University of Iowa - Hawkeye Yearbook (Iowa City, IA)

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1Dr. Charles Elsbmeab %chaefter Memoriam CHARLES ASHMEAD SCHAEFFER, A.M., PH.D., LL.D.. born in 1843; University of Pennsylva- nia, 1861, A.B.; Harvard: 1863-65; Gottingen, 1867-68, Ph.D.: School of Mines. Berlin, 1868-69; Assistant in Chemistry, Union College, 1865-67: Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Cornell University, 18607; Dean of the Faculty, 886-87; chosen President of the State University of Iowa, 1887, which position he held at the time of his death, September 23, 1898. the State Teachers ' Association Professor Currier read the following, prepared by him at the request of the tion, and adopted as its expression: Immediately on coming to the State, President fer took a deep interest in this Association, and was active in its support by his counsel and his services. During the eleven ears of his presidency of the University, he was a prominent factor in its notable growth and develop ment. We accord to him a large measure of influence in securing increased means for general support and for buildings and ment. He had large views and hopes for the University, and labored zealously to make them realities. He was eminently successful as an administrative officer, having a strong and ligent grasp upon the facts and possibilities of the situation, ness in executing decisions made and rare tact in dealing with men. Members of the Faculties received from him a hearty appreciation of their specialties and a sympathetic interest in their work and in themselves. Students found him deeply ested in their welfare and concerned in all the interests of the larger University life. To the voluntary enterprises of students and Faculty he was a generous giver. All who came in contact with him recognized a broad and generous nature, and the integ- rity and candor, kindliness and courtesy of a noble spirit. In his death the University has lost a wise counsellor and an able leader, his associates a trusted adviser and a personal friend, and the State a devoted and efficient servant.

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a slight tribute to the mem- ory of Dr. Charles Ashmead Schaeffer, whose superior dowments and unselfish purposes com- bined all the best elements of genius and learning in untiring efforts for the success and advancement of our great institution, the altar on which he poured out the richest treasures of his soul and the purest libations of his heart, we dedicate this book with love and affection. THE EDITORS.

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lln Memoriam most significant fact in President Schaeffer ' s connection with the University was not that during his administration of eleven years the teaching force was doubled and the number of students more than doubled, while the material facilities were greatly increased, and the people of the state came to feel a pride and interest in the institution which had not before been so generally exhibited, but rather that the work in each department of the University was broadened and strengthened. Many of the influences which tended to bring about this result antedated Dr. Schaeffer ' s administration or were brought to bear from outside the University, but his great share of credit for what has been achieved rests on the fact that he was in sympathy with every impulse toward a higher standard for University work, at the same time guiding the onward movement with rare judgment and fairness. Persistence in working for the ultimate highest good, tact in securing progress without danger of reaction, self restraint in avoiding any appearance of domination in what was accomplished, so that it seemed to come in the natural course of events, these were the qualities which placed Dr. Schaeffer in the front rank of the presidents of State Universities. In their relations with Dr. Schaeffer his associates found him helpful, appreciative and considerate. Each was led to feel that his success would depend upon his true merits as a teacher, his fullness of knowledge, independence and soundness in judgment, and originality in treatment. Upon the whole University Dr. Schaeffer left the strong impress of a man of thorough education and broad culture, a high-minded gentleman, and a spirited citizen. EMLIN MCCLAIN. N HIS dealings with the Collegiate Faculty two traits seemed to me always to characterize Dr. Schaeffer. The first was a peculiarly keen instinctive sense of even-handed tice. Whatever the question at issue and however tangled trend of discussion might become, however far the might reach, did it affect all the Colleges of the State or did touch the interests of some single student or professor only, did it concern some policy which he himself had close at heart, 11