Meet the people who started it all.
The Prindle Institute exists because of the vision, generosity, and leadership of its founders. Nearly two decades after our founding, their commitment to reflection, dialogue, and ethical inquiry continues to shape everything we do. What began as an idea—a space where people could come together to think deeply about what’s right and good—has grown into a thriving center for ethics education, public conversation, and community engagement. We are deeply grateful to those whose imagination and dedication built the foundation for this work and continue to inspire it today.
Our Namesake, Janet Prindle Seidler '58
Janet Prindle Seidler, a 1958 graduate of DePauw University, was a pioneer in finance and a steadfast advocate for ethics in business and beyond. The first woman to become a partner at Neuberger Berman, she built a career proving that integrity and success are not at odds—they’re inseparable.
Her remarkable generosity made the creation of the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics possible in 2007, transforming a vision of ethical reflection and dialogue into a national center for ethics education. Janet believed that thinking carefully about our choices can shape a better world. Thanks to her leadership and enduring support, the Institute continues that work every day—helping students, educators, and communities explore what it means to live well and do good.
Her legacy endures in the questions we ask, the conversations we foster, and the lives her vision continues to inspire.
Robert Bottoms, Founding Director
Robert “Bob” Bottoms, president emeritus of DePauw University, imagined an institute that would make ethics a living part of campus life. When DePauw acquired the Nature Park in 2003, his vision began to take shape—a place where students, faculty, and community members could come together to ask big questions and learn from one another.
Bob believed that ethics begins in inquiry and grows through conversation. Under his leadership, The Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics became just that: a home for reflection, dialogue, and the exchange of diverse perspectives on the issues that shape our lives.
Today, his vision continues to inspire the Institute’s work—transforming a quiet limestone quarry into a vibrant space for thinking deeply about how we ought to live.
Martha Rainbolt, Founding Faculty Coordinator
Martha Rainbolt helped shape The Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics from its very beginning. Through her leadership and imagination, the Faculty Advisory Committee became a lasting part of the Institute’s work, and new opportunities for reflection and dialogue took root across campus.
Under Martha’s guidance, reading programs for students and faculty flourished, visiting scholars and speakers brought new voices to DePauw, and the Undergraduate Ethics Symposium—launched in 2008—became a signature event for the Institute. She also led faculty workshops that encouraged colleagues to weave ethics into their teaching and research, expanding the reach of ethical inquiry throughout the university.
Her insight and dedication were instrumental in building the Prindle Institute into the vibrant home for ethics education it is today.
Linda Clute, Operations Manager
Linda Clute joined The Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics in 2008 as its very first employee, helping to bring the new Institute from vision to reality. As Assistant Director and later Operations Manager, she guided nearly every facet of its early development—overseeing operations, events, and communications with care and precision.
Linda also led the Institute’s first Hillman Internship program, shaping an experience that continues to inspire DePauw students today. Before her time at the Institute, she served DePauw in roles across Public Affairs, the Office of the President, University Development, and Alumni Relations, coordinating visits from 28 distinguished Ubben Lecturers along the way.
After more than two decades of service to DePauw, Linda retired in 2020—but when called upon, returned in 2022 to help guide the Institute through another leadership transition. She concluded her remarkable tenure in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast commitment and community-building that continues to shape the Institute’s work.