Capital University
Encyclopedia
Capital University is a private liberal arts university
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
located in Bexley, Ohio
, founded in 1830. In addition to its rigorous liberal arts program, the university also offers a reputable adult degree program in Columbus, Ohio
. It is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America
. In the fall of 2004, 3,895 students were enrolled.
Capital is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
for which it serves as a College Board member. The school offers undergraduate and master's degrees, as well as First Professional degrees. The university's educational mission is based on Lutheran values of free inquiry, critical thinking, and leadership.
Capital University's music program is well-respected. The Chapel Choir has performed around Columbus and the world, including venues such as Carnegie Hall
. The annual Christmas Festival at Capital, led by the Chapel Choir, is a local favorite and community institution.
Capital University Law School
is located on Broad Street in downtown Columbus and offers a Juris Doctorate, an LL.M., and a Master's in Taxation (M.T.).
The School of Management offers an MBA degree as well as a combined MBA/J.D. program.
Capital is a residential campus that operates on semester scheduling. Most students live on campus in one of seven residence halls: Saylor-Ackermann Hall, Cotterman Hall, the Lohman Complex (comprising several residence halls), Schaaf Hall, Capital Commons, College Avenue Hall, and the recently purchased Woodsview Apartments.
Capital University was ranked 17th in "U.S. News America's Best Colleges 2008: 'Universities-Master's (Midwest): Top Schools.'"
in the NCAA's
Division III. Under the name Capital Crusaders, the following teams and clubs compete on the varsity level:
Men's athletics:
Women's athletics:
Club Athletics
The school's primary athletic rival is Otterbein College, in Westerville, Ohio
.
Named in 1998 for Josiah Blackmore, a well-known legal scholar and former president of the University, this library has initiated innovative ways to make it appealing and functional to the students such as providing pizza on finals weeks and research workshops. The library was named in honor of his achievements as the 12th president of Capital University. Other services that are offered at the library are open mic nights, visual art displays, Wii competitions, free popcorn on Wednesdays, and a program called food for fines that allows patrons the opportunity to pay overdue fines with food donations. In 2007, the library also allowed food and drink for the first time in decades.
“The Schumacher Gallery’s first obligation is to educate our students and also the greater community,” explained Capital president Denvy Bowman in 2007 when the 502-piece Schreiber-Fox Collection African Art was donated to the permanent collection of the Gallery. Schreiber and Fox donated their collection of African art to Capital University because of the vision the university and gallery director Dr. Cassandra Tellier share—of a community that appreciates the difference and similarities of cultures and peoples. The Schumacher Gallery’s permanent collections consists of a diverse selection of more than 2500 works of art for education and enjoyment.
A piece of the Berlin Wall is a popular attraction for visitors and incoming students. Obtained in 1992, the wall was given on long-term loan from Hansa Consulting, a German-based corporation, and resides in the library’s lobby. On one side is colorful graffiti written during the separation of East and West Berlin, while the other side is blank concrete revealing a few bullet holes, evidence of the confinement of East Berliners. The concrete wall weighs 2.8 tons. Richard Ashbrook, interim dean of the college, said on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall in 2009, “it is appropriate to have a piece at Capital because the Lutheran principle of free inquiry is part of the university’s mission.”
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA officially came into existence on January 1, 1988, by the merging of three churches. As of December 31, 2009, it had 4,543,037 baptized members, with 2,527,941 of them...
located in Bexley, Ohio
Bexley, Ohio
Bexley is an affluent suburban city in Franklin County, Ohio. Founded as a village over a hundred years ago, the City of Bexley is an old, tree-lined suburb of Columbus, the state capital of Ohio, situated on the banks of Alum Creek next to Driving Park and Wolfe Park, just east of the Franklin...
, founded in 1830. In addition to its rigorous liberal arts program, the university also offers a reputable adult degree program in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
. It is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. In the fall of 2004, 3,895 students were enrolled.
Capital is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Higher Learning Commission oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in nineteen Midwestern and South-Central states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa,...
and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
for which it serves as a College Board member. The school offers undergraduate and master's degrees, as well as First Professional degrees. The university's educational mission is based on Lutheran values of free inquiry, critical thinking, and leadership.
Capital University's music program is well-respected. The Chapel Choir has performed around Columbus and the world, including venues such as Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
. The annual Christmas Festival at Capital, led by the Chapel Choir, is a local favorite and community institution.
Capital University Law School
Capital University Law School
Capital University Law School is an ABA-accredited private law school located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The law school is affiliated with Capital University, the oldest and largest independent college in Central Ohio...
is located on Broad Street in downtown Columbus and offers a Juris Doctorate, an LL.M., and a Master's in Taxation (M.T.).
The School of Management offers an MBA degree as well as a combined MBA/J.D. program.
Capital is a residential campus that operates on semester scheduling. Most students live on campus in one of seven residence halls: Saylor-Ackermann Hall, Cotterman Hall, the Lohman Complex (comprising several residence halls), Schaaf Hall, Capital Commons, College Avenue Hall, and the recently purchased Woodsview Apartments.
Capital University was ranked 17th in "U.S. News America's Best Colleges 2008: 'Universities-Master's (Midwest): Top Schools.'"
Athletics
Capital University participates in numerous sports and plays within the Ohio Athletic ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
The Ohio Athletic Conference was formed in 1902 and is the third oldest athletic conference in the United States. It competes in the NCAA's Division III. Through the years, 31 schools have been members of the OAC. The enrollments of the current ten member institutions range from 1,100 to 4,500...
in the NCAA's
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
Division III. Under the name Capital Crusaders, the following teams and clubs compete on the varsity level:
Men's athletics:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor)
Women's athletics:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Volleyball
Club Athletics
- Men's Lacrosse
- Women's Lacrosse
The school's primary athletic rival is Otterbein College, in Westerville, Ohio
Westerville, Ohio
Westerville, once known as "The Dry Capital of the World", is a city in Franklin and Delaware counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. The population was 35,318 at the 2000 census.-Early history:...
.
Student organizations
Capital University features more than 70 student organizations. This includes 13 fraternities and sororities, arts and media organizations, cultural organizations, honors societies, campus programming, religious organizations, service organizations, and government and social organizations.Blackmore Library
The Capital University Blackmore Library is a three-floor structure that not only meets the literary needs of the school but also provides a cultural venue for the community. Constructed in 1969 and dedicated in March 1971, the library now contains more than 300,000 books, videos, CDs, periodicals, and media. The total cost for the building and its furnishings was $2,313,818. Unique to the Blackmore is the Schumacher Gallery (located on the fourth floor), a television production studio, and one of the largest sections of the Berlin Wall found in the United States. In addition, Blackmore Library is a member of OhioLINK, a consortium of Ohio universities and branches, which offers access to a wide variety of books and media. Users have the capability of ordering books from a remote place to have delivered to their home institution in a time span of 2-4 business days. The library is open every day, excluding some holidays and events, and recently expanded its hours from 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday. The hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday vary and can be found on Capital’s web site.Named in 1998 for Josiah Blackmore, a well-known legal scholar and former president of the University, this library has initiated innovative ways to make it appealing and functional to the students such as providing pizza on finals weeks and research workshops. The library was named in honor of his achievements as the 12th president of Capital University. Other services that are offered at the library are open mic nights, visual art displays, Wii competitions, free popcorn on Wednesdays, and a program called food for fines that allows patrons the opportunity to pay overdue fines with food donations. In 2007, the library also allowed food and drink for the first time in decades.
“The Schumacher Gallery’s first obligation is to educate our students and also the greater community,” explained Capital president Denvy Bowman in 2007 when the 502-piece Schreiber-Fox Collection African Art was donated to the permanent collection of the Gallery. Schreiber and Fox donated their collection of African art to Capital University because of the vision the university and gallery director Dr. Cassandra Tellier share—of a community that appreciates the difference and similarities of cultures and peoples. The Schumacher Gallery’s permanent collections consists of a diverse selection of more than 2500 works of art for education and enjoyment.
A piece of the Berlin Wall is a popular attraction for visitors and incoming students. Obtained in 1992, the wall was given on long-term loan from Hansa Consulting, a German-based corporation, and resides in the library’s lobby. On one side is colorful graffiti written during the separation of East and West Berlin, while the other side is blank concrete revealing a few bullet holes, evidence of the confinement of East Berliners. The concrete wall weighs 2.8 tons. Richard Ashbrook, interim dean of the college, said on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall in 2009, “it is appropriate to have a piece at Capital because the Lutheran principle of free inquiry is part of the university’s mission.”
Notable alumni
- Ron AmstutzRon AmstutzRon Amstutz is a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 3rd District since 2009. Prior to his current time in the House, he served in the Ohio Senate, representing the 22nd District from 2001 to 2008, and an early stint in the same House seat from 1981 to 2000...
, Ohio State Senator. - Tim AyersTim AyersTimothy "Tim" Frederick Ayers served as Mayor and City Commissioner of Springfield, Ohio from 1984-1990. He previously served as the Legislative Message Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives for the 113th General Assembly and Small Business Manager for the Nashville Chamber of...
, Former Mayor and City Commissioner, Springfield, Ohio - C.C. Finlay, Novelist (Class of '90)
- Arnett HowardArnett HowardArnett Howard is an African American jazz musician, journalist, teacher, author, historian, and official ambassador for Columbus, Ohio.-Life:...
, Jazz musician - Louis H. MackeyLouis H. MackeyLouis H. Mackey was a professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin in the USA.-Early life:...
, philosopher - Eric NoreliusEric NoreliusEric Norelius was a Swedish-American Lutheran minister, church leader and author.-Background:Eric Norelius was born on October 26, 1833 in Norrbäck, Hassela parish, in Nordanstig Municipality, Gävleborg County, Sweden. He received his early education at Hudiksvall's allmänna läroverk...
, Lutheran minister, church leader and writer. - Chad Painter, journalism ethics scholar
- Matt Billingslea, drummer, Lady Antebellum
Notable law school alumni
- Jennifer BrunnerJennifer BrunnerJennifer Lee Brunner is an American politician of the Democratic Party who served as the Ohio Secretary of State. Brunner was the first woman to serve in this capacity. She took office after sixteen years of Republican control, which included two four-year terms by her predecessor J. Kenneth...
, Ohio Secretary of State (2006–2011) - Bruce Edward Johnson, Ohio Lt. Governor (2004–2006).
- Jim JordanJim Jordan (Ohio politician)James Daniel "Jim" Jordan is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Republican Party...
Member of Congress (R-OH-4) and former State Senator - Greg LashutkaGreg LashutkaGregory S. Lashutka is a lawyer, who served as the 51st mayor of Columbus, Ohio, from 1992 to 2000. He is an Eagle Scout and had earlier been an American football player.-College Athletics:...
, former Mayor, Columbus (1991–1999), Vice President, Nationwide Insurance. - Paul McNultyPaul McNultyPaul J. McNulty is the former Deputy Attorney General of the United States, having previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He held the position until July 26, 2007....
, United States Deputy Attorney General (2005–2007). - Emil B. PielkeEmil B. PielkeEmil B. Pielke was appointed in 2002 to represent District 9B, which covers a portion of Baltimore County, Maryland.-Background:...
, former Maryland Delegate. - Deborah PryceDeborah PryceDeborah D. Pryce is an American politician from Ohio and former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives for Ohio's 15th congressional district, which includes the western half of Columbus and the surrounding suburbs.She is divorced from Randy Walker and now lives in Upper...
, U.S. Representative (R-OH 1992-2009). - Joe SchiavoniJoe SchiavoniJoe Schiavoni is an Ohio State Senator representing the 33rd District, encompassing Mahoning, Carroll, and portions of Stark and Tuscarawas counties.-External links:* official site* campaign site...
, Ohio state Senator (D-OH Appointed 2009).
Notable faculty
- Bradley A. SmithBradley A. SmithBradley A. Smith is a professor at Capital University Law School, who was Commissioner, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Federal Election Commission between 2000 and 2005 and is best known for his writing and activities opposing campaign finance regulation.-Academic career and influence:A...
, Professor of Law. Smith served as Commissioner on the Federal Elections Commission from 2000 to 2005. He is the author of Unfree Speech: The Folly of Campaign Finance Reform, published by Princeton University Press. - Matthias LoyMatthias LoyMatthias Loy was an American Lutheran theologian in the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio.Loy was a prominent pastor, editor, author and hymnist and served as president of Capital University, Columbus, Ohio....
- elected president of Capital University in 1881 - Harold J. GrimmHarold J. GrimmProfessor Harold J. Grimm was an academic, historian and writer and an expert on the Reformation.Born in Saginaw in Michigan in 1901, Grimm gained his PhD at Ohio State University. Grimm's numerous posts as an educator included Professor of History at Capital University, the Ohio State University...
(1901–1983), Professor of History and an expert on the Protestant ReformationProtestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led... - James SwearingenJames SwearingenJames Swearingen is an American composer and arranger. He holds a Masters Degree from Ohio State University and a Bachelors Degree from Bowling Green State University and is currently Professor of Music, Department Chair of Music Education at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio.The music he writes...
World renowned music educator and composer