Honors dedication to celebrate Hutton’s life

The Hutton Honors College will dedicate its new building today, but without the presence of a great friend.

Edward L. Hutton, an IU alumnus and donor, passed away March 2. The dedication, which will be at 1 p.m. today in the Whittenberger Auditorium, will celebrate Hutton’s life and his legacy at IU.

“Hutton was a wonderful pacesetter and a superb example for the University,” said Matthew Auer, dean of the Hutton Honors College. “He will be missed, but we’re excited to keep his sentiments and traditions going.”

Hutton’s friends and family will attend the event. President Michael McRobbie and other University officials, students and alumni will speak about their experiences. After the ceremony, the new Hutton Honors College building will hold a reception and tours.

Hutton grew up in Bedford, Ind., during the Great Depression. Auer said Hutton was self-reliant and a hard worker, and he was blessed IU recognized his talent and offered him a scholarship.

The former dean of the IU Kelley School of Business, Arthur Weimer, encouraged Hutton to take the civil service exam that shaped the direction of his career. After graduating from IU with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Hutton worked for the U.S. government overseas rebuilding Germany after World War II. He went on to become a prominent Indiana businessman and philanthropist.

Auer said Hutton always remembered the support he received from the IU faculty and wanted to be able provide the means for other students to study abroad and have the best experiences possible at IU.

“Hutton had a twinkle in his eye for everybody, but the people he loved most were students,” Auer said.

In 2003, Hutton donated $9 million to create the International Experiences Program. Auer said the program sends more than 600 students to study abroad every year.

Hutton also provided the funds for the Hutton Honors College to build its new building on Seventh Street and Woodlawn Avenue. Auer said Hutton worked with architects to design a prominent building that would also blend in with the historic limestone buildings on campus.

The new building provides space for Hutton Honors College students to participate in extracurricular activities, a collaborative study area, a library and three new classrooms.

“At the most basic level, students feel that (they) have a stronger identity as an honors student,” Auer said.

Sophomore Molly Tornatta said she loves the new building because it makes her feel like the honors students have a home on campus. She plans to attend the dedication and ceremony.

“It’s a good place for students to come together,” Tornatta said.

Auer said he encourages all students, even if they are not part of the honors college, to attend the ceremony and honor Hutton’s legacy.

“Honors students would want to come because it’s their family and their home, but Hutton has many resources all undergraduates can take advantage of,” Auer said. “We want to encourage everyone to come by and take a look.”