University of Alaska Fairbanks - Denali Yearbook (Fairbanks, AK)

Page 14 text:

X (lllii.. WI TH COURAGE ANN FIDELITY The University of Alaska now faces a most significant transition period which will follow the retirement of its founding father, Presi- dent Charles Ernest Bunnell. For 27 years the school and the man have virtually been one and the same, a situation which has shaped a president of a type not found on American campuses for many decades. As is becoming more and more apparent to those more than scantily acquainted with the story of the school, we have shared in the work of a man who will become a legendary figure to future Alaskans. To gain an insight into the motives and actions of the man, attention should first be

Page 13 text:

THE PRESIDENT ' S MESSAGE The trails of 1922 are becoming highways. Reinforced concrete construction has made its appearance on the campus. Progress has, of necessity, been slow; but ground gained has not been lost, and the objective of AD SUMMUM suggests the challenge which has been accepted. Twenty-seven ye ars in the life of an individual are quite a span if measured hour by hour, but in terms of events make only a few headlines. It is more significant to reckon in terms of acorns in the barrel than cubic inches of space. The acorns are worth remembering. Space and spurious articles can be forgotten. It has been a privilege all these years to be with the young men and the young women who have constituted the student body of this institution. They are among the best the world has produced, and under our form of government the possibilities for future generations of students are limitless. The highway ahead is wide open, ready to be improved and used by all who are here and those to come. Drive is necessary to reach Ad Summum on time. Along the way, equally essential leisure is at your command. Scenery unsurpassed surrounds us. The mountains of the Alaskan Range along the southern horizon are for all to enjoy, as are the flora and fauna of the four sections that comprise the University of Alaska campus. Bear, moose, cariboo and smaller fauna cross your trail with but little caution. White birches, bright-hued wild flowers are not to be forgotten; nor the feathered friends, both year-long and those on migra- tory wings. Opportunity for leisure in this great Northland is abundant. It can enrich and broaden your education for freedom. Make it yours. The years given to me to continue in the service of the University of Alaska are looked forward to with enthusiasm. Co-operation and loyalty of the many to the cause of higher education are indispensable factors in the building process. Let us keep the stride and keep the faith. CHARLES E. BUNNELL.

Page 15 text:

directed to his childhood scene. Born of an old Colonial family on a Pennsylvania farm in 1878, Charles Bunnell early had habits of in- dustriousness and mental alertness stamped on his character. All through his grade school and high school days he worked long hours to earn his way. Nevertheless, he gained the highest of grades. Continuing in this manner, he was graduated from Bucknell University in 1900, Summa Cum Laude, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later that same year Alaska gained a new school teacher, when the restless college grad- uate began his duties in a native school on Wood Island, near Kodiak. Returning to his home in 1901, he married Mary Anna Kline, a college classmate, whom he brought back to Alaska. Both taught school at Wood Island, and later at Valdez where Mr. Bunnell became principal of public schools. In 1907 he re- signed from school teaching and entered into business, meanwhile studying law in addition to carrying on his daily work. It was in Valdez that their only child, Jean, was born. He was admitted to the bar in 1908 and by 1912 was head of his own law office. He was nominated for Delegate to Congress on the Democratic ticket in 1914, but was not elect- ed. In 1915 Mr. Bunnell was appointed District Judge for the 4th Judicial Division and moved to Fairbanks. During his seven years as Judge, he traveled widely through Western Alaska and became intimately acquainted with the problems of the territory. This association, coupled with his achievements in school teaching and law made him a natural choice for the presidency of the newly created Alaska College of Agriculture and School of Mines. He was elected president on August II, I 92 I , and assumed his duties on December 7, 1921. Isolation from the states and competition with older schools were difficulties inherent in the establishment of a college in a pioneer area. His vision of the contribution that could be made to Alaska by a center of education and research was inconceivable to many who scoffed at the practicability of the school. However, these obstacles never for one mo- ment daunted the new president. Although through the first years the student body increased steadily from a mere handful, never for a minute was the school on secure footing. Long and many were the battles waged by Dr. Bunnell to obtain funds from an often disinterested legislature to keep the school open and effect necessary improve- ments. In the early years he performed many menial tasks himself, startling visitors with the casual air with which he treated the dignity of his office. In this way he exemplified the char- acter of a school which has always been with- out sophistication, but which has ever prided itself on the real merit of its students. In 1925 President Bunnell was awarded the honor ary degree of Doctor of Law by his Alma Mater, Bucknell University, in recogni- tion of his 25 years of exemplary service in education and law in the Territory. For 27 years Dr. Bunnell has lived a dream, fighting frustration and despair, ever work- ing toward the goal of expanding his school to enable it to attain the role it is destined to fulfil in Alaska. II