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

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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

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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

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Because of his stand for a greater univer- sity, he has often been the nucleus about which the turbulence of Alaskan sectional politics have raged. He has had to parry barrages of criticism often with militant ef- forts of his own. An extensive knowledge of law and a remarkable memory have served him well. During these years, the Alaskan in- fluence has done much to mold in him rugged individualism, a trait that has at times im- pressed others as being the most significant characteristic of the man. However, in the overall picture many discerning people have understood the purpose behind his deter- mined adherence to his own plans and appre- ciate their general soundness. He has become a controversial figure who has remained some- what of an enigma to a great many people. Dr. Bunnell has fought hard for the survival of the school and now with the satisfaction of knowing a firm foundation is laid, he is stepping aside. The University is entering a new era. A more education-conscious public and new government research projects are coming to its aid and insure great advances. The sacrifices made by Dr. Bunnell are ap- preciated and the institution he has fostered will endure, and it will continue to provide higher education on the Last Frontier. We salute you, Dr. Bunnell, and congratulate you on attaining the position of President Emer- itus. May your talents continue to serve Alaska. 12