Penn State University - La Vie Yearbook (University Park, PA)

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wrwg ., . -m Mwm-ift iw-MI V .. Where the Vale of Old Mt. Nittony Meets the Eastern Sky

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D IT is to Ralph Dorn Hetzel, our late beloved president, that the 1948 LA VIE staff respectfully dedicates this volume. October 3, 1947 brought to a sudden end a career of selfless devotion to The Pennsylvania State College-a career during which Dr. Hetzel earned for hlmself a lasting place in the hearts of students and faculty as one of Penn State's great presidents. In his time, Dr. Hetzel received many honors; by his own admission, he deemed none greater than the title of Prexy, bestowed spontaneously by the students after they had put him on trial. One of his favorite diversions was to recount the story: u After the announcement of his selection as president of the College, the Collegian printed an editorial saying that while the Board of Trustees could bestow upon Dr, Hetzel the academic rank of President, only the students could award him the title of Prexy. Dr. Hetzel accepted this challenge, believing that his success at Penn State was dependent not only upon his academic achievements, but upon his ability to win the loyalty and friendship of the students. Several months after his arrival in State College, a delegation of student leaders came to his office and escorted him to the auditorium where, in a very formal ceremony, he was officially titled Prexy. Dr. Hetzel came to Penn State in 1926 after serving nine years as presi- dent of the University of New Hampshire where he gained the distinction of being the nation's youngest college president. After receiving his degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1906, Dr. Hetzel began his career at Oregon State College as an instructor of English. He later became director of the extension service, and served in that capacity ulntil 1917 when he received his appointment at the University of New Hamp- s ire. Dr. Hetzel's entire career as an educator was devoted to service in con- nection with land-grant colleges, which he believed were destined to grow in strength and influence because of their democratic character. He had been ,z-tn - --., .. .. ma. t -. -1- av Hmmm- . e soug o 0- am 5 a e un-s 'g' g p Ies, an- suc- ceeded in launching a several million dollar building program in the 1930's. The many new buildings erected during his administration and the expansion Program planned for future years stand as a tribute to his efforts.