Taylor University 175th Anniversary

Born as Prince Kaboo, Samuel Morris grew up in a small Liberian village, and his life changed dramatically when a neighboring clan defeated his people and took him for ransom. Morris arrived on Taylor’s campus in 1891 and died in 1893. Thaddeus Reade described Morris as a “divinely sent messenger of God . . . [who came] to prepare Taylor University for her mission to the whole world.

Ruth Ann Breuninger was Taylor University’s first female associate professor of religion and physical education. In 1971, she planned a department event that would evolve into Taylor’s university-wide Lighthouse program.

Thaddeus Reade guided Taylor through the transition from Fort Wayne to Upland and cultivated the spiritual culture that still exists today. He made it his goal to make Taylor known for its students’ dedication to Christ, and he developed the foundation of Taylor’s Bible curriculum.

Alice Hamilton was a Taylor alumni, doctor, worker advocate, peace ambassador, and the first female professor at Harvard Medical School. She was an educator, researcher, and activist well into her 80s. She lived to be 101.

Grace Olson was a beloved long-time professor of history at Taylor. In her early years, Olson taught almost all of the department’s courses, eventually specializing in modern European history. She was known for pushing her students to think more independently than ever before.

Burt Ayres was an influential presence at Taylor and served as interim president three different times. He was a constant presence in the first half of the 20th century at Taylor, and he was the academic mind to balance Reade’s spiritual fervor.

Jay Kesler was a beloved and widely recognized president of Taylor University. Before coming to Taylor, his history with Youth for Christ, Family Forum, and his prolific writing career gained him notoriety in the evangelical circles of the day. Taylor experienced some of its most rapid growth under his character and connections.

Under Milo Rediger’s leadership, Taylor’s reputation grew as an academically strong school. His vision of whole-person, accreditation, and national recognition led to a rapid growth of academic programs.

As the namesake of the school, Bishop William Taylor embodied many of Taylor University’s ideals. With a heart for the abused and vulnerable, he had a reputation for preaching in the saloons and brothels of Gold Rush California.

As a beloved professor of Taylor University, Elmer Nussbaum was one of the top 15 atomic energy physicists in the United States. He was passionate about finding cleaner energy sources and preserving the planet, and he taught summers at the Institute of Nuclear Studies in Tennessee.

Hazel Butz-Carruth was a top scholar in her field of English and wanted to be a part of the driving mission of Taylor. Named Professor of the Year and Outstanding Educator for America, Butz-Carruth was known for an exacting work ethic that she also demanded of her students.