Today, Indiana State University trustees are expected to name the College of Education for a family of national prominence with strong ties to both Vigo County and ISU.

Following trustee action, the college will be known as the Bayh College of Education, named after the family of U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh and his father, former Sen. Birch Bayh.

The Bayh family’s contributions to ISU and to education extend back four generations, Foundation President Gene Crume said in recommending the name change.

“The Bayh family has one of the most recognized names in Indiana public service and in Indiana State University history. The College of Education was a natural fit to recognize the family,” Crume said.
During a telephone interview Wednesday, Birch Bayh, 81, described the naming as “a great honor for the family … We have a long-term relationship there.”

He will be in Terre Haute today for the naming and he will speak briefly during a kickoff gala event for the March On! comprehensive fundraising campaign. His younger son, Chris, also is expected to attend, he said.

Many family members have attended ISU, he said, and he also took some government and history classes there after graduating from Purdue University’s School of Agriculture and before he went to the IU Law School.

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