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Statements on the death of IU Chancellor Herman B Wells
March 19, 2000
NOTE: Following are statements from Indiana University about the death of IU Chancellor Herman B Wells. If you need further assistance, contact Christopher Simpson, vice president for public affairs and government relations, at 812-855-0850 or e-mail him at csimpson@indiana.edu, or contact George Vlahakis, media relations manager, at 812-855-0846, gvlahaki@indiana.edu
From Myles Brand, President, Indiana University:
Chancellor Wells was, quite simply, a great man, one of the exceptional figures in higher education this century. If it were not for his vision, his leadership, his passion and his hard work, IU would not be the university that it is today. Of course, the title of Chancellor Wells' autobiography was 'Being Lucky,' but I always have thought that those who followed him at IU were the lucky ones. Among other things, Chancellor Wells passed along to his successors a first-class faculty, a world-renowned School of Music, outstanding international programs, and a steadfast commitment to research excellence and academic freedom. But what was particularly important to me is that Chancellor Wells was not just a figure in the history books. Even at age 97, he seemed to be everywhere on campus. And he was always willing, when asked, to offer wise and straightforward advice. I am deeply saddened by his death. I know I will miss him, and I'm sure the community will as well.
John D. Walda, President, IU Board of Trustees, Attorney, Barrett & McNagny, Fort Wayne:
When I think of Herman B Wells, I think of the words of John F. Kennedy who said, 'Things do not happen; things are made to happen.' Chancellor Wells made wonderful things happen not only at Indiana University, but in the lives of everyone with whom he came in contact. He changed my life, and I will remember him with respect and affection. Herman Wells knew how to build a great university and gain broad-based popular support for it. That achievement, however, is not as great in my mind as the particular atmosphere he created on the Bloomington campus, one that has touched the lives of all those who joined the university family during his presidency and who have become part of that family in the years since his retirement.
From Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chancellor of the Bloomington campus:
He always said that the spirit of a place was its most important attribute, and he always worked tirelessly to enhance it at Indiana University. For me, the warmth of his being is his greatest legacy. Those influenced by it have done all they could, in ways lesser than those employed by Wells himself, to maintain and enhance the particular atmosphere that has attracted and retained superb faculty and staff, persuading them to spend most, if not all, of their academic careers in Bloomington, Indiana.
Curtis Simic, President, IU Foundation:
Dr. Wells was a man whose calm demeanor in all situations reflected a great confidence and awareness of where he was going and what he needed to do to get there. His grand plan for IU was accomplished one step, one program and one person at a time. All of us who were around him knew we were in the presence of greatness, whether he was at the time university president, foundation chairman or simply our friend.
Jerry Tardy, President, IU Alumni Association:
Indiana University has been lucky. It is rare to have as a common denominator one individual whose name became synonymous with the very institution he served. Herman B Wells knew that students became alumni and that alumni became the lifeblood of the university. He was a magnet that attracted the respect and love of both the young and old, and he helped to build IU one person at a time. His legacy is legendary.
Harry Gonso, former IU Trustee, Attorney, Ice, Miller, Donadio & Ryan, Indianapolis:
Of the many vivid memories I have of Chancellor Wells, one stands out: he often referred to Indiana University as "his sole mistress." For a gentleman who was never married, this statement perhaps best sums up the life of Herman Wells. Chancellor Wells dedicated his entire life -- his every waking moment, his every thought and action -- to the betterment of Indiana University. What higher tribute can we pay to the man and the impact he has had on this great university.
James Morris, IU Trustee, President, Indianapolis Water Company:
Herman Wells was one of the three or four most remarkable Hoosiers of the last 100 years. What he has done for Indiana young people will never be equaled. He was a wonderful person, and his legacy will live forever.
Peter Obremskey, IU Trustee, Attorney, Parr Richey Obremskey & Morton, Lebanon:
Herman B Wells holds a special place, not only in the hearts of those people who knew and loved him at Indiana University, but also those who knew and loved him in Boone County. He was raised here and went on to IU, but he never forgot his Boone County roots. That's reflected in the fact that a grade school was named in honor of his mother, the local Methodist Church has a carillon donated by Herman B Wells, and the family farm was donated to Indiana University. Willete H. Parr, a senior partner in my law firm, and Herman were close personal friends from the days they both attended IU through the time I began practicing law in Lebanon. I had the privilege of being a party to the friendship between them. Sandy and I were always astounded at Herman's ability to recall names and events; he particularly wanted to know from us how his cousins, who continued to live in Boone County, were doing. I know of no person who was more caring about people with whom he associated, and I know of no one who didn't have the greatest admiration and respect for all that he accomplished. He was a great man. One of a kind.
Dick Stoner, former President, IU Board of Trustees, retired:
Dr. Wells has been my mentor since my first days at Indiana University in 1937. His unparalleled good humor and remarkable memory have endeared him to alumni all over the world. What he has done and meant to this university will fill many history books. His loyalty to and love of his friends will long be remembered. So many of us are better persons because of this great man.
Dorothy C. Collins, Research and Editorial Associate for Chancellor Wells:
Whenever anyone saw Dr. Wells at a function, whether it was at the Musical Arts Center, the Theatre or the Auditorium, they knew that all was well with the university. In other words, he gave them an assurance of the stability of the university ... I think his presence will be fully felt at the library on Thursday, because his papers fully reflect him. (Collins is referring to a previously scheduled symposium at the IU Main Library on March 23 to formally open Wells' personal papers to the public.)
Chancellor Herman B Wells: We were "lucky" to have known him
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