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 William Danforth’s early calling to the healing profession influenced his notable years as an academic leader. Being a physician helped him to understand deeply his fellow human beings. He took to his vice chancellorship in the School of Medicine and then to Brookings Hall the imperative to do good, relieve suffering, and make the world better.
Born: April 10, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, son of Donald and Dorothy Danforth and grandson of the first William H. Danforth (a graduate of the Washington University School of Engineering), founder of Ralston-Purina and of the Danforth Foundation
Education (selected list): B.A., Princeton University, 1947; M.D., Harvard Medical School, 1951; Intern in Medicine, Barnes Hospital, 1951–52; Resident in Medicine, Barnes Hospital, 1956–57; Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry, 1961–63
Military Service: U.S. Navy, 1944–45; Physician, U.S. Navy, 1952–54
Washington University positions: Fellow in Cardiology, 1957–58; Instructor in Medicine, 1951–52, 1954–58; Assistant, then Associate Professor of Medicine, 1958–67; Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, 1965–71; Professor of Medicine, School of Medicine, 1967–present; Chancellor, 1971–95; Chairman, Board of Trustees, 1995–99; Trustee Vice Chairman, 1999-2004
Personal notes: Met Elizabeth Anne Gray, of St. Louis, during his college years; married, 1950; four children: Cynthia Prather, of Anniston, Alabama; David Danforth, of Clayton, Missouri; Maebelle Reed, of Tucson, Arizona; and Elizabeth Sankey, of Ladue, Missouri.
Selected Washington University accomplishments as Chancellor: 70 new faculty chairs, for a total of 110; a $1.72 billion endowment, seventh largest in the nation; dozens of new buildings; triple the previous number of gift-supported scholarships; nearly 60,000 students graduated during his chancellorship; significant increase in retention of undergraduate students; groundwork laid for future success.
"Ibby Danforth was one of the great citizens of Washington University and of St. Louis," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton has said. The late First Lady of the University actively supported her husband in his long career — engaging everyone with her warmth, intelligence, and compassion. Students greeted Ibby in the classes, lectures, performances, and athletic events she attended. Alumni and the St. Louis and corporate communities knew her through her hosting and participating in hundreds of receptions and events around the world, and through her voluntarism. Ibby’s name is linked to endeavors that reflect her exceptional spirit and commitment:
- William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholars Program, which honors students in all areas of the University who have outstanding character and are committed to service.
- Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship, for a transfer student from the St. Louis Community College District, awarded by the Women’s Society of Washington University.
- Raymond E. Maritz Professorship in Architecture, from William E. and Jackie Maritz, in Ibby Danforth’s honor.
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Professorship in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, from Dr. P. Roy and Mrs. Diana Vagelos in honor of Dr. and Mrs. William H. Danforth
- The Elizabeth Gray Danforth Butterfly Garden — known as Ibby’s Garden — created by the Woman’s Club of Washington University
- Elizabeth Gray Danforth House, freshman residence hall
- The Washington University Sports Hall of Fame — named to the listing with William H. Danforth
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Honoring Ibby