Lehigh University - Epitome Yearbook (Bethlehem, PA)

Page 26 text:

Converting into working policy the Trustees ' goals is the challenging task of Martin D. Whitaker, President. Focusing far-flung forces on Lehigh ' s greater goals In the tenure of office of one man, Lehigh has undergone its most energetic period of expansion. From post-war doldrums, the University has risen to become an institution of pre-eminence in sev- eral diverse fields and to a position of respect in the eyes of educators and industrialists through- out the nation. That these two matters are con- temporaneous is more than coincidence, it is justi- fication for these few lines of tribute to President Martin Whitaker. Taking office in 1946, Doctor Whitaker came to Lehigh from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the directorship of Clinton Labs, a high-priority plant developing vital nuclear materials. Today, his is the voice of Lehigh. The ambitious programs of development and their continuing fruition; the increased prestige Lehigh enjoys, not only as a school of engineering, but as a university; and the continuing importance of her role as a major institution of learning: these are all facets of the Lehigh purpose and personality which Doctor Whitaker so capably represents. The University ' s chief officer and his wife chat during an evening away from official duties in their residence near the Alumni Me- morial Building.

Page 25 text:

s for the upcoming centennial, an even greater Lehigh The popular image of Lehigh ' s administration is that of a group of cold conservatives, who offer in thoroughness that which they lack in emotion. Unfortunately, the undergraduate ' s experience is such that this impression goes not only uncor- rected, but unassailed. It is easy to imagine a dean as a disciplinarian and a president as a wandering gleaner of alms. From such miscon- ceptions do university legends grow, but the truth is more attractive. In the past school year, as in every year, there has been one great issue which aligns the stu- dentry on one side and the deans on the other. Most recently, it was the Norman Thomas case, an issue that sunk into abysmal confusion before it could be fairly evaluated. Upon such occasion do many judge administration, crying, supres- sion and censorship when the need is for thoughtful insight. Seniors view the latest job applications requesting gradu- ates for positions in industry and government. Students, alumni, and guests take their questions and problems to the inhabitants of the Alumni Building. If logic be served, the deans must be known in the course of their varied, less controversial de- cisions. On Candidate ' s Day, Founder ' s Day, and every other day, Deans Leith or Parr are avail- able. Late for an alumni luncheon, Preston Parr will stop in the hall and hear and advise two juniors who propose a new campus publication, or will listen to some frosh ' s mother worry about her son at Lehigh. Dean Leith is well protected by a cordon of loyal secretaries, but he too discusses grades and remains patient with hard-plugging but failing students who honestly need the boost. Hard-pressed and subject to mortal failings, the gentlemen of the administration possess the rare and the little discussed virtues of loyalty to Lehigh and continuous desire for the betterment of the University to the student ' s advantage.

Page 27 text:

E. Kenneth Smiley, Vice-President, directs the Univer- sity ' s broad array of services and activities for students. Operation and development of the University is guided by the Board of Trustees, headed by Monroe J. Rathbone. Board of Trustees Honorary Member Eugene G. Grace Corporate Members Emeritus William L. Estes. Jr. Nevil E. Funk Monroe J. Rathbone Andrew E. Buchanan. Jr. Alfred V. Bodine Theophil H. Mueller Frank L. Magee Edwin H. Snyder James M. Straub J. Porter Langfitt Joseph A. Fisher. Jr. Arthur B. Homer Corporate Members Members Elected bx Alumni Appointed Trustees Francis M. Huffman Robert E. McMath Frank W. Sterrett Leonard M. Horton Edward A. Curtis Albert B. Maginnes Henry R. Maddox Kenneth L. Isaacs Howard S. Bunn Ralph L. Wilson S. Murray Rust. Jr. Hugh P. McFadden Robert B. Honevman 23