Marvella Bayh

I first heard Marvella Bayh’s name from my English professor. He explained how she was a woman worth learning about. I believed him, but found devoting time for research difficult. That changed while writing my previous blog. I learned Marvella Bayh was instrumental in moving Hoosier Girl’s State to ISU’s campus. In 2006, I attended Girl’s State and loved every minute of it. Immediately, I decided a woman who was part of that organization was definitely worth learning about.

Marvella was raised and attended college in Oklahoma. Birch was from Terre Haute, attending Purdue University. They met in 1951 at the finals of the National Farm Bureau speaking contest. During the contest, he offered her a seat with the line, “Oklahoma, come on over and join Indiana.” Senator Bayh admitted later in life that, “It was just plain old love at first sight.” After several months of dating, the college students became engaged. Two years into their marriage, Birch was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives. Living on a tight budget, Marvella emotionally supported Birch as he attended law school and rose through the political ranks.

The Bayh’s membership in the Kennedy’s Camelot was cemented when Birch saved Ted Kennedy’s life 1964. The Bayhs were flying with Edward Kennedy when plane unexpectedly crashed. Birch pulled Teddy out of the flaming wreckage, saving his life. Their close friendships with the Kennedys and the Johnsons allowed policies policies to be discussed in a calm environment.

Marvella was extremely involved in the political scene. She attended all of Birch’s staff meetings and edited his speeches. Birch Bayh readily admitted that she was his key policy advisor stating that, “I respect her judgment more than anyone else’s.” Her speeches were legendary and captivating for the audiences.

In 1971, Marvella was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy followed by radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Instead of becoming a victim, she immersed herself in the American Cancer Society Crusade. In 1978, the cancer returned. Despite aggressive treatment, she lost her battle with cancer in early 1979.

Marvella Bayh was an incredible woman. She dedicated her life to politics and her family. She influenced her husband and son to become the best politicians they could be.

Making the Right Choice

Walking through the College of Education on Friday, I noticed something very unusual. Men in suits were standing outside the front doors greeting people. Odd. Inside I observed important people - like the Dean - with metal name tags milling around. Double odd. Glancing into the atrium, I noticed the magnificent buffet of hor-dourves. Eureka! I remembered that in less than two hours, the College of Education would be dedicated to the Bayh family.

A small giggle escaped my lips as I compared my old gym clothes to the business attire of people attending the event. As I hurried out of the building, I stopped and admired Indiana State for a moment. They could have closed the College of Education and kept under dressed students like myself out – but they didn’t. Instead, they believed it was important to showcase ISU as a live campus, complete with students meandering to class in non-business attire.

According to reporter Sue Laoughlin, the U.S Senator Even Bayh said he was “touched” and “humbled” by Indiana State’s decision to name the college of education after several generations of the Bayh family. President Dan Bradley presented the Senator with an honorary doctorate for his late mother, Marvella Bayh. She had attended ISU from 1952-1958 and was instrumental in getting Hoosier Girls State moved to the ISU campus.

This is an excellent step for Indiana State University. We are finally honoring a family who has been dedicated to Terre Haute and the University for generations. Instead of turning our backs on people who can build us up, we are embracing them. If ISU continues to make these types of decisions, we might have the opportunity to take this University back into the limelight.

Chauncy Rose Part 2: Giving Back

The railroad was the builder of Rose’s fortune. It had turned out to be a huge success, and even expanded to include Evansville. Although it was a success, Rose had one major problem while building his railroad. Men with technical training had no interest coming west to Indiana to work on his project. Rose decided there should be opportunities for men in the “west” to learn engineering.

After much reflection and research, Rose formed a corporation on September 10, 1874. This corporation was the Terre Haute School of Industrial Science, later renamed Rose Polytechnic Institute. After its construction, Rose left an initial endowment of $500,000 to the school. Ever focused on the future, Rose gave the money so, “this institution has a productive capital, exclusive of buildings.” Although the cornerstone was laid in 1875, the school did not begin operations until 1883; long after Chauncey Rose’s death in 1887.

It is reported that Chauncey rose gave roughly 3 million dollars to charity during his lifetime. His charities allotted money and resources for: orphans, widows, crippled, deaf, and the blind. Libraries, colleges, and schools also received monetary donations.

Although generous with his fortune, Rose rarely wanted any recognition. He strenuously objected Terre Haute School of Industrial Science being renamed Rose Polytechnic Institute. He did not want any of his funded projects to bear his name. Personal recognition went against his belief in true charity. Only Rose Polytechnic was named for Chauncey Rose during his lifetime. All other name ties result from commemorative, posthumous changes by grateful recipients.