Lehigh University - Epitome Yearbook (Bethlehem, PA)

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IRobert 1H. Sa rc f9 m0 HE resig-nation of Robert H. Sayre from the presidency of the Al Uoard of Trustees of Lehigh University, after service on that ■ Board since the foundation of the University, calls to mind ' his many benefactions to this institution and his generous contribu- tions both in its days of prosperity and in the dark days when the income of the University from the endowment of its founder was cut off by non- payment of dividends on the Lehigh Valley stock. 18

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Ibonorarv? Blumni Ilrustees Thomas M. Evncjn, Class of 1881 . Garrett B. Linuhrman, Class of 1887 John A. Jardine, Class of 1884 Frank P. Howe, Class of 1878 TERM EXPIRES 1906 Philadelphia 1907 South Bethlehem 1908 Philadelphia 1909 Philadelphia ©fticers of tbe 36oar Roi?ERT H. Savre . William A. Lathrop Elisha p. Wilbur R. Morris Gum mere H. S. Kitchell President President Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Biccutive Committee RoBEPT H. SayrE, Chairman. Elisha P. Wilbur William A. Lathrop William H. Sayre Robert E. Wright The Rt. Rev. Ethelbert Talbot, D.D., LL.D. R. Morris Gummere, Secretary Committee on JBwii inQS an (BrounDs Elisha P. Wilbur, Chairman Robert H. Sayre William H. Sayre Committee on College H miui5tvation William A. Lathrop, Chairman WiLiiAM H. Sayre The Rt. Rev. Ethelbert Talbot, D.D., LL.D. Resigned. 17

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Mr. Sayre ' s connection with Lehigh University has been a long and intimate one. He was chosen by Judge Packer, the founder of Lehigh, with whom he had been closely associated in the construction of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, as one of the original trustees of the University and as one of the trustees of the Packer estate. That his trusteeship has been an active one, is manifested by his constant interest in the affairs of the University, and by his many generous but unostentatious benefactions. He caused to be erected on the University grounds, early in its history, in 1867, an astronomical observatory. This was the first substantial gift received by the University after Judge Packer ' s benefactions. Within the last two years Mr. Sayre caused to be built an annex to the Observatory and equipped it with a Zenith telescope of four inches aperture furnished with electrical illumination. Observations secured with this instrument are for the purpose of investigating the A ' ariation of Latitude. Besides this munificent gift of the Sayre Observatory and equipment he has contributed most liberally from time to time to the support of the University when aid has been necessary. In the dark days of the University he, in connection with others, contributed generously towards a fund necessary for the maintenance of the work established by Judge Packer and showed an unyielding determination never to abandon the trust, but rather to extend the influence of this institution. His aid to the University at this time did not consist merely of his gift, but in the interest he inspired in others to help the meritorious cause. In all his undertakings he has exemplified the truth of his motto, Who maintains obtains. Mr. Sayre ' s resignation from the Presidency of the Board of Trus- tees is not caused by abating or decreasing interest in the University, but is due to his desire for relief from some of his labors and responsibilities. Through forty years ' service in connection with Lehigh he has borne the heat and burden of the day and he now feels that the active work should be assumed by some younger man. In his resignation he carries with him the-respect of his colleagues, — who recognize the value of his past services, as evidenced by the Board ' s insisting upon his retaining the chairmanship of the Executive Committee, — and the gratitude of every lover of Lehigh for all he has done for the promotion of education. 19 •