While the IU community is made up of people from all walks of life, there is one thing that almost everyone has in common: a photo in front of the iconic Sample Gates. As one of the most recognizable structures on campus, they serve as an entrance into the oldest part of IU, known as the Old Crescent.
However, it wasn’t too long ago that they made their debut on campus.
Although IU was founded in 1820, the gates weren’t built until decades later. Plans to construct an entrance on East Kirkwood Avenue began as early as 1883, but it took over 100 years to get the ball rolling due to disagreements on aesthetics and finances.
This was until the former Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Edson Sample, approached the then- IU President John Ryan with a sizeable donation. Sample, an IU alumnus, spent almost 30 years working in the scholarship office after retiring in 1990. As he approached retirement, he told the Herald Times he wanted to give back to the university in appreciation for all it had given him.
The Gothic-inspired arches were built to resemble the Old Crescent buildings constructed between 1884 and 1908. Made with Indiana limestone, they showcase the state’s renowned limestone industry.
In the summer of 1987, the Sample Gates were officially introduced to IU’s campus. During the dedication ceremony, Edson Sample said his donation was in honor of his parents, Louise Waite Sample and Kimsey Ownbey Sample Sr.
Today, the iconic landmark has become the backdrop for protests, vigils, graduation photos and more. As the gateway to IU’s vast 1,860-acre campus, the two towering pillars and arches are a definite must-see attraction for any visitor.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's Source print publication March 3, 2025.
