Wells the man served as president of the university from 1938 until 1962 and as chancellor from 1962 until 2000. In shaping IU into what it is today, he championed research, the arts, international programs, and academic freedom. According to Bowie, he also “never forgot to congratulate faculty members and students on their accomplishments,” and his handwritten notes are cherished by all who received them. As president, he personally signed every student’s diploma. At Christmas time, he dressed as Santa and roamed the campus ringing bells and passing out treats, even when he was in a wheelchair. Bowie notes that “he lived until the age of 97 and until his death he attended events all over campus. Especially important to the community, he attended every funeral and memorial service for the faculty and staff who preceded him in death.” Wells died in 2000, a few months before the Langland sculpture was dedicated.
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Kathie Dickenson is an award-winning higher-education writer and editor and a regular contributor to SmartCollegeVisit. Smart See, Smart Do™ is a regular series appearing on SmartCollegeVisit.com.