University of California Berkeley - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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THE BLUE fe? GOLD ix, BENJAMIN IDE WHEELER, President Emeritus CALIFORNIA ' S PRESIDENT EMERITUS WHEN we look back over the history of the University of California, we find that many out- standing men have been connected with it. Some have come to learn, others to teach, and still others to act as administrators of this institution. As we think of these individuals our minds immediately revert to one figure who, as well as having been instructor and administrator, has been always, above all, a true and abiding friend of all Californians. This person is President Emeritus Benjamin Ide Wheeler. It is he whom not only the students of California but all who knew him remember as an ardent scholar, as an inspiring teacher, and as a sincere friend. His schoolmates who attended Brown Univer- sity with him tell us that he was particularly interested in the activities of his fellow students and was always a most loyal friend. He is also remembered by the students and instructors of Cornell University, where he taught for thirteen years, for his deep interest in all student affairs, whether athletic, academic, social, or religious. But why should each and every Californian hold President Wheeler in such esteem? Because it was he who for twenty years, not only served as President of the University, but also acted as a friend and adviser to the students in all matters pertaining to University or personal matters. It was he who during those two decades from 1899 to 1919 built California from a comparatively small and strag- gling institution into the massive University of today. Above all, it was he who gave to the University students the self-government which each true Californian has cherished for a quarter of a century. The inception of self-government was made by President Wheeler in 1899 when he called a committee of representative Senior men for advice in regard to a case of discipline of one of the class members. Since that time the idea has been evolving until it has resulted in almost complete student self-government. It is, therefore, because of the friendship of President Wheeler and because of his undying faith in the ability of the students to govern themselves, that all Californians proclaim him the true President Emeritus.

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FACULTY ADMINISTRATION

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' HEBLUEfePGOL W. W. CAMTKU, President of University of California UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ' S SPIRIT TO turn the pages of the BLUE AND GOLD is to be impressed once more, not only by the size, but also by the complexity of the University of California. In this book are the records of our branches, our colleges, our schools, our divisions, our research institutions, scattered uniquely over the second largest state in the Union. Here are the records of our scholastic and athletic teams, our clubs, societies, fraternities, sororities, councils, and committees; the organizations which are necessary for cam-ing on during a single year of its history the manifold activities of this institution. Each of these organizations has its definite and distinctive purpose, but all are alike in helping to link the individual with the University as a whole, in giving him a sense of responsible membership in it, and in imbuing him with its true spirit. And all are alike in conferring upon the individual the privi- lege of team play, of working with and for his fellows and for the University, of learning to carry suc- cessfully, and in a fine spirit, all those burdens of responsibility with which his associates in the student body have entrusted him. Thus, large as the University is, it is not a place of crowds; it is, rather, a place of small groups. In these groups lifelong friendships are begun friendships with fellow students, friendships with teachers. Through these associations, men learn to live in harmony and sympathy with their surround- ings, and one of the great objects of education is accomplished. In later years, those who have attended the University will often be reminded of the friendships made, as well as of the events of college life in which they once participated. Such memories can be refreshed by referring to the BLUE AND GOLD. Many a time in the years to come will the men and women of California ' 26 take down from the shelves their copies of this book, and live again some of the happi- est days of their lives. And so we say, All Hail, BLUE AND GOLD! You are a welcome reminder of the true nature of the University.