Capital University

Capital University (Capital, Cap, or CU) is a private university in Bexley, Ohio. Capital was founded as the Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio in 1830, and later was associated with that synod's successor, the American Lutheran Church.[5] The university has undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a law school.[6] Capital University is the oldest university in Central Ohio and is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America.[7]

This article is about the university in Ohio. For the university in Jharkhand, India, see Capital University, Jharkhand.
Capital University
TypePrivate
Established1830 (1830)
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Endowment$106.7 million (2019)[1]
PresidentDave Kaufman
Academic staff
159 full-time, 245 part-time
Students3,367 (fall 2018)[2]
Undergraduates2,718 (fall 2018)[2]
Postgraduates649 (fall 2018)[2]
Location
Bexley
,
Ohio
,
United States
CampusSuburban
53 acres
ColorsPurple, Gray, and White
     [3][4]
MascotCrusaders
Websitewww.capital.edu

History

Capital University was founded on June 3, 1830, as the "Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio" in Canton, Ohio,[5] 40 years before the founding of The Ohio State University, making it the oldest university in Central Ohio. It moved to downtown Columbus in 1832. On March 2, 1850, The non-seminary portion of the school was renamed Capital University and the seminary was renamed the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary (ELTS). At that time the denomination was renamed to the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States and grew into a nationwide church body. The first president of the renamed university was William Morton Reynolds.[8]

In 1930, the Joint Synod was merged with two other smaller German language groups, the Iowa Synod (formed 1854) and the Buffalo Synod (founded 1845) to create the American Lutheran Church (ALC), headquartered in Columbus. The ALC existed only three decades, until 1960, when it in turn participated in a larger merger with the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church Danish to form The American Lutheran Church. The second ALC lasted until the formation of the current Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in 1988, with offices in Chicago, Illinois.

The university eventually moved its main campus to the rural periphery of the state capital in the community of Bexley. This rural area has since developed into an upscale suburb. Capital University's educational mission is based on Lutheran values of free inquiry, critical thinking, and leadership. A current motto used at the school is "Ask. Think. Lead", a continuing reminder of its educational mission.

Capital University Historic District
LocationBexley, Ohio
Coordinates39°57′21″N 82°56′19″W
Built1876–1928[9]
Architectural styleItalianate, Gothic Revival[9]
NRHP reference No.82001457
Added to NRHPDecember 17, 1982

In recognition of several buildings' historic architectural merit,a portion of the campus was entered on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Capital University Historic District" in 1982. The district comprises Mees Hall, Bexley Hall, the Kerns Religious Life Center (formerly Rudolph Hall), and Leonard Hall. The district originally also included Lehmann Hall and Loy Hall, but those two buildings have since been demolished.[10][9]

In May 2004, the university received approval to close Mound Street between College Avenue and Pleasant Ridge Avenue from the city of Bexley. In 2006, the university constructed a pedestrian mall on the closed portion of Mound Street which included parking, improved lighting, benches, and landscaping. The $2.5 million project unified the northern and southern portions of campus.[11]

On April 20, 2015, university president Denvy A. Bowman announced his intention to retire effective July 1, 2016, ending his ten-year tenure as president.[12] On February 9, 2016, Capital announced Dr. Elizabeth L. Paul as the university's president elect. She is the 16th president of Capital and is the first woman to hold the position at the university. Paul previously served as provost at Stetson University in Florida.[13]

ELTS became independent of the university in 1959. It merged with the theological department known as Hamma Divinity School of nearby Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, in 1978, and reopened on the Bexley campus as Trinity Lutheran Seminary, where it continues today as a theological seminary of the ELCA.[5] In the fall of 2016, Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary announced that the two would reunite after 58 years of operating separately. The goal was to have the reunion plan completed by summer of 2017 with implementation to follow over the next two years.[14]

On July 13, 2020, the university Board of Trustees announced plans to retire the Crusader nickname and the “Cappy” mascot following a 15-month long study

Academics

Capital is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.[15] It has more than 60 majors and 51 minors to choose from.[16]

The academic buildings on campus include Battelle Hall, Ruff Learning Center, Troutman Hall, Kerns Religious Life Center, Huber-Spielman Hall, Conservatory of Music, and Renner Hall.

Capital University's ranking in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, tied at #28.[17]

Law School
Main article: Capital University Law School

Capital University Law School is an ABA-accredited private law school located in downtown Columbus.[18] U.S. News & World Report listed Capital's full-time Juris Doctor program as "Rank Not Published" in 2018, but in 2020 it ranked Capital University No. 146 out of 192 in Best Law Schools.[19]

Campus life
Campus entrance gate from Main Street

Student organizations

Capital University features more than 70 student organizations. This includes 13 fraternities and sororities, arts and media organizations, cultural organizations, honors societies, campus programming, religious organizations, service organizations, and government and social organizations. Some examples include Pride, PRSSA, Circle K, Jewish Student Association,[20] ReCap Literary Magazine, the Chimes (student news),[21] intramural sports, student government, and numerous music organizations in which both non-music and music majors can perform.

Residence life

Capital is a residential campus that operates on semester scheduling. Most students live on campus in one of seven residence halls: Saylor-Ackermann Hall, Cotterman Hall, the Lohman Complex (comprising several residence halls), Schaaf Hall, Capital Commons, College Avenue Hall, and the Capital University Apartments (formerly the Woodsview Apartments).

Music

Capital University's music program is well-respected in the music community. Consisting of traditional and contemporary tracks, legendary faculty member Ray Eubanks started the jazz program and the music industry programs, which were some of the first in the nation. The largest degree concentration within the Conservatory is the Music Technology program, consisting of two tracks authored by Dr. Rocky J. Reuter, who also created the composition degree, the MIDI Band (an all-electronic live ensemble that has toured throughout the mid-west and eastern US), Ensemble Now (an improvisational-based contemporary music ensemble) and NOW MUSIC Festival, an annual celebration of contemporary music. The Chapel Choir has performed around Ohio and the world, including Carnegie Hall. The annual Christmas Festival at Capital, led by all the choral ensembles (the Capital Chordsmen, Women's Chorus, Choral Union, and Chapel Choir), is a popular local event and community institution. Recently, the university appointed its first female Assistant Dean of the Conservatory of Music.

WXCU Radio
Logo for WXCU Radio 2014-Present

The campus radio station, WXCU Radio, is entirely student-run and managed. Starting in 2007, the radio station began streaming online only with an alternative and indie rock format. Students have the opportunity to host their own radio show and interview nationally touring acts.[22] Additionally, the station hosts several concerts[23] and also supports the efforts of other groups campus-wide. Participation can be either extra-curricular, or for credits. The station takes music submissions and frequently features music produced by students.

Harry C. Moores Student Union

During the summer of 2013 the Harry C. Moores Campus Center underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation. Capital University's Student Government rededicated the building as the 'Harry C. Moores Student Union' in the fall of 2013. Capital's Barnes & Noble bookstore is located on the first floor of the Union . The Student Union is also home to the campus mail room and the main dining facilities for Capital University.[24]

The main dining room (MDR) or "Capital Court" on campus underwent renovations during the summer of 2015.

The bookstore on the first floor of the student union underwent renovations during the summer of 2016.

The third floor of the student union underwent renovations during the fall of 2016 to install a new workout area on campus. The workout facility opened in January 2017.[25] The third floor used to have a lounge and game tables. The third floor was also home to the 'Mezz' dining option however that option was closed in 2015 when Aramark became the new food provider to campus. Aramark operates under the "Capital Dining" name at Capital.

Blackmore Library

The Capital University Blackmore Library is a four-floor structure. Computers are located on the first three floors for use, with only one on the third floor. The third floor contains many articles and much of the University's historic data is located there. The fourth floor is the home to the Schumacher Gallery, which houses a large art collection on campus. The second floor has a large collection of music, including a vinyl section. Constructed in 1969 and dedicated in March 1971, the library now contains more than 300,000 articles of media. The library was named in 1998 for Josiah Blackmore, a well-known legal scholar and former president of the University.[26] The first and second floors of Blackmore Library were renovated in Summer 2012.

Schumacher Gallery houses the 502-piece Schreiber-Fox Collection of African Art. Schreiber and Fox donated their collection of African art to Capital University. The Schumacher Gallery's permanent collections consist of a diverse selection of more than 2500 works of art for education and enjoyment.

A piece of the Berlin Wall is a popular attraction for visitors and incoming students. Obtained in 1992, the wall was given on long-term loan from Hansa Consulting, a German-based corporation. On one side is colorful graffiti written during the separation of East and West Berlin, while the other side is blank concrete revealing a few bullet holes, evidence of the confinement of East Berliners. Once housed in the University's library, the structure now stands outside behind Huber-Spielman Hall. The concrete wall weighs 2.8 tons.[27]

Athletics

Capital University participates in numerous sports and plays within the Ohio Athletic Conference in the NCAA's Division III. The school's primary athletic rival is Otterbein University, in Westerville, Ohio. Under the name Capital Crusaders, the following teams and clubs compete on the varsity level:

National championships

Capital University became the first school to win back-to-back NCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Championships in 1994 and 1995. The two championships highlight a five-year run that featured four trips to the national semifinals and finals. The Crusaders finished second in the nation in 1993 and third in the nation in 1997.[28]

Bernlohr Stadium

Bernlohr Stadium is home to the football team, men's and women's soccer teams, track team, and also to the men's and women's lacrosse teams. In 2011, Field turf was reinstalled to the field. The stadium does have a three lane track. The capacity is around 3,000 with seating and standing room. In fall of 2012, a new HD LCD scoreboard was revealed.[29] In October 2014, Capital was granted permission to install stadium lights and a new sound system at the stadium by the Bexley Planning Commission. This decision was upheld in January 2015, by the Bexley City Council after residents living near the stadium appealed the planning commission's decision.[30]

In the fall of 2016, alumnus Wells Purmort (class of 1958) made a donation to the university's athletic department. Purmort gave a gift of $1 million which will be used to maintain the turf at the stadium as well as be used for the eventual replacement of the field. To show its appreciation, the university named the playing surface after him. The stadium is now known as Purmort Field at Bernlohr Stadium.[31]

Capital Center

The Capital Center is a 126,000-square-foot recreational and athletic complex opened in 2001. Located inside is a weight room and cardio workout area open to students. The facility has an indoor track as well. The basketball teams and the volleyball team use the main gym inside the complex for their home games. Some classes are also held inside the Capital Center. The Capital Center is connected to Bernlor Stadium.[32]

Clowson Field

Clowson Field is home to the baseball and softball teams.[33] The field is located just a short drive from campus off of South Nelson Road.

People
Main article: List of Capital University people

Capital has many alumni living in central Ohio and throughout the United States.

See also

References
  1. As of June 30, 2019. "U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised)". National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  2. Capital University Office of Institutional Research. "Visual Fact Book (VFB) – Capital University". Retrieved 1 March 2018.
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2013-11-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Capital University
  5. "Our Focus, Our Future" (PDF). Capital University. 2012. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  6. "Degrees". Capital University. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  7. "About Capital". Capital University. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  8. Robert Allan Stevens, Anticipation exceeded realization: Saga of an Antebellum College (Lulu, 2017), p. 158
  9. Recchie, Nancy (November 1979), National Register of Historic Places Inventory — Nomination Form: Capital University Historic District (PDF), retrieved July 12, 2018.
  10. "Department of the Interior: National Park Service: National Register of Historic Places; Annual Listing of Historic Properties", 49 FR 4608 (February 7, 1984), at p. 4659.
  11. http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/09/04/story3.html?page=all
  12. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-04-27. Retrieved 2015-04-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. Edwards, Mary Morgan (February 9, 2016). "Stetson University provost chosen to lead Capital University". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  14. "Trinity Lutheran Seminary & Capital Reunite | Capital University, Columbus Ohio". www.capital.edu. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  15. "Capital University". The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. April 18, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  16. Majors and Minors
  17. "Capital University #28 in Regional Universities Midwest (tie)". usnews.com. U.S. News & World Report L.P. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  18. "Capital University Law School". Capital University Law School. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  19. Capital University. "Capital University | Best Law School | US News". Grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
  20. Viviano, JoAnne (October 20, 2016). "Jewish students at Capital share significance of Sukkot holiday". The Columbus Dispatch. The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  21. "The Chimes – Capital University's Student Newspaper". The Chimes. Retrieved 2019-03-07.
  22. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-05-27. Retrieved 2015-05-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  23. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-05-27. Retrieved 2015-05-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  24. Dining Options and Hours Archived October 5, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  25. http://cuchimes.com/11/2016/mezz-fitness-open-spring/
  26. "Retired Capital President Josiah Blackmore Dies". The Columbus Dispatch. September 26, 2007. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  27. Phillips, Jeb (November 8, 2009). "Berlin Wall's Fall Inspires, 20 Years Later". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on November 26, 2009. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
  28. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-11-06. Retrieved 2014-11-05.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. "Bernlohr Stadium – Capital University Athletics". Archived from the original on 2013-07-26. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  30. http://www.capital.edu/capitalnews.aspx?id=34783%5B%5D
  31. http://www.capital.edu/News-and-Events/News/All-News/2016/Stadium-Field-Name-Honors-Purmort-Family/
  32. Capital University Athletics
  33. Clowson Field – Capital University Athletics

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