Bowling Green State University - Key Yearbook (Bowling Green, OH)

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DR. R. E. OFFILNHAUER Page 9 1

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HE OCCASION produces a leader, the leader does not produce the occasion. And so it was with our University-a leader was inevitably forthcoming. Wheri it became necessary, by virtue of statutory measure for the University Trustees to name a successor to the office of Presidency of the University, providence seemed to have played an important role and directed the administrators to a personality that was well equipped to han- dle the duties requisite of such a position. Physically, mentally, and morally our late President had developed himself to the -best of his ability, sensing early in life, that these factors were all-important to future success. We have seen his keen interest in physical development exemplified in a new gymnasium, a natatorium, a fine football field, modern tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and one of the finest outdoor tracks to be found anywhere in the state of Ohio. And we had the assurance that every effort would be made to increase these facilities as their demand became apparent. As an intellectual, he encouraged scholarship among the students and faculty. He was a man who assumed not dictatorial powers but welcomed suggestions from all. As a result we have witnessed the creation of such organizations as the Policies Commission of the faculty, and other similar commissions which have gone a long way, in a short time, to promote efficiency within this institution. He was fully aware of the need of organization and accordingly set himself to that task-with remarkable results accruing. The necessity of preparing oneself to investigate all sources of information and argument, and to distinguish truth from error was his most profound conception of institutions of higher learn- ing. Contrary to practices prevalent in other sections of this universe, he believed in teaching the truth for truth's sake, for when an institution ceases to perform this fundamental function it im- mediately becomes an instrument of propaganda for the state. His philosophy was not to fight fire with fire, censorship with censorship, suppresion with suppression, lest we lose that which we are striving to preserve. Morally, he was a man of the highest type. A leader in his church, he encouraged Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. groups, sponsored an all-campus religious organization, and in every way, at- tempted to do that which he honestly believed to be for the best interests of all. Socially, he was a man of Widest sympathies and understanding for all mankind. He spoke freely with college students, business and professional men, with the man who labored in the street. He knew the difficulties encountered by all, and sympathized with, and encouraged each and every one. As an administrator, he commanded the respect of those with whom he came in contact. Not domineering, but democratic, his ideas were accepted as authentic and worthy of consideration and trial. If improvements or expansions were suggested by his employees, they were readily accepted. His dynamic personality radiated his sincerity in matters relating to the University and instilled confidence in his co-Workers who carried out his suggestions unrelentlessly-a trib- ute to both leader and compatriot. No individual could entertain such ideals, no individual could command such respect, no in- dividual could generate such cooperation, who could not display sincerity in the achievement of a goal. In memory of such a personality, may we continue toward that goal visualized by a profound thinker.

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Page I0 To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. -TENNYSON. ITHIN the sixty odd years which the life span of Dr. Clayton Kohl covered, many people were influenced and guided by the force of this man. Of this Grove Patterson wrote: The influence he definitely exerted on the lives of Toledo young people, when he was a teacher here, the lives he had touched and quick- ened in Bowling Green State University, the changes he has made in the lives of adults by his inspiring lectures-all this is immeasurable and past finding out. Why this was true is well understood by any one of those who was definitely influenced and guided by him. Aimless living gains nothing. Planned living reaps its own reward-in personal satisfaction-in recognition. Such a life was that of Dr. Kohl. Few men could strive, could seek, and find as he did, Few would refuse to yield-would carry on as he did, even after death. His life was ever a continual struggle upward and outward. Educated in neigh- boring schools, his first advancement was to teach in these schools. Desiring more knowledge he attended Ohio State University where he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He then taught and became principal and superintendent at Mechanics- burg, Ohio. Further education in New York University, further teaching at Holyoke College in Nlassachusetts, New York University, Scott High School in Toledo, and Bowling Green University-all represent his path upward. Still his upward swing did not prevent him from striving to broaden his interests. He was not a narrow school teacher or professor. Pure knowledge was not his aim. Rather he sought the relation of this knowledge to the situations and conditions around him. Social interests and social problems, community endeavors-all gained his inter- est and his cooperation. Few men had interests as broad as his. Nor was his interest given for pure monetary gain. What he sought was more intangible-more satisfying than money could be. What he sought could seldom be measured objectively. Entirely personal reward seldom directed his activity. What he sought first was a firm foundation of faith and knowledge. To gain this he spared no time-no effort. By infinite reading and study, perpetual questioning, continual testing, he sought to find this firm foundation. What he sought secondly was an op- portunity to use his broad basis of knowledge and faith to aid others to arrive at a similar goal. Erudition for himself only was not his aim. What he sought third was to find in others this desire for knowledge. A slight impatience with mere loafers often betrayed his feelings. A satisfactory life would find what it sought. His was a satisfactory life. The firm foundation of knowledge and- faith he arrived at. His religious convictions were strong. His store of knowledge infinite. But mere satisfaction never kept him from seeking other proofs, other knowledge. He continually sought for more. And to em- ploy his broad basis to aid others he found scores of opportunities-civic clubs, Uni- versity and church classes, study groups, community organizations all received his serv- ices. On them he exerted great influence. Through them he attempted leading others to a firm foundation of faith and knowledge. His life was a continual striving, seeking, and finding-but never a yielding. Con- tinually going forward in spite of all-continually extending his influence farther, Dr. Kohl did not yield even in death. As N111 Patterson said, he does not become merely a splendid memory. He remains a positive force in the lives of a multitude who sat at his feet and learned from him.