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COMMENCEMENT
Monday, June 3,1963
He Worked For 4 Chancellors
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
LAWRENCE
OFFICE OF
THE CHANCELLOR
May 28,1963.
Mr. Phil McKnight,
Vice President,
Senior Class.
It is difficult to write a letter when a monograph is called for, but brevity is what appears most to Fred Ellsworth. He has spent a good portion of his life compressing lively information about his University into the smallest space possible. In writing and in speaking, succinctness has been his hallmark -- no wasted words, no high flown phrases. In this, as in many other things, he has taught us a lesson.
How does one go about the delightful task of delineating the characteristics of a friend and a colleague? How does one in a few lines describe the most unforgettable person one ever knew? From the heart, one does it, with warmth and affection -- as this is done.
Few persons have it given to them to become, in a large institution, the symbol or embodiment of the institution. There are few whose credentials are good enough, there are few whose accomplishments are meaningful enough. Fred Ellsworth is one of these few. For an alumni body of tens of thousands it is he, not faculty or fellows -- it is he, not deans or chancellors -- who becomes and remains Mr. K.U.
Raconteur par excellence. historian without peer, writer superb, organizer without equal -- this is Fred, the shining example of the meaning of alumnus, the 24-carat individualization of friendship, loyalty, devotion affection and service.
There are those who achieve a great deal in life by persistence of effort born of personal ambition for status, for power, for monetary reward. There are those who strive constantly for personal attention and for personal prestige, willing to accept both at the expense of their fellows. There are those who hunger always to be center stage, the focus of attention. None of those ever endear themselves to anyone.
There are, on the other hand, the all too few who serve -- who are driven in long hours and tireless years by the desire to make a contribution, to give of themselves rather than to take of others. Fred is one of these self-less, always sacrificing, driven by one impulse only -- that of making his University greater and its alumni body, from which comes its strength, ever
He has sustained me, as he sustained others before me. He will con-
tinue to sustain me -- a comfort indeed. I toast him: Greatness in humility,
strength in service, our man everywhere -- Fred Ellsworth.
WCW-DR
concerely,
W. Clarke Custcoe
W. Clarke Wescoe,
Chancellor.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Ihaca, New York
May 9, 1963
Mr. Phil McKnight
Editor
University Daily Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
I am happy indeed to write to you about Fred Ellsworth, one of the great builders of K. U.
It has been my privilege to know that old fellow, as student, friend, and associate for more than forty-five years, a period in which almost every minute of his time and every ounce of his energy has been devoted to the University.
Fred Ellsworth is an uncomplex, uncomplicated, straightforward individual, who is no doubt hooting at all the hullabaloo his friends are creating over his impending retirement.
I have travelled over Kansas with him on many a mission. He and I were closely associated for years in our relations with the members of the Legislature and the executive officers of the Government of Kansas.
But his innate wisdom, his humble regard for his fellow-man, his loyalty as an intensely devoted Jayhawker entitle him to all the plaudits of his friends.
PURIM TEMPORARIA DE MAYO DE 1935
600 AÑOS 1935
A Ronald C. Zalom
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
LOS ANGELES 24, CALIFORNIA
Mr. Phil McKnight
153) Tennessee
Lawrence, Kansas
Deane W, Malott Former Chancellor of The University of Kansas
May 10, 1963
Dear Mr. McKnight;
For me to write a letter about Fred Ellsworth that is either comprehensive or valid is an almost impossible task. It is comparable to producing a synthesis of the meaning of father, brother, personal friend and a dozen national heroes thrown in for good measure. It is perhaps more difficult than writing about KU itself.
I knew him as a student, as an alumnus, as a young faculty member, as a dean and for nine years as Chancellor. As he has been for thousands of alumni, but he has been for me the epitome of the University beyond this, I have had the advantage of his wise counsel, his fierce devotion and his unlimited dedication. For all this and much more besides, my personal debt to him is inexpressible. Perhaps I can best describe it all by saying that no one ever knew a better man.
FDM:rmf
Sincerely,
Franklin D. Murphy
Franklin D. Murphy
Chancellor
M
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
May 8, 1963
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to write a few words about Fred Ellsworth. My father regarded him as invaluable, and both my parents had deep affection for him and Lucille.
Dear Mr. McKnight:
I am glad that you are organizing this tribute. Fred's contribution to K.U. over the years has been immense. It would be hard for me, as for thousands of others, to think of Mt. Oread without him.
Ernest K. Lindley
Mr. Phil McKnight,
1537 Tennessee,
Lawrence, Kansas.