Willamette University - Wallulah Yearbook (Salem, OR)

Page 14 text:

E ENDOWNIENT I if GREAT ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN in the interest of Willamette University is now in progress. The -prime mover in the securing of a large Endowment for Wil- lamette University is the Honorable'R. A. Booth, of Eugene, Oregon. He has constantly inspired other men to believe that the great need of the University is an adequate Endowment. ln April, 1910, he made a great proposition to the friends of Willamette University. He announced that he would give S100,000 if SlS325,000 more was secured in order to give the University an Endowment of 3500,000, and provide 350,000 additional with which to begin an Auditorium that should be a memorial building for all the pioneers of Oregon. This proposition of Mr. Booth attracted at- tention throughout all the United States and in fact through all world-wide Methodism. Soon after Mr. Booth had made his proposition Mr. James J. Hill, President of the Great Northern Railroad, came to Salem and immediately fell in love with the strategic location of Willam- ette University. In conversation with President Homan in May, 1910, he said that he was a great friend of Denominational Colleges and believed in them as character- builders. He further informed President Homan that he intended to help him in the Endowment Campaign. In December, 1910, he again visited Salem and was again approached by President Homan concerning the matter of Endowment. He said in the course of the conversation that he would give 350,000 to Willamette University. In January the prop- osition was received from Mr. Hill and the following is a ver- batim copy of his letter: R. Booth

Page 13 text:

'flecleb by the Oregon Conference 'flcctcb by the Columbia :River Conference 'flcclzb by the Yloaho Conference 'flcclzb by the 'pacific Carman. Conference 'flecleb by the Tanksb-Norwegian Conference 'fnbowmcnt Brushes REV. REV. REV. REV. HON. HON. GEN W. B. HOLLINSHEAD, D.D. Portland ...,...........,,..,,........ M. C. WIRE, D.D. Eugene ,,.,.............. J. W. MCDOUGAL Portland ...................... B. F. ROWLAND, D.D. Salem ....................... R. A. BOOTH Eugene ,,.,......,..,. J. ISAAC JONES Cottage Grove ...,,. W. H. ODELL Portland ............... . Term expires. 1911 1911 1912 1912 1913 1913 ...,......,............Emeritus REV. C. O. KIMBALL, D.D. Spokane, Waslrlngton ....... .... 1 910 REV. M. H. MARVIN Pullman, Washington ,,,,..,,.. .... 1 911 REV. WALTON SKIPWORTH, D.D. The Dalles, Oregon .........., .... 1 912 HON. B. L. STEEVES Salem ....................... .... 1 911 MR. GEO. A. CLEAVER , La Grande, Oregon ......,. .... 1 912 HON. A. E. EATON Union, Oregon ,.,....E. ,... 1 913 REV. H. F. LANGE Walla Walla, Washington ..... .... 1 911 REV. C. J. LARSEN Portland ...... .... 1 912 SCOTT BOZORTH B, LEE PAGET Portland Portland A. M. SMITH Portland

Page 15 text:

ST. PAUL, Minn., January 3d, 1911. Mr. Fletcher Homfm, President Willamette University, Salem, Ore. DEAR SIR :-In response to your letter of the 15th ultimo, I wish to say that I will give 350,000 as en- dowment fund for your University whenever you have raised not less than S250,000 in cash in addition to my subscription. The above is to be for a perma- nent endowment fund, the income from which is to go to the Unil versity. Funds for buildings and other improvements not to be counted James J, H111 or considered part of the agreement. The offer to remain open for two years, and advice to be furnished from time to time of progress being made in the collec- tion of the fund. Yours truly, JAMES J. HILL. Again the name of Willamette University attracted world-wide attention because of the great prominence of Mr. Hill, and today educators throughout the length and breadth of the land have their eyes upon Willamette University and its friends. They are expect- ing that the University will be successful, as it undoubtedly will, in securing both the Endowment proposition of Mr. Booth and that of Mr. Hill. These two men will ever have a warm spot in the hearts of Trustees, Faculty, students, and friends of Old Willamette. Friends of Willamette are expressing a very great interest in this campaign. Great liberality is being manifested on the part of some and is expected on the part of others. At the present time President Homan has over S200,000 at stake conditioned on securing a little over S200,000 more. Let the rallying cry of every lover of Willamette University and of independent education be, On to Victory. Let the spirit of our founders and of our benefactors fall upon us all. Then will our campaign be brought to a successful termination and the spirit of joy and gladness will be found among all our friends.