The pursuit of science, the study of the great works, the value of free inquiry, in short, the very idea of living the life of the mind – yes, these formative and abiding principles of higher education in America had their first and firmest advocate, and their greatest embodiment, in a tall, fair-headed, friendly man who watched this university take form from the mountainside where he lived, the university whose founding he called a crowning achievement to along and well-spent life.
