduate research, activism, dialogue, and advocacy around peace and social justice issues.
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