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Donald B. Tressider, MD President, Stanford University
Dear Mr. Tressider:
In response to your recent letter relative to post war education for veterans at Stanford I wish to make the following comment in reply to your questions.
I intend to resume my education after discharge, and wish to return to Stanford for the course in law. I am very pleased to know that the University has reached a decision not to lower standards, to remain inflexible in emphasis on quality. Variation from that policy would prejudice the interests of individuals and University alike. One adjustment in procedure seems very desirable, perhaps imperative, and that is the continuance of all courses and lectures during the Summer Quarter to permit students to accomplish their objectives without delay. I do not
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believe it necessary nor desireable to increase materially, if at all, the content and pace of the normal quarter's work. A liberal education implies a certain amount of leisure; haste for the average student means a reduced achievement, a loss in intellectual processes and sense of values which is not compensated for in time "gained."
There will undoubtedly be divergence of opinion on housing; I'm quite sure that my friends now in the services, and I shall want to live not in dormitories, but in relative independence on the Farm or adjacent thereto. All of us have had more than our share of close proximity to neighbors not of our choosing; whatever organization of our lives must observed, should be tolerantly administered.
I believe that the average returned student will prefer golf, tennis, swimming, riding, mere "social croquet" to organized sport. Many men will want to their acquaintance with music and the theater. In this connection it might be desirable for the University to
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organize and maintain a bureau which would give suitable publicity to cultural and sports activities at the University and in nearby cities, the agency might well perform such services such services as securing tickets, reservations etc.
I regret that throughout the time spent overseas I have had little or no opportunity to see current newspapers, periodicals, to read the reviews of current literature. If an appreciable number desire as I do to "catch up" on the war years it might be desirable to provide a special library service to aid in filling in the years of absence.
I want very much to recover my status as a responsible individual, to renew my interests, and above all to obtain the professional qualifications for the satisfaction of personal ambition. Stanford is a very ageeable place in which to pursue these objectives, and I should dislike any radical changes.
Sincerely, Willam B. [Darbee?] 18071250 Master Seargent Hq Btry 465 FA Bn APO
29 Mar 45
