Charles Alexander Deppe Endowed Chair In Biology

Of all the Franklin College supporters, few have served as long or as well as Charles Alexander Deppe (1875 to 1962). "Doc" Deppe devoted 41 years of his life to the College, standing by in both the lean and the prosperous years. He was on the faculty during the tenures of six college presidents. His gift of a premedical curriculum and a long line of successful physicians was a lifetime in the making. Only through the work of such an innovative and self-sacrificing teacher could such an achievement have been made in the name of Franklin College. In this first four years at Franklin College, "Doc" developed the Biology Department to the point that the College was able to graduate it first premedical student in 1915. During the early years the department swiftly expanded, offering more than 30 different courses. Dr. Deppe taught every course ever offered by the Biology Department including: Biology, Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Bacteriology, Human Anatomy, Genetics, Embryology, Geology and even Microscopic Technique. Lacking formal education for some of these courses, he taught himself such intricate subjects as Bacteriology, Human Anatomy and Microscopic Technique. Dr. Deppe and his wife, Pearl, were the parents of three children: Edwin, Florence and Charles. All graduated from Franklin College and majored in Biology so their father could sign their diplomas. The Charles Alexander Deppe Endowed Chair in Biology will perpetuate the name of a lifetime student and teacher: a man who was happy being a teacher because he never forgot the joys of being a student.

Professor Steven K Browder