Olds Inauguration Symposium Program (October 31, 1958)

Rev. Dr. Glenn Alvero Olds (1921-2006) lived a multifaceted life. A colleague in 1978 described his early years as follows: “Born of a Catholic father and Mormon mother, influenced by Quaker upbringing and Methodist ministry, he worked his way through high school, college, and three graduate schools with honors and distinction – as a logger, ranch hand, park and forest ranger, professional boxer, dance band leader, dishwasher, and country preacher.” Olds served as president at Springfield College from July 1, 1958 to September 1, 1965, during which time he focused on curriculum revision, enrollment, long-range planning, organization, construction, and fundraising. At thirty-seven years old, he was the school’s second-youngest president. Olds left Springfield College in 1965 to accept a position as executive dean of the State University of New York, where he developed an international program for New York State’s system of colleges and universities. He later served as a special assistant for President Nixon, U.S. ambassador and representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and president at Kent State University and Alaska Pacific University.

This program was published for the symposium, which was an event held during the inauguration of Glenn A. Olds as Springfield College’s eighth president. The symposium’s theme was “Survival of the Fit: An Ethical Analysis of the Human Dimension in Education.” Thornton W. Merriam, the dean of the college, presided over the event. The chairman was Huston C. Smith and the participants were Ashley Montagu, Hermann J. Muller, and Robert Ulich. This pamphlet contains brief biographies of the four participants. The ceremony took place on October 31, 1958 at the Memorial Field House.