University of Minnesota School of Agriculture - Agrarian Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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Dean Coffey, An Appreciation NE of the greatest compensations of the teacher is the possibility of assisting in the development of men who will influence the world for good in their day and generation. And it is a matter of the keenest satisfaction to testify to their excellence after the passage of time has made good the high hopes we had of them as students and young men finding themselves. That is why it is a very great pleasure as well as a satisfaction to speak now in appreciation of one of the finestrsouls it has ever been my privilege to know and to love. Back in 1903 Walter Cascella Coffey reg- istered in the college of agriculture of the DEAN QOFFEY University of Illinois. He was more mature Tffiffnf Yeflff Of A80 than the average student and brought with him certain credits from Hartsville and Frank- lin colleges of Indiana, the state of his nativity. He also brought with him a teaching experience that helped not a little in the ability to attack new subjects as well as situations. This maturity, added to his native ability and industry, made of W. C. Coffey a superior student and, almost from the start, an outstanding character in the university. 4 Graduating in 1906 Mr. Coffey at once set about the enterprise of earning his master's degree, which was conferred in 1909. The extra time required in securing this degree was due to the fact that upon graduation he was made part time In- structor in Sheep Husbandry. This appointment was not idly made because it carried full responsibility for that particular interest, not only in the classroom but over the state and with those farmers who were interested in the possibilities of sheep even as a subsidiary interest. First of all, we were satisfied that he knew sheep. Second, than he could teach. Third, that he would safely represent the institution out in the state and, fourth, that what Coffey undertook to do would be done and well done without bothering other people about his troubles if he had any. It is needless now to say that he more than met expectations, not only as a teacher and a representative of the institution and his subject but as an associate in meeting the thousand and one problems that are bound to arise in the day by day operation of so complicated an enterprise as a college, ministering to hundreds of students and to the corresponding interests in the state outside. One year before receiving his master's degree Coffey was advanced from Instructor to Associate, an advance which carried a two-year appointment and an increase of salary. Page Twenty

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major economic interests of the state and. every home engaged in or touched by these interests. A man who coordinates all these diverse interests quali- fies as an expert in wild horses rather than sheep, and Dean Coffey has met the situation admirably and adequately. The ability to discharge his heavy duties lies less in the preparation to which I have alluded than it does in the man himself. His simplicity, his directness, his democracy, his honesty and his loyalty win and retain the loyalty, respect and affection of all who come in contact with him, from farm boy to university president. He is a friend to every deserving person and cause and at all times a Chris- tian gentleman. The state and university are fortu- nate in having him in a position of such responsibility and you and I and all his colleagues are fortunate in having him as our friend and associate. The dedication of this volume is a gracious and Coffey's ability, character and outstanding services. DEAN COFFEY Sixteen Years of Age well-merited recognition of Dean -GUY STANTON FORD. Acting Presia'e11t of the U71i'UE1'Sifjl 0 f Mimzesota. VVALTER Coxfrrsv, Mas. COFFEY, LARDNER COFFEY, DEAN COFFEY. A bappy, frimzdly family Pagz' Nizzvfrzvz

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Then in 1911, and before the expiration of his second appointment as Associate, he was ad- vanced to the title of Assistant Professor and two years later, or one year sooner than usual, he was made full Professor of Sheep Hus- bandry. These advances were unusually rapid but in every case well earned. It was early in this career at Illinois that an incident' occurred the like of which tries men's souls and, taking the wrong course, has side-tracked many a good man. I-Ie was get- ting 51,500 a year at the time, as I recall, when an unsolicited offer came to him, naming the amazing figure of he do? There was with whom he ship and million. to raise faculty. But weddings extra habit for the best ready for so responsible a task, for modesty was ever one of his strongest attributes. Besides, the lure of the sheep was strong upon him and he stayed on with us. However, in 1921, after seventeen years at Illinois as student, instructor and pro- fessor, a proposition came from Minnesota to assume one of the most important dean- ships of the country. On every count Professor Coffey was ready for the great work of his life and here seemed the opportunity. So we of Illinois bade a reluctant farewell to a family we had learned to love with a peculiar affection as well as to respect for its unusual ability and fidelity. Yet this regret was coupled with pleasure at the prospect of another good man who had found his work. For it is the business of a university not only to conduct- courses of instruction but to develop men and see them go out into fields of larger usefulness. So it is that a stream of the best of the young is continually flowing from one center of usefulness into another, acting as a leaven and an equalizer in our fast developing civilization. Page Tiurnty-one