DPU Cultural Resource Center renamed in honor of Dorothy Brown

Friday, April 17, 2009
Friends and admirers of Dorothy Brown (right) gathered on March 31, as DePauw's Cultural Resource Center was renamed in Brown's honor. (Photo by Richard A. Fields)

Dorothy Brown, who is known to several generations of DePauw University students and faculty as well as the Greencastle community, is being honored for her contributions to the college and city. The University's Cultural Resource Center, located at 314 East Hanna Street, has been renamed in her honor. Brown served as DePauw's assistant director of minority affairs, taught in the education department, and has served as house mother for Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house on campus for 15 years.

About 100 of Brown's friends and admirers from DePauw and Greencastle gathered at the Dorothy Brown Cultural Resource Center March 31 for a ceremony marking the facility's rededication.

Dorothy Chapman Brown was born in Tennessee and moved to Greencastle in her teen years. She excelled in academics and track. She received a bachelor of science degree in education and then a master of science in school administration from Indiana State University.

Brown was the first African American to teach in Greencastle schools and served as principal of Ridpath School. She taught in DePauw's education department from 1986-89.

She has been active in many local organizations, including Greencastle Kiwanis, Putnam County Museum, NAACP, Gobin Church and Girl Scouts. She has lectured and been discussion leader for many multicultural programs and has been recognized for her hard work and dedication in making her community a better place for all families to raise children.

Brown is an "an incredible inspiration who has made significant strides in her community," Nissy Stetson-Grace, assistant director of multicultural and community life, tells The DePauw.

Brown's daughter, Charlene Shrewsbury, says her mother "makes us proud every day. I really can't think of a single act that would stand out more than all the rest because they're all special. She goes constantly and she always has a busy day." Shrewsbury is a captain on the DePauw Public Safety department.

At the event, DePauw senior Erik Lundorf, who is a member of Phi Psi, unveiled a portrait of Dorothy Brown which will be displayed in the center that bears her name.

Dorothy Brown Cultural Resource Center is home to several identification affinity groups, including the Committee for Latino Concerns, ASIA club and United DePauw.

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  • Mrs. Brown was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Miller school. Fine teacher and Lady. Very happy for you Mrs. Brown.

    -- Posted by millerschoolkid on Fri, Apr 17, 2009, at 8:41 AM
  • Next to role model in the dictionary, should be Mrs. Brown's picture. Congatulations to a very deserving woman.

    -- Posted by townielove on Fri, Apr 17, 2009, at 10:14 AM
  • I was a teacher at Ridpath during Dorothy Brown's tenure as Ridpath principal. She was a wonderful administrator as well as friend. I am so happy that she is being honored for her many accomplishments. She continues to amaze me. Although I live in Arizona now, I enjoy keeping up with my Greencastle friends. Congratulations, Dorothy!

    -- Posted by greatstuff on Fri, Apr 17, 2009, at 10:18 AM
  • Couldn't be named after a better person. Congratulations to one of Greencastle's finest citizens!!!

    -- Posted by juanvaldez on Fri, Apr 17, 2009, at 11:06 AM
  • Dorothy Brown has the best laugh in the world, not only was she a great friend and inspiration to me as a beginning teacher 42 years ago, but a bunch of fun as well. Congrats Dorothy, I am proud to know you.

    -- Posted by Karen C on Sun, Apr 19, 2009, at 10:33 AM
  • As already mentioned, Mrs. Brown has the most wonderful laugh. A great lady. I remember her as principal at Ridpath when I attended there!

    Congrats, Mrs. Brown!

    -- Posted by Violet23 on Tue, Apr 21, 2009, at 12:44 PM
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