During the University’s milestone 150th anniversary, it is most fitting that the recipient of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society’s Search Award — its highest honor — is one of its greatest leaders, William H. Danforth.
The longest-serving chancellor (1971-1995), Danforth led the University through one of the most critical periods in its development. He is now chancellor emeritus and vice chairman of the Board of Trustees.
He was presented with the award at the Eliot Society’s 37th annual dinner April 22 at The Ritz-Carlton in Clayton.
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton presented Danforth with a silver replica of The Search, a sculpture designed by Heikki Seppa, professor emeritus in the School of Art.
In presenting the honor to Danforth, Wrighton said: “He is a man of great and enduring influence at the University, in St. Louis, and in many national organizations and educational and scientific enterprises. He has served as a leader in many professional and academic societies.”
On a personal note, Wrighton said that nothing could have prepared him for Danforth’s kindness and his deep commitment to the University when Wrighton came to St. Louis as a candidate for the chancellorship.
“I cannot imagine how I would have made the transition to a new city and the post of chancellor without his friendship, counsel, and moral support,” Wrighton said.
Danforth has been associated with the University since 1957, when he joined the School of Medicine faculty. From 1965-1971, he served as vice chancellor for medical affairs and as president of the Washington University Medical Center.
He chaired the Board of Trustees from 1995-99.
Danforth took his family’s deep belief in education and public service to heart, and his giving and community-service record demonstrates his extraordinary support to the St. Louis region and beyond.
His grandfather founded Ralston-Purina, as well as the Danforth Foundation, which has generously supported education. The largest gift to the Campaign for Washington University, $100 million, was a lead gift from the Danforth Foundation that supported a range of needs campus-wide.
Danforth’s mark has been made throughout the University’s campuses.
The Eliot Society created its highest level of membership in his honor. He and his wife, Elizabeth “Ibby,” have contributed thousands of hours of service to the University and to its students, faculty and the academic enterprise, in addition to their formal duties.
Beloved by students, he united the University community during a critical period of campus unrest and promoted academic excellence while increasing the endowment elevenfold. Danforth’s skillful mediation and determined leadership ensured the University’s place as a world-class institution.
Danforth earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1947 and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1951.
He did his advanced medical training at Barnes Hospital and is a member of the Institute of Medicine.
The Eliot Society, named after the University’s co-founde, was established in 1959. Its 3,900 members are alumni, parents and friends who provide unrestricted support to the University.
In addition to the dinner and awards program, Eliot Society members heard a talk by Robert Ballard, the scientist, explorer and deep-sea expert best known for his discovery of the Titanic in 1985.