The Prindle Institute for Ethics mourns the passing of Robert G. Bottoms, President Emeritus of DePauw University and the Institute’s founding director. Beginning his presidency in 1986, Bottoms served DePauw for 22 years, guiding the university through a period of extraordinary growth and helping to establish its national reputation as a leading liberal arts institution, with ethics education at the center of its academic mission.

That ambition came vividly to life in the Institute’s earliest years. Following his retirement from the presidency, Bottoms led the Prindle Institute with the same steady presence, visionary insight, and affable charm that defined his tenure as president. He shaped the Institute as a space for rigorous inquiry, open dialogue, and principled disagreement—bringing together students, faculty, and community members from diverse backgrounds to deliberate seriously about ethical issues.

“Bob Bottoms had an incredible vision for an ethics institute, and working alongside him to realize that vision was my great honor,” said Linda Clute, the Institute’s operations manager and first employee. “He was tireless in his efforts to ensure the long-term financial success of the Prindle Institute. One of his goals was to establish its global reputation, so he hosted international leaders to deliberate ethical issues here at DePauw.” Clute also recalled Bottoms’ deep commitment to students, particularly through the early development of the Hillman Intern Program, noting how he relished both teaching interns himself and empowering them to lead educational programs of their own. “The Prindle Institute and all of the wonderful things that have come from it would not exist today if it were not for him,” she said.

Bottoms’ legacy endures in the Institute’s commitment to thoughtful deliberation, intellectual diversity, and ethical engagement. His influence continues to shape how the Institute convenes conversations that matter.

Read DePauw University’s full remembrance of President Bottoms here.