706 Prospective Students Apply for Holton Scholarships

March 10, 2004

March 10, 2004, Greencastle, Ind. - More than 700 applicants for enrollment to DePauw University will learn in the next ten days if they'll be recipients of a Ruth Clark and Phillip Holton Memorial Scholarship, a program that provides up to fifty incoming students with between $1,000 and full tuition. "We're near an all-time level of interest in Holton Scholarships," reports Madeleine Eagon, vice president for admission and financial aid. The money is awarded to students based upon their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership abilities and their commitment to community service. "This year's total of 706 applications, which exceeds last year's total by more than 100, suggests we have a very strong group of students who are committed to their studies and their communities and are excited about what DePauw has to offer," Eagon adds.

The Office of Admission will notify applicants for Holton Scholarships by March 19.

"These are young people who are doing some very impressive things at an early stage of their lives," says Stefanie Niles, director of admission. "Applicants are active in student government in their high schools, and they spend their free time working with inner-city children, or working as volunteers to improve the technology resources in their communities -- the stories are all different, but a common thread runs through them. In addition to being strong scholars, they see being involved in the lives of people around them as very important. I don't think the pool of Holton Scholar applicants has ever been stronger."

The gift of $128 million dollars to DePauw by Philip Forbes Holton '29 and Ruth Clark Holton '29 created the Scholarships. Philip Holton spent his life with Inland Container Company, becoming president and chief executive officer in 1963, and seven years later, was named vice chairman of the board of directors. He retired in 1975. Ruth Clark Holton was involved in civic activities, but devoted most of her time to family. In their later years, the Holtons wanted to demonstrate their respect for DePauw and provide a means for other young women and men to receive the benefits of a liberal arts education. Mr. Holton died in 1995; Mrs. Holton passed away two years later. For more information on Holton Scholarships, click here.

Meanwhile, DePauw's Class of 2008 continues to take shape. As of March 5, the University had received paid deposits from 176 admitted students, a 14% increase over the same time a year ago. Prospective students who would like more information on DePauw University, including access to an online application form, may click here. U.S. News & World Report rates DePauw in the top tier of national liberal arts colleges and as a "Great School at Great Prices." Read more by clicking here.