Purdue trustees approve renaming Veterans Success Center to Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center

In addition to honoring Stratton, the center’s name now includes the word “Military” to reflect a more inclusive space, as veterans represent the smallest percentage in Purdue’s overall military-connected student population. The center’s largest population is family members using benefits that are transferred from a veteran family member.

A rededication ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 10.

Stratton became the first full-time dean of women at Purdue in 1933 and served in that role until 1942, when she was commissioned a senior lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Later in 1942, she was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, where she became the creator and first director of its Women’s Reserve in World War II. Upon being named director, she was promoted to lieutenant commander and then to commander in January 1944 and to captain one month later.

The nautical title SPAR, as the Women’s Reserve was commonly known, was originated by Stratton. She coined the acronym from the first letters of the Coast Guard’s famous fighting motto, “Semper paratus,” and its English translation, “Always ready.”

Upon her retirement in 1946, Stratton was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for her contributions to women in the military.

From 1947-50, Stratton was director of personnel at the International Monetary Fund, and she was national executive director of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America from 1950-60.

During her tenure at Purdue, Stratton saw the enrollment of women students increase from 500 to more than 1,400, and three modern residence halls for women constructed. A liberal science program for women in the School of Science was inaugurated, and an employment placement center for Purdue women was instituted. She was instrumental in establishing the Housemother Training School, which gave intensive training to several hundred fraternity and sorority housemothers from all parts of the country.

The Veterans Success Center provides holistic programming and services for Purdue’s military-connected students who are veterans, current service members or family members. Currently more than 1,700 military-connected students using service-connected education benefits are served by the center.

Stratton died in 2006 at age 107.

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