Doane College: A college of countless possibilities

Doane College is known for its leadership in higher education, grounded in the college’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, community and a special sense of place for each individual. These are the values that have made Doane successful for more than 140 years and will help build an even stronger college for the future.

Through this commitment to leadership, inquiry, values and engagement, Doane creates the ideal setting for experiences and connections with lifelong value. Our innovative approach to education integrates learning in the classroom with our students’ work and life experiences.

This catalog provides a description of the programs, services and academic and financial aid policies at Doane’s School of Arts and Sciences in Crete, Nebraska. However, the pages within cannot illustrate Doane’s student-centric approach that fosters success for all of its students. The college’s emphasis on its students is shown through how Doane:

• Produces leaders who have received a broad, liberal arts education linked closely to career and professional preparation.
• Provides graduates with appropriate academic programs and skills to prepare them for satisfying and profitable careers.
• Offers the distinctive Zenon C.R. Hansen Leadership Programs, which promotes self-confidence and reads students for a future of independence.
• Puts an emphasis on an international and multicultural campus to enhance educational opportunities.
• Extends its education to strategic locations in Nebraska’s metro regions, taking learning off-campus through internships, work and a variety of impressive public events.
• Takes an innovative approach to both traditional and nontraditional undergraduate and graduate education, making the college a leader in higher education in the Midwest.

History of Doane

For 142 years, Doane College has occupied a distinguished place among the liberal arts and sciences colleges of the Midwest.

The history of Doane dates from 1857, when the General Association of Congregational Churches, in its first annual meeting at Fremont, Nebraska, resolved to lay the foundation of a literary institution of a high order in Nebraska. Fourteen years later, and after several unsuccessful attempts to establish Congregational schools across the state, an academy was founded in Crete on May 22, 1871.

The efforts of the local Congregational pastor and Thomas Doane, chief civil engineer for the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, were instrumental in advancing the idea of the academy.

On July 11, 1872, Doane College preempted the Crete Academy. The college was officially incorporated at that time as a nonprofit institution governed by an independent, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. It has received continuous accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, now named the Higher Learning Commission, since 1913. The college is authorized to conduct all affairs considered essential to the liberal arts enterprise wherever it is carried on, including teaching, research, academic study and granting degrees.

Doane is historically affiliated with the church, now called the United Church of Christ (UCC).  Doane serves as the representative institution for the Nebraska, Rocky Mountain, Kansas-Oklahoma and South Dakota conferences of the UCC. Doane, although founded by Protestants, is open to students of all religions, as well as those who profess no formal religion.

Education for a Lifetime

Throughout Doane’s 142-year history, the college has provided students with dedicated faculty and quality programs. The highest priority for Doane faculty is to continually improve the teaching and learning process. They are also active with scholarly research and publication, community service and campus life.

Mission Statement

The Doane College mission is to provide an exceptional liberal arts education in a creative, inclusive, and collaborative community where faculty and staff work closely with undergraduate and graduate students preparing them for lives rooted in intellectual inquiry, ethical values, and a commitment to engage as leaders and responsible citizens in the world.

Accreditation Statement

Doane College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA), 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL, 60602-2504. NCA may be reached at 800.621.7440 or www.ncahlc.org

In addition, the Teacher Education unit at Doane College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; 202.466.7496. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs.

Doane is also accredited by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission of Post-Secondary Education, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 94987, Lincoln, NE, 68509-4987; 402.471.2295; and by other standardizing agencies.

Documentation of accreditation may be viewed upon request in the Doane College President’s Office.

Assessment Statement

Doane values the participation of undergraduate and graduate students in its institution-wide program to assess student achievement. This program is part of the institution’s responsibility to monitor student outcomes and assure the continuing quality of a Doane degree. Multiple strategies are used to gather information about student achievement throughout the college experience. Information collected as a part of the assessment program is used for assessment purposes only and is not used to evaluate individual performance. The college protects the confidentiality of data collected.

Doane College Memberships

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Nebraska
College Entrance Examination Board
Council for the Advancement and Support of Education
Council of Independent Colleges
Great Plains Athletic Conference
National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Nebraska Association of Colleges and Universities
Nebraska Independent College Foundation
Nebraska Independent College Library Consortium

Doane College Presidents

Doane College has been led by a succession of enlightened presidents. Doane’s first president, David Brainerd Perry, served from the official founding of the college in 1872 until 1912. He was followed by:

Fiscal Responsibility

The college provides a strong financial base for education through endowment growth, by annual fiscal integrity, through annual gift income, by a competitive comprehensive fee, and by a supportive scholarship program.

Campus Buildings and Scenic Locations

Doane College’s first students in the late 1800s studied in one primary building, Merrill Hall, which was destroyed by a fire in 1969. Through years of careful stewardship by faculty, staff and students, Doane now has one of the most scenic campuses in the Midwest. Currently, Doane maintains 26 primary buildings for academic, residential and co-curricular activities.

Bauer House is the official home of the Doane College president and was donated by Dr. John Bauer, a 1904 graduate. Built in 1950, the home was dedicated in 1965. The three-story home is located on Boswell Avenue, near the south entrance to campus.

Boswell Observatory, built in 1883, was named for Charles Boswell of Connecticut, whose stepson taught at Doane. He was also a close friend of Doane’s first president, David Brainerd Perry. He donated $5,000 for the building and astronomy equipment, which included an eight-inch equatorial telescope and a meridian transit used by college founder and civil railroad engineer Thomas Doane. The observatory is believed to be the first weather service headquarters in Nebraska, and its is one of three Doane buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has been altered several times, including after a fire in 1930. The observatory now serves as a mini-museum for historical equipment and is available for sky-viewing with the restored original telescope. It also houses the Doane Family Association archives

Brandt Memorial Bridge, erected in 1930, spans Miller Pond. College treasurer A.T. Cassel designed the bridge, and it was named for Herman F. Brandt, who joined the Doane faculty in 1927 and donated funds for its construction.

The Bridge to Distinction is the college’s newest bridge, spanning the ravine on the north side of the campus. It was constructed in 2004 and dedicated to Dr. Fred Brown, the college’s 10th president.

Burrage Hall and Colonial Hall, commonly known together as “The Quads,” are residential halls consisting of four bedrooms (quads) that accommodate eight people (two in each room). Each quad also has a living room and a bathroom. The majority of the Greeks consider the quads their home. Burrage was completed in 1966 as Georgian Hall but was renamed for Dwight G. Burrage, an instructor in Greek and Latin and registrar from 1906-44, in 1978. Colonial is the smaller of the two halls. In 2006, an outdoor basketball court was added just south of “The Quads” and east of Smith Hall.

Butler Gymnasium was built in 1936 and named in honor of U.S. Senator Hugh Butler, a longtime member and chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1917-54. An addition was built onto the gymnasium in 1944 to house a former swimming pool, and in 1955, classrooms were added to the west side of the building.

Cassel Open Air Theatre was created in 1936 by Doane alumnus and treasurer A.T. Cassel. The outdoor theatre is the site of commencement exercises each year. Cassel, who graduated in 1894, was responsible for campus landscaping for many years. Doane renovated the open air theatre in 2011, expanding the space, replacing retaining walls  and updating landscaping and other features.

The Chab Weyers Education and Hixson Lied Art Building opened in 2007, providing new offices and classrooms for the Education and Art departments.  It also houses the college’s Farley Korff Welcome Center, Admission Office and Information Technology Services. The main entrance to the building features the reclaimed signature portico of the former Whitin Building. The building was funded in part by a $2 million gift from the Lied Foundation Trust and a donation by Lois (Chab) and Larry Weyers, 1967 graduates of Doane.

College Heights Country Club is on land owned by Doane College and leased to the country club. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to enjoy this outstanding nine-hole course.

The Communications Building was completed in 1970. This building houses faculty offices, classrooms, computer labs, the library, art gallery and, new in 2014, the Learning Commons. Perkins Library, located on the lower level at the southern end of the building, was made possible through gifts from the Kitty Perkins Charitable Trust and the estate of Lincoln attorney T.F.A. Williams. The Perkins family was originally from Hastings, and several members have attended Doane. Rall Art Gallery was originally created in 1986 as part of the library. The gallery is named for Reinhold ‘33 and Lillian Rall and Leonard ‘35 and Dorothy ‘38 Rall, who provided funds for the project. The gallery is now part of the Learning Commons, the transformed previous upper level of the library. The new space is also home to the Writing Center, the Help Desk and new student study spaces. The building also houses Heckman Auditorium, named for Doane’s ninth president, Dr. Phil Heckman. The auditorium, in the northern end of the building, is the site of numerous musical performances, lectures by visiting speakers and other events each year.

Dean Memorial Pergola was built in 1930 with funds from 1880 alumna Carrie Dean in honor of her parents. The pergola is of Greek design and is situated over a natural spring. Numerous Dean family members attended the college, and Carrie’s brother, Edwin, served as Doane’s president from 1925-36. In 2006, a renovation project restored the pergola and added the Pappy ‘70 and Debra Solomon ‘71 Khouri Garden and Outdoor Classroom, rejuvenating Doane’s historic district. The project was completed as a gift from Delta Kappa Pi fraternity and alumni in honor of former college treasurer Khouri and Debra.

Doane Lake was created in 1931. In 1944, the spillway and water level were raised, allowing the lake to spread out. The dam was again raised in 1970 after completion of nearby Sheldon Hall. The lake has been home to pairs of swans for many years and was last renovated in 2000.

Fairchild Apartment Building, completed in 1956, was named for Arthur B. Fairchild, longtime treasurer (1886-1919) and acting president of the college from 1912-14.

Frees Hall was completed in 1931 as a women’s residence, and was designed by Dean and Dean, Architects. The building matches Smith Hall in design and was built to accommodate 185 students. A 450-seat dining hall was included in the basement, where students ate their meals until the campus center was built. The hall is named for Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Frees for their “generous interest in Christian education in Nebraska.” Frees is now a coed residence. A 2009 renovation project restored and improved this campus landmark, adding amenities such as air conditioning, remodeled bedrooms and living spaces, a game lounge and theater area plus outdoor gathering spaces.

Fuhrer Field House, built in 1969, was described at the time as a one of the premier facilities of its kind in the Midwest. The building grew to enclose 55,000 square feet of space for men’s and women’s athletics. In 2014, a 20,694 square-foot expansion was completed with numerous improvements to restore Fuhrer as a superior facility and a comprehensive recreation and athletic space for students and community. The renovation boosted arena seating for a capacity of 1,130 spectators, a 200-meter regulation length track for Doane’s preeminent track program, classroom space and Fred Beile Arena, the indoor track competition space named after Doane’s legendary track and field coach.

Gaylord Hall was built in 1884 as Ladies Hall. The building was re-named in 1890 for the Rev. Reuben Gaylord, a pioneer home missionary and Christian educator. One wing of the building was renovated into apartments in 1931. The building houses classrooms and faculty offices. Production studios for television, radio and the student newspaper are located in the lower level. Gaylord is one of three Doane buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The George and Sally Haddix Recreation and Athletic Center opened in 2010 with a performance gymnasium and fitness facility, and is located east of the Lied Science and Mathematics Building. It spans two levels  and 63,535 square-feet, housing Bob Erickson Court for volleyball and basketball (with seating for 1,100), a fitness center for both Doane and area communities, several classrooms and office space for the athletic department. The center is funded in part by George and the late Sally Haddix, two longtime members of the college’s Board of Trustees, and their families. They contributed a total of $7 million to the project. The Gibson Hall of Fame Room, on the upper level of the building and looking out into the performance gym, is named after Richard and Wanda Gibson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, who donated $2.5 million toward the building.

Gregory Grove is a landscape feature located south of Frees Hall. In 1932, George Gregory, an 1882 graduate and a member of the Board of Trustees from 1912-33, planted 100 pin oak trees. The grove is now part of Osterhout Arboretum, the campus-wide tree nursery and sanctuary.

Hansen Leadership Hall is the college’s newest residence hall and was completed in 2000. The building is named for the late Zenon C.R. Hansen, former CEO of Mack Trucks, and was funded in part by The Zenon Hansen Foundation.

Lauritsen Track is named for the late Walter Lauritsen ‘30, an outstanding alumnus, former multi-sport athlete and chairman of the Board of Trustees who did much to further the academic and financial advancement of the college. The outdoor track is located in Memorial Stadium.

The Jose M. and Elizabeth Ledon Softball and Baseball Complex opened in 2007. Named for the parents of a former softball team member, the complex is located on the eastern edge of campus.  It includes a baseball field and softball field, both with seating, batting cages and a shared two-story press box and concession stand. The complex also includes new track and field throwing competition areas.

The Lied Science and Mathematics Building was completed in 1999 and was funded in part by a $3 million gift from the Lied Foundation Trust. The $10.2 million, 60,000 square-foot building houses the science, mathematics, and Information Science and Technology departments. The building is connected to campus by a bridge dedicated to the Crete area.

Martin Maintenance Building was built in 1991 and houses the maintenance department and storage areas. Funding was provided by Alfred Martin, a former member of the Board of Trustees, and the Martin Foundation.

Memorial Stadium was officially dedicated Nov. 11, 1948, as the Doane-Crete Memorial Stadium, honoring veterans of both World War I and World War II. Al Papik Field (formerly Simon Field) and Lauritsen Track are housed within the stadium. Historic Fiske Lodge, built in 1910 on the south side of campus, was moved to the stadium in 2008 and serves as the ticket booth, concession stand and merchandising area at the south end of the stadium.

Miller Pond was named in memory of Florence Hazen Miller of Crete, who designed the Nebraska flag. In 1962, she provided funds for the renovation of this biology “bug” pond, a natural campus feature. A 1989 project dredged the pond and added a retaining wall and a fountain was installed in the center in 1990. The pond and the surrounding area were renovated again in 2014.

Osterhout Lane was finished in 2002 and connects the eastern part of campus to Iris Avenue. The lane is named for the late David Osterhout, a 1937 Doane graduate and a longtime college administrator, and his family. It features the Navy Memorial Plaza, dedicated to the Navy V5/V12 trainees, more than 700 men who received officer training at Doane during World War II.

Padour Walker Administration Building was dedicated in 1972 as a replacement for Merrill Hall, which was destroyed by fire in 1969. Built just west of the Merrill site, it houses administrative offices, a conference room and Noyce Chapel, which was dedicated in the spring of 1975. The chapel is located in the lower level and dedicated in memory of Ralph B. Noyce ‘15 by his family in 1975. Funding for the building was provided  by Edson O. Walker in honor of his wife, Ida Padour ‘15. An interior renovation in 1999 was funded by former trustee Alfred Martin and the Martin Foundation.

Al Papik Field, in Memorial Stadium, was formerly known as Simon Field. It was built in 1929 from a generous gift from G. Eli Simon, a Nebraska attorney and father of a graduating senior. The college and the community share use of the field, which features new FieldTurf installed in 2011, for football and soccer games throughout the year. In 2013, the field was rededicated in honor of Al Papik, a 1950 graduate who had a celebrated career as a coach and administrator at Doane. He later worked with Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s athletic department.

Perry Memorial Campus Center is named for Doane’s first president, Rev. David Brainerd Perry, who came to Nebraska as a missionary/circuit rider and stayed to establish a college on the treeless prairie. The building opened in January of 1963 and included recreation areas, a lounge and Tiger Inn snack bar. In 1970, a two-story addition was built onto the southern façade of the building. The building was again enlarged in 1995 and further renovated in 2007-08. Common Grounds Coffeehouse opened in 2006 and provides assorted beverages and pastries in a relaxing, social atmosphere. In 2011, one wing of the campus center was rededicated as Don Nyrop Great Hall to honor the late Don Nyrop, a Nebraska native who graduated from Doane in 1934 with a history degree. He went on to earn a law degree from George Washington University and then had a distinguished career in aviation, heading the Civil Aeronautics Administration and running Northwest Airlines. He was a 14-year member of Doane’s Board of Trustees and the recipient of numerous Doane awards for his longtime, generous support and leadership on behalf of the college.

Poets’ Grove is an area south of Whitcomb Lee Conservatory where students planted trees to honor notable poets.  On Arbor Day 1884, Trustee Samuel Andrews tossed pebbles across the lawn, and students then planted trees at the landing site of each stone. More trees were added at a rededication ceremony on Earth Day 2014.

Porter Memorial Bridge was built in 1931 to span the small stream between Gaylord and Frees Halls. Constructed in the same design as Brandt Memorial Bridge, this bridge honors Kezzie Porter Brande, a 1905 graduate who, according to the dedication plaque, “Loved the Doane Campus.”

Sally Smith Fountain was constructed in memory of Sally J. Smith ‘82, who was killed in a 1981 automobile/ bicycle accident. The fountain is located just south of Cassel Open Air Theatre. The waterfall flows into nearby Doane Lake.

Sheldon Hall, located east of Frees Hall and west of Hansen Leadership Hall, opened in 1970 as a women’s dormitory but is now a co-ed residence hall. The three-story building remained nameless until 1978, when it was dedicated after Margaret Thompson Sheldon, an 1886 graduate and, later, Doane’s first dean of women and an English professor. She served the college for 21 years. A renovation project in 2010 enhanced the hall’s living spaces and added lounges, a meeting space, patio and other amenities.

Smith Hall, formerly Men’s Hall, was renamed in 1977 to honor Charles C. Smith, an 1887 graduate, former trustee and benefactor of the college. In 1929, Smith contributed a substantial, then-anonymous gift to assure construction of the hall. The renaming of the building provided public recognition of his earlier contribution. The building became a co-ed residence with the completion of a 2011 renovation project that added a fourth floor to the landmark building while making improvements on a lounge area, gaming room, kitchen, business center and outdoor courtyard.

Teachers’ Grove is located on the site of the former Goodall Science Building. Dedicated in 2008, it is a place of respite in honor of those who open the doors of knowledge. The grove also honors those in the education field whose donations helped landscape the area.

Tiger Inn was the name given to the snack shop located at 13th Street and Forest Avenue in the 1940s and 1950s. The name stuck when the shop moved to campus in the 1950s. Located for a time in Fiske Lodge, it was then moved to Perry Memorial Campus Center in 1964. Tiger Inn was given a new look in 1995, offering an alternative area for meals, and was renovated again in 2007.

Whitcomb Lee Conservatory was built in 1906-07 in the prairie school style. The building, which originally housed a chapel and the music department, was named for Mr. and Mrs. George F. Lee of Otoe County (Nebraska) and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Whitcomb of Massachusetts. Renovated in 2003-04, the Conservatory now houses the theatre and speech/forensics departments with an auditorium used for theatre productions and other events. Also known as “The Con,” the building is one of three Doane buildings in the National Register of Historic Places.