His colleagues salute him
Dr. Wells was my president, my mentor, and my friend. Often I sought his counsel and followed his advice. His love for Indiana and Indiana University was all-consuming and selfless. His stature among the world's academic leaders brought respect and recognition to Indiana University.
He was larger than life, taking great pleasure in all things Hoosier. He loved catfish and caviar; classical music and collegiate athletics; scholars, students, and everyone.
He has established the standards by which presidential leadership is evaluated here in Indiana and across the nation. Dr. Wells rejoiced in meeting wave after wave of young students — my wife, Pat (BA’79), and I among them — and they loved him in return.
Dr. Wells is already legendary, devoting himself to making life better for all.
— John W. Ryan, MA’59, PhD’59, LLD’88
Ryan, IU’s 14th president, served from 1971 to 1987.
Herman B Wells was revered throughout the world as a superb administrator who helped transform a small Midwestern college into a leading university of international renown. But his greatest strength was as a teacher. Those of us who had the good fortune to be his students well know that he helped us to "dream great dreams," and to work with confidence to make those dreams a reality.
Ellen (LHD’94) and I loved him, and we were privileged that he was our mentor and friend. With a twinkle and good humor, he taught us to keep problems in perspective, while his leadership inspired us. A striking example was his conviction that the arts are essential to a civilization. He willingly put the force of his entire presidency behind that conviction.
Most of all, he taught us and thousands of others to have high expectations about ourselves and our university. The scholarship program that bears his name is a wonderful illustration. It has raised expectations for undergraduate education in ways that made him especially proud. Chancellor Wells lives always in our hearts and minds.
— Thomas Ehrlich, LHD’94
Ehrlich, IU’s 15th president, served from 1987 to 1994.
Chancellor Wells was, quite simply, a great man, one of the exceptional figures in higher education in this century. If it were not for his vision, his leadership, his passion, and his hard work, IU would not be the university that it is today. Of course, the title of Chancellor Wells' autobiography was Being Lucky, but I always have thought that those who followed him at IU were the lucky ones.
Among other things, Chancellor Wells passed along to his successors a first-class faculty, a world-renowned School of Music, outstanding international programs, and a steadfast commitment to research excellence and academic freedom.
But what was particularly important to me is that Chancellor Wells was not just a figure in the history books.
Even at age 97, he seemed to be everywhere on campus. And he was always willing, when asked, to offer wise and straightforward advice. I am deeply saddened by his death. I know I will miss him, and I’m sure the community will as well.
— Myles Brand
Brand has served as IU’s president since 1994.