Meet the people who started it all.
Many talented people have contributed to the success of the Prindle Institute for Ethics in the nearly two decades since our founding. The Prindle Institute’s growing slate of programming, media, and community engagement has been built on the vision and values of the founders of the Prindle Institute. Without their talents, time, and generosity, our work would not be possible.
Our Namesake: Janet Prindle Seidler '58
Janet Prindle Seidler, a distinguished alumna of DePauw University’s class of 1958, passed away in February 2025 at the age of 88. A trailblazer on Wall Street and a champion of socially responsible investing, she was the first woman named partner at the investment firm Neuberger Berman. Her career proved that ethical business practices and financial success go hand in hand.
Janet’s extraordinary generosity made possible the creation of the Prindle Institute for Ethics in 2007, and her continued support helped it grow into a national leader in ethics education. She believed deeply that ethical reflection could shape a better world—and thanks to her vision, the Institute will continue to help students and communities do just that. Her legacy lives on in our work and in the thousands of lives touched by her commitment to justice, education, and the ethical life.
Robert Bottoms, Founding Director
When DePauw acquired the Nature Park in 2003, Robert “Bob” Bottoms’ dream of creating an ethics institute which would provide students, faculty and the wider community with a place to ask the big questions moved closer to reality. His vision embraced a definition of ethics which focused on inquiry and multiple perspectives. Under Bob Bottom’s leadership, the Prindle Institute defined itself as a “place for inquiry and discourse about critical issues of our time. Bottoms had the vision for The Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics; he also had the expertise, energy and commitment to guide the DePauw community toward the inspiring physical setting for the work to be done.
Martha Rainbolt, Founding Faculty Coordinator
Through Rainbolt’s initiative and guidance, the Faculty Advisory Committee was institutionalized, reading programs for both students and faculty began, renowned outside speakers were invited to become part of the DePauw community, and the Undergraduate Ethics Symposium was initiated in 2008. Martha played a key role in promoting ethics-related topics that would be of interest to students, and she organized faculty development workshops to help DePauw faculty members integrate ethics into their teaching and scholarly research. Martha Rainbolt’s contributions were instrumental in the conception, growth and impact of the Prindle Institute.
Linda Clute, Operations Manager
Starting work in February 2008, Assistant Director (2008-2016) and Operations Manager (2016-2020, 2022-2024) Linda Clute was the Prindle Institute’s very first employee, and ably shepherded the Institute through its foundation and early years. Throughout her tenure, she managed nearly all aspects of the Institute’s operations, day-to-day communications, and events. She was also the first leader of Prindle’s renowned Hillman Internship program for DePauw undergraduates. Linda retired in 2020 after 21 years of service to DePauw University, where she had worked in Public Affairs, the Office of the President, University Development, and Alumni Relations. Among her numerous achievements, Linda coordinated the visits of 28 distinguished Ubben Lecturers, including foreign dignitaries, government officials, celebrities, and a Nobel Laureate. When called upon in 2022, Linda graciously returned to service to aid in the Institute’s most recent leadership transition (and her third) , finalizing her retirement in May 2024. The Institute thanks Linda for nearly two decades of dedicated service, and wishes her all the best in retirement.