John Dewey is one of UVM's most distinguished graduates. A Burlington native, he earned his B.A. (Class of 1879) and was awarded an L.L.D. in 1910. Dewey was one of the most significant of American philosophers and educators who taught at the University of Chicago and Columbia University. He is commemorated at UVM in numerous ways. The former Old Mill Chapel was refurbished in 1968 - a gift of the Class of 1918- to honor Dewey, and today is known as John Dewey Memorial Lounge.

Henri Matisse John Dewey 1931 Fleming Museum Collection

The portrait by Henri Matisse is one of several portraits of Dewey created at the urging of the famous art collector Albert Barnes. (Dewey joked that Matisse had made him look like a cross between a thug and a truck driver!)