Doctor of Science Heinrich Ries Doctor of Laws William Kingsland Macy*
John Pierce Herrick Joseph Hillis Miller John Nelson Norwood
* Conferred Founders' Day, November 9, 1944.
HEINRICH RIES presented by Dean Major E. Holmes.
Mr. President: We have as our guest today an eminent scientist who has rendered services of outstanding distinction to the ceramic interests of America. This Institution can take justifiable pride in being the agency whereby recognition of those services is to be ex- tended by conferring on him an honorary degree.
He was born at Brooklyn, New York, in 1871. He was educated at Columbia University and the University of Berlin, Columbia con- ferring on him the degrees of Ph.B., A.M., and Ph.D. He joined the staff of Cornell University in 1898 rising to the position of Head of the Department of Geology in 1914 and filling that position until his retirement in 1939. He was a great teacher, an inspiration to his students, and a model for his colleagues.
However, teaching alone could not provide an adequate outlet for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Supplementary activities of many kinds have engaged his attention throughout his life, and they have yielded distinguished results. His geological survey work covered the larger part of the eastern half of the United States and Canada. He has been engaged for this work by the State of New York, Maryland, Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Kentucky. His reports on these surveys are standard reference publications throughout the land.
HONORARY DEGREES 63 He served as a delegate from Columbia University and Cornell University to the International Geological Congress in Russia, France, Mexico, Canada, and the United States between the years of 1897 and 1933. He served on the jury on awards at the Cotton States Ex- position in 1895, the Pan-American Exposition in 1901, and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904.
He is a member of four Greek letter honorary societies, a mem- ber of six scientific societies, an honorary member of six other so- cieties, and a life member of three others, these societies being the largest and most important societies of this kind in this country. He was also one of that small group of far-seeing, courageous scientists, including Dr. Binns, who founded the American Ceramic Society in 1895. That Society has honored him by making him a charter mem- ber and honorary life member.
He was elected vice president of the American Ceramic Society in 1903 and was elected president in 1910. He served the Geological Society of America as its vice president in 1925 and as its president in 1929. He has also filled high positions in the American Institute of Mining Engineers and the American Foundrymen's Association. The American Foundrymen's Association awarded him the Seaman Gold Medal in 1936 for research in foundry sands.
His contributions to our ceramic literature are monumental. He is the author of over two hundred publications. Included in this list are a number of text books and reference books which are the final authority and the standard texts in their fields.
Buttressing these material achievements is the rare combination of human qualities that has won for him a host of loyal friends. Un- selfish devotion to his profession, strict observance of professional ethics, an inspiring personality, combined with his distinguished sci- entific achievements, have won an everlasting place for him in the minds and hearts of the members of his profession.
Mr. President, I present for the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, Heinrich Ries.
President Norwood said:
Native of the Empire State, educated at Columbia University, eminent scientist, life-long inspiring teacher rising to the headship of Cornell's Department of Geology, leader in research, delegate to inter- national scientific congresses, one of the founders, a past president, and long-time supporter of the American Ceramic Society, prolific writer in the ceramic field, loyal friend, Alfred University recognizes these qualities and achievements and proudly enrolls you in the select company of her adopted sons.
Therefore, by authority of the Trustees of Alfred University, I admit you, Heinrich Ries, to the degree of Doctor of Science,
honoris causa,
in this University with all the rights, privileges and obligations thereunto appertaining, and in token thereof, I cause you to be in- vested with the appropriate hood of this degree and present you with this diploma.WILLIAM KINGSLAND MACY presented by Dean M. Ellis Drake.
Mr. President: It is with pleasure that I nominate our Founders' Day guest and speaker for an honorary degree from Alfred University.
Mr, Macy is a native son of the State of New York, having been born in New York City and having been a life-long resident of Islip, Suffolk County. He prepared for college at Groton School and studied at Harvard University from which he received the A.B. degree. After graduation from college he entered business, became president of the Union Pacific Tea Company, and for several years was a partner in a New York brokerage firm. He is a trustee and director of banks and other business enterprises.
Since 1925 he has been active in State and National politics and has long been a recognized leader in the Republican Party. He has been Chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee for nearly two decades. For four years, from 1930 to 1934, he was Chairman of the New York State Republican Committee and during this period of leadership advocated a liberal and forward-looking program. As State Chairman he was largely responsible for forcing a legislative investi- gation of the government of New York City which resulted in the resignation of the mayor and the famous Seabury Inquiry with its revelations of municipal corruption. He has been a delegate to State and National Republican Conventions for twenty years, the permanent Chairman of one of the New York State Conventions and the Chair- man of the New York Delegation to one of the National Conventions.
In 1938 he was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Con- vention where he rendered valuable service.
He has long been a devoted friend of education and in 1941 he was elected a member of the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York.
As a successful business executive, courageous political leader, and friend of education he is well deserving of the honor which Alfred University confers upon him today.
Mr. President, it is an honor to present the Honorable William Kingsland Macy for the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
President Norwood said:
HONORARY DEGREES 65 Native of our own great Commonwealth, graduate of Harvard University, successful business executive, civic leader, forward-looking political organizer, effective assistant to the Governor of our State in his legal campaign to free the metropolis of its vice and racketeering, member of the highest educational supervisory authority in this State, the Board of Regents, Alfred University gladly welcomes you to the select company of her adopted sons.
Therefore, by authority of the Trustees of Alfred University, I admit you, William Kingsland Macy, to the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in this University, with all the rights, privileges, and obligations belonging thereto, and in evidence thereof, I cause you to be invested wTith the hood of this degree, and present you with this diploma.
JOHN PIERCE HERRICK presented by Dean M. Ellis Drake.
Mr. Fresident: Each year Alfred University through the confer- ring of honorary degrees acclaims the services to society of a select group of distinguished men and women. It is my pleasure this after- neon to nominate for such a degree a man whose name will long be remembered in the annals of Alfred University.
Born in Michigan, he was brought by his parents at the age of four to nearby Potter County in Pennsylvania. At 17 he became the teacher of a district school but soon turned to newspaper work. Lo- cating in Ceres, N. Y., he founded the Oswayo Valley Mail. A few years later he moved to Bolivar, N. Y., where he founded the Bolivar Breeze. These ventures were successful from the start and both papers are still well known in the country weekly newspaper field.
Although these papers have passed into other hands, his early journal- istic interest has continued and he is still an occasional contributor of feature articles to metropolitan and other newspapers.
While in Bolivar he became interested in the production of oil and soon was a recognized leader in this field. He was one of the organizers of the New York State Oil Producers Association and was for some years the President of this body; he aided in the organiza- tion of the Pennsylvania Crude Oil Association and served as a di- rector for several years; he has been a member of the Board of Gov- ernors of the International Petroleum Congress and a member of the Board of Counselors of the American Petroleum Institute. In recent years he has spent much time delving into the history of the oil in- dustry and has done much valuable work in recording the record of this phase of America's industrial development.
For many years he has been a resident of Olean, New York, where he has been active in the life of that community serving for a time as
President of the Olean Trust Company and as President and director of the Young Men's Christian Association.
In 1931 he was elected to the Board of Trustees of Alfred Univer- sity and through the years has given loyal and invaluable service to the University. He is a devoted friend of education and of young people. He has been particularly active in developing endowments to provide scholarships for deserving students. It was his leadership which brought into being the Orville P. Taylor Scholarship established by the oil producers of Allegany County and the Allegany County Masonic Free Scholarship established by the Masons of Allegany County and their friends. In addition he and Mrs Herrick have estab- lished a large number of unusually substantial scholarships for which they themselves have provided the endowment.
In recognition of his services to Alfred and to society I take pleasure, Mr. President, in presenting for the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws the name of this distinguished gentleman and friend of young people, John Pierce Herrick.
President Norwood said:
Haling from a birthplace in Michigan, settling finally in Western New York, experienced newspaper founder and publisher, successful operator in the great oil empire just southwest of us; officer in many press and trade associations; honored civic leader; historian of the petroleum industry of this State; actively patriotic citizen; generous philanthropist, not letting the left hand know what the right hand doeth; above all lover of youth, and lavish provider of assistance for the higher education of youth; Alfred University gladly recognizes these great qualities and lists you among her honored sons.
Therefore, by authority of the Trustees of Alfred University, I admit you, John Pierce Herrick, to the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in this University with all the rights, privileges and obligations thereunto appertaining, and in token thereof, I cause you to be invested with the appropriate hood of this degree and present you with this diploma.
JOSEPH HILLIS MILLER presented by Dean Alfred E. Whitford.
Mr. President: It is a privilege to present for an honorary degree our guest and speaker whose stimulating and thought-provoking ad- dress on this occasion has been a significant contribution to our Com- mencement program.
Born in Virginia near the beginning of the present century and receiving his elementary, high-school, and college education in his native state, he was graduated from the University of Richmond in
HONORARY DEGREES 67 1924 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. One year later he received the degree of Master of Arts from the University of Virginia. He then joined the faculty of William and Mary College as Instructor in Psych- ology and served in that position for three years. Then for two years he studied as a graduate student in Columbia University and at the same time served as assistant to Harry Emerson Fosdick in the Riverside Church.
For the next five years he was Assistant Professor of Psychology in Bucknell University and also Dean of Students, first of freshmen and later of all students. It was during this period that Columbia University in the year 1933 conferred on him its highest degree, that of Doctor of Philosophy. His field of study was psychology and it is interesting that his dissertation was on the subject of "The Practice of Public Prayer, Psychological Study".
In 1935 he was called to the presidency of Keuka College, and effectively carried on the activities of that position for six years. It was wiiile he was serving as president of our neighboring college that some of us became acquainted with him and came to admire his sterling qualities as a scholar, teacher, and administrator.
In 1941 he was chosen by the Regents of the State of New York to be Associate Commissioner of Education, a position which he has ably filled up to the present time. His special field in this position is higher and professional education, and hence he has much to do in giving friendly advice and counsel to all private institutions of higher learning and in providing general administrative supervision over all state colleges including our own College of Ceramics.
In his college days he won many honors including Phi Beta Kappa key and was awarded twice the Virginia State Oratorical Medal in Public Speaking. In more recent years he has engaged in a wide variety of community activities and has contributed his time and leadership to several national organizations of his own religious af- filiation, the Northern Baptist Convention.
Furthermore his pen has been productive in bringing to the public numerous articles published in professional journals and in the press.
These articles have covered a variety of subjects, but have been large- ly devoted to youth problems, guidance, personnel work, and problems of higher education.
Mr. President, in recognition of this man's outstandingly success- ful achievement in teaching and administration, and in recognition of
the eminent services he is now rendering as a leader in education in New York State, I have the honor of presenting for the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Joseph Hillis Miller.
President Norwood said:
Son of the Old Dominion, graduate of three universities, Richmond, Virginia, and Columbia; teacher, college executive, writer on psych- ology and philosophy as well as on current education problems, suc- cessful administrator for the University of the State of New York as Associate Commissioner of Education, church leader, public lecturer, Alfred University welcomes you to the roll of her adopted alumni.
Therefore, by authority of the Trustees of Alfred University, I admit you, Joseph Hillis Miller, to the degree of Doctor of Laws,
honoris causa,
in this University with all the rights, privileges and obligations thereunto appertaining, and in token thereof, I cause you to be invested with the appropriate hood of this degree and present you with this diploma.At this point the proceedings were interrupted by Dr. Waldo A, Titsworth who, addressing President Norwood, presented the following:
Mr. President: Because of the many years we have worked and played together, I have been chosen to tell you about something which has been happening during the past six weeks about which, I believe, you know nothing.
In honor of your retirement the trustees and one hundred and seventeen of the campus and Jamestown personnel have contributed to.a gift fund. It is both interesting and satisfying to know that the contributors were not just given to a fund, but rather were showing in this small way, their desire to do something for one who has done so much for them. This feeling has been expressed over and over again.
As you know, the trustees have designated the room in Greene Hall, formerly the office of President-Emeritus Boothe Colwell Davis, to be your office when you become President-Ereritus, and with this gift fund, which has been so generously and willing given, we are furnishing the room so that it will be fully and adequately equipped to meet your every need. It is our fondest hope that you will use it for many, many years to come, and that it will be our privilege, in this way to keep you with us on the campus.
I take great pleasure and pride in presenting you with this key which symbolizes your complete authority over your new office.
HONORARY DEGREES 69
"An Appreciation of John Nelson Norwood,"
read by Dr. Charles P. Rogers, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Alfred University:
The Board of Trustees of Alfred University accepted with re- luctance the retirement request of John Nelson Norwood, President of Alfred University.
John Nelson Norwood has been a vital force in Alfred University from the time of his entrance as a student and through his career as teacher, Dean, Acting-President and President. In every capacity he acquitted himself with diligence, brilliance and foresight. As an out- standing student, he caught the attention of the Faculty and was recommended to the Graduate Faculties of Wisconsin, Michigan and Cornell. In all these great graduate universities, his work was of the highest quality. In 1915, Cornell University granted him the Ph.D.
degree after writing a thesis on "The Slavery Schism in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1844."
John Nelson Norwood was a teacher par excellence. Every stu- dent who listened to his lectures left the class room with an under- standing of history, economics and politics. What is more, each stu- dent caught the relationships of these fields of social endeavor. The best testimony of his teaching is the number of men inspired to con- tinue graduate studies and the number of teachers prepared for secon- dary school teaching.
As Dean, he was responsible for higher standards, curriculum im- provements, better methods of teaching in all departments and a just but firm administration of student affairs. He served in this capacity during the years of Alfred's greatest expansion and provided the solu- tion for many pressing academic problems
As President, he lived through the most exacting and trying period in the history of the American college. The pressures of war have created problems for every college and Alfred has been no exception.
Through this period, Alfred has maintained her place, has met each challenge and comes out of the war period, ready for the many issues of the post-war. This represents leadership by the President.
In the community, President Norwood has been a factor in every public enterprise. A director of the Bank, prominent in Masonic and Rotary circles, his influence has been felt in these activities and always in the direction of progress.
As a Christian gentleman, John Nelson Norwood has no peer.
Scrupulously honest in his every thought, devoted to his family and his church, intensely loyal to his adopted land, his influence has been felt in the lives of thousands of students and thousands of veteran