Davidson College - Quips and Cranks Yearbook (Davidson, NC)

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t : iXf ' M! ' ' ' ' ■ IN I ' ltTt.NPOL, B.S., M.S.. I ' ll l rofessoT of Physics

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«%ida@ffi Quips and Cranks is honored to dedicate its 1960 edition to Dr. Clarence lohn Pietenpol— scholar, teacher, friend, and Christian aentlenian. I lis warm personality and sincere desire to help the students has won him the respect and admiration of the entire college community. Dr. Pietenpol was born on July 7, 1897, in Leota, Minnesota. He graduated from the Unixersity of Pittsburgh with an outstanding record, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree. To further his education Dr. Pietenpol studied at the University of Colorado here he earned his Master ' s degree. His formal graduate study was completed with the attainment of his Doctor of Philosophy degree from New York University. In 1946, Dr. Pietenpol came to Da idson as Professor of Physics from Washington and Jefferson College. After ser ' ing on various faculty committees he was elected Dean of Faculty in 1953 by the Board of Trustees. He remained in this post until the resionation of President John R. Cunningham in 1957. At this time he was appointed Acting-President of the college. He ser ' ed well in this position until the election by the Trustees of Mr. D. Grier Martin as President. Shordy afterwards Dean Pietenpol resigned as Dean of Faculty in order to devote his time to classroom teaching. In addition to being Chairman of the Physics Department, he also has served on the Executive Committee, the Engineering Committee, and as Chairman of the Faculty Committee on Fraternities. Never too busy to elucidate a freshman ' s physics problem or to discuss the non-scientific problems of the discontented Seniors, Dean Pietenpol has become a dynamic influence upon the Davidson student. Truly no one deserves this dedication more.

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In this era when the human attempt to dominate the physical universe has accentuated the attempt to subdue men ' s minds, the word education often has been prostituted to mean indoctrination. ' Not only has international communism sought to dominate man ' s entelechy to a degree unknown by previous generations, but also unusual domestic conditions have created a more impcrsonalized society. Loyalty and devotion to organization are the prime requisites in a world where the state I requires additional allegiance. Yet, not only has political thought expanded its organic scope, but also in areas of business, religion, and e en social and family affairs, one finds intensification, stratification and centralization. Increasingly individuality, spontaneity, creativity, and abstract contemplation have succumbed to, and been supplanted by, regimented, planned ideals. Individual goals become those of the state, the organization, and the group. One is exposed to more persons, more books, more countries; but to fewer people, fewer ideas, and fewer nations. Quantity and advancement have dominated o er quality and achievement. With the increasing technological problems and their social implications, the college student is confronted with inquiries demanding rational solution. Yet, his tools for individual thought have diminished while the complexity of the problems has increased. The American liberal-arts college represents a bastion where indi idual growth and personal development may still be attained. The challenge is a formidable one because in no other period of civilized history has the world needed clearer, more concise individual thought. Daxidson College, with the growth of its physical plant, the broadening of its student body, and the liberalization of its policy, has the potential to promote individual endeavor and enlightenment. It must ha ' e the vision to permit freedom of thought, intellectual curiosity and creative talent. Without such vision it, as an institution, and its student body, as indi iduals, will have lost their worth to a democratic society. With these thoughts in mind, we, the sons of Da idson College, watch with confidence as she continues to meet these challenges. i..i . y P - ' ' ■ • - 1 . %