Introduction
Doane University is a private liberal arts university located in Crete, Nebraska, United States. It was founded in 1872 as Doane College and was named after William Doane, a wealthy New York businessman who donated the funds to establish the institution. Over the years, Doane University has become a renowned institution for higher education, known for its academic rigor, athletic programs, and community engagement. However, there are many fun and interesting facts about Doane University that are not commonly known. In this blog post, we will explore some of these fascinating facts that make Doane University a unique and special place.
Doane University has a rich athletic tradition
Doane University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in athletics. The university has produced numerous successful athletes, including Olympic medalists, professional athletes, and Hall of Famers. Doane’s athletic program offers a variety of sports, including basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).
One of the most significant accomplishments in Doane’s athletic history is the four consecutive national championships won by the men’s track and field team from 1995 to 1998. This is a remarkable feat that has only been achieved by a few other institutions in the history of collegiate athletics. Additionally, the university’s football team has won seven conference championships and made several appearances in the NAIA playoffs. The women’s basketball team has also been successful, winning five conference championships and making three appearances in the NAIA national tournament.
Apart from the success of its teams, Doane University has also produced many outstanding individual athletes. Notable alumni include Bill Snyder, the former head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats football team, who is widely regarded as one of the best college football coaches of all time, and Jim Ryun, an Olympic medalist and former world record holder in the mile run.
Doane University is committed to sustainability
Doane University is committed to sustainability and has taken several measures to reduce its environmental impact. In 2007, the university signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, pledging to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Since then, the university has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, the use of green cleaning products, and the promotion of sustainable transportation options such as biking and carpooling.
Doane University has also established a sustainability committee comprising students, faculty, and staff, which is responsible for promoting sustainability initiatives and raising awareness about environmental issues on campus. The committee organizes several events throughout the year, including Earth Day celebrations, sustainability fairs, and recycling drives.
Another notable initiative undertaken by Doane University is the installation of a 100 kW solar panel array on the roof of its Hansen Leadership Center. The solar array generates approximately 140,000 kWh of renewable energy each year, reducing the university’s carbon footprint by over 100 metric tons of CO2 annually. This initiative has not only reduced the university’s environmental impact but has also served as an educational tool for students, faculty, and staff to learn about the benefits of renewable energy and the importance of sustainability.
Doane University has a unique mascot
Doane University’s mascot is the Tiger, which is not an uncommon mascot for a university. However, what makes Doane’s mascot unique is its name. The official name of Doane’s mascot is “The Doane Tiger,” which is a nod to the university’s history and traditions. The name was chosen in 1946 as part of a contest to rename the mascot, which was previously known as “The Purple and Black.” The winning entry was submitted by a Doane alumnus who suggested “The Doane Tiger” as a tribute to the university’s history and the tiger being a symbol of strength and courage.
The Doane Tiger has become an integral part of the university’s culture and is visible at various campus events, athletic competitions, and in the form of merchandise. The university has also introduced a live mascot, a Bengal tiger named “Otto,” who is cared for by the university’s biology department. Otto has become a beloved figure on campus and is a frequent sight at athletic events and other campus activities.
In addition to its official mascot, Doane University also has several unofficial mascots, including “The Tiger Walk,” which is a group of students who dress up as tigers and lead the university’s athletic teams onto the field or court. The Tiger Walk has become a cherished tradition at Doane and is a symbol of the university’s strong spirit and pride.
Doane University has a strong commitment to community engagement
Doane University has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and has established several programs to foster a sense of community both on and off-campus. The university’s commitment to community engagement is rooted in its motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are we born,” which emphasizes the importance of giving back to society and serving others.
One of the most notable community engagement programs at Doane University is the Service-Learning program, which integrates community service into academic coursework. Through this program, students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world problems and make a positive impact on the community. The program has partnered with several community organizations, including schools, non-profits, and government agencies, to provide students with a variety of service opportunities.
Doane University has also established several other community engagement programs, including the Crete Community Garden, which provides fresh produce to local residents, and the Open Table program, which provides a free community meal every Wednesday. These programs have become integral parts of the university’s culture and have helped strengthen ties between the university and the local community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doane University is a unique and special place with a rich history, strong athletic tradition, commitment to sustainability, unique mascot, and a strong commitment to community engagement. These fun facts about Doane University only scratch the surface of what makes this institution a remarkable place for higher education. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or simply interested in learning more about this outstanding university, there is no shortage of fascinating facts and stories to discover.