Elizabeth Gray Danforth House

The Elizabeth Gray Danforth House, the largest house for freshmen, opened in 1998.

It is named in recognition of Elizabeth Danforth, who was Washington University in St. Louis’ first lady from 1971 to 1995 when her husband, William H. Danforth, served as chancellor.

During that time, Elizabeth Danforth exhibited a generous commitment to students. A Women’s Society scholarship is named for her, and the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Butterfly Garden on Forsyth Boulevard was created in her honor in 1996. The William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholars Program, which makes scholarships available for students in each of the university’s schools, was established in their honor in 1995.

The Danforth House is part of the William Greenleaf Eliot Residential College. It contains four stories of modern-style rooms for new students. There are also study rooms and a lounge on each floor in which students can learn and relax.