William Henry Danforth II (April 10, 1926[1] – September 16, 2020)[2] was an American physician, professor of medicine, academic administrator, and philanthropist.
After attending Harvard Medical School and interning at Barnes Hospital, he served as a physician in the Navy during the Korean War.
Chancellor Danforth raised $630.5 million under the Alliance for Washington University, which was the most successful fundraising campaign in U.S. higher education at that time.
[5] He established 70 new faculty chairs, grew the endowment to $1.72 billion, oversaw the construction of dozens of new buildings, and tripled the amount of scholarships awarded to students.
[5] Chancellor Danforth maintained a clear presence during his entire tenure at Washington University and was frequently seen walking the grounds and talking with students.
[8] A scholarship program has been named after Danforth and his late wife, Elizabeth (known as Ibby); it is awarded annually to "the Washington University student who embraces high ideals, whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community, and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence.