Drexel University - Spartan Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 12 text:

CYRUS H. K. CURTIS '85O-1933 kttttkttt-k-k

Page 11 text:

'A' IN June l933 the entire country mourned the death of Cyrus Curtis. His passing was keenly felt at Drexel Institute for it was realized that one of the finest friends and most ardent supporters of the institution had passed into the great beyond. World renowned as a publisher and editor, M1'. Curtis never had the opportunity for study beyond the grade schools, but he appreciated the great benefits that higher institutions of learning had to offer youth, and as material evidence of this belief contributed large sums of money to many schools. Drexel was extremely fortunate in being the recipient of over a million and a quarter dollars from this philan- th ropist-indeed, two of its greatest additions in recent years, Curtis Hall and the Sarah Van Rensselaer Dor- mitory, were largely the results of the beneficence of Mr. Curtis. Nevertheless he not only gave of his Worldly goods to the college but also served many years as a very active member of the Board of Trustees. It can well be said of Mr. Curtis that like all truly great men he was interested not only in his own profes- sion and possibly one or two side lines but also in all things about him containing worth While human in- terests. Hi.r way of life mzzrlced him, forefver, ns ri Great f.177I6'l'iClHZ.n f f' . .. .Ir ,til

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'ki' HE death of Alexander Van Rensselaer in July 1933 brought to a close a life fairly devoted to cul- tural, educational, and philanthropic activity. Son-in- law of A. Drexel, founder of Drexel Institute, Mr. Van Rensselaer was keenly interested in the college, and served on the Board of Trustees for thirty-six years, the last twenty-live as its president. He held a life trusteeship at his alma mater, Prince- ton University, was president of the Philadelphia Orchestra since its founding thirty-three years ago, president of the Seaman's Institute, and a member on many boards and committees. But even with such an impressive list of administrative capacities it would be ditlicult to mention the many interests and activities of Mr. Van Rensselaer along Sportsman and philanthropic lines. It has been fittingly said of him he could never say 'no' to a good cause. ' Not only did Drexel suffer the loss of one of its most ardent backers but all Philadelphia as well lost an ex- tremely public-spirited citizen, and an affable and kindly gentleman. Jud depnrtirzg leafve belzilzd us, Footprints on the .w1nr1'.v of lime. Z . ff 'I' .nf , dsl Q ' 7 , N fa! - Uk