Donald Cowling

From CarlWiki

Donald Cowling, as seen on the cover of The Carletonian in 1934, in an article about completing his twenty-fifth year as president.

Donald John Cowling was Carleton College's third and longest-serving president (from July 1, 1909 to 1945). He was only 28 years old at the time that he was chosen for the office. Under his tenure, the Arboretum that would later bare his name was begun.

Donald Cowling in 1916

Background

Donald Cowling was born in 1880 in Trevalga, Cornwall, England.^[1]

Before coming to Carleton, Cowling earned a B.A. from Lebanon Valley College and four degrees from Yale: A B.A., an M.A., a B.D. and a Ph.D. At that time, this was a record for most degrees earned from that institution.^[2]

Cowling died on November 27, 1964.

Quotes

• "The college grounds and campus [should be] one harmonious whole."^[3]

Impact on Carleton

Cowling presided over the relatively new college through both World Wars and the Great Depression. Today, both the Cowling Arboretum and the Cowling Recreation Center are named for him.

References

1. ↑ Spilman, Karen. Donald J. Cowling papers. University of Minnesota Libraries. 2002.
2. ↑ History of the President's Office. Office of the President. 6 May 2005.
3. ↑ Peterson, Eric. The Great Big Carleton Quiz. The Voice. Fall 2003.