ENPages
1
Ninth Army Germany 5 May 1945
Dr. Donald B. Tresidder President Stanford University Calif
Dear Dr. Tresidder:
Thinking of Stanford as much as we do, it ws good to get your letter and know that Stanford was thinking of us. We are very proud of what our school has done in the way of research and training of personnel to aid the war.
To answer your questions: After the Army is through with me, I fully expect to return to college at Stanford and continue the courses in
2
Mechanical Engineering I was taking when we were called to duty. It would be a good idea, I feel, if the University could offer a thorough selection of brief refresher courses. Having returned to school once with the specialized training program I know the difficulties a fellow experiences relearning and taking new courses at the same time. [Refreshers?] should emphasize principles and give enough application so that we can go ahead in the courses we want and need. After that I'd like the normal courses in study with added opportunity at application. For
3
example, right now I'm working with an automotive maintenance outfit. The gap between thermodynamics and the actual work we do is a wide one. I most certainly don't want Stanford to make a mechanic out of me, but I don't believe I can be an engineer without knowing what the mechanic faces. Give a student an engine - let him pull it apart and analyse it structurally - he'll know the what and why of design then, and what needs improvement.
As to living accomodations, I believe you'll find many of your returning students will
4
be married and will need housing facilities accordingly. Extracurricular activities should stay about the same for Stanford's unique recreation facilities are certainly one of the things we like her for. More organized athletics is about the only change I'd like.
Thank you again for your letter. I hope I have not been too presumptuous in my letter. Looking forward to returning to Stanford and all she means.
Sincerely [Mofat?] Willard '45 El Toro
P.S. Information requested latest addresses of some
5
of the alumni: Lt. John W. Howell '44 Lt. Robert E. Jones '43 Motor Vehicle Branch Detroit [Oronance?] District Detroit 32, Mich
Lt. Howard L [Ledeen?] '44 Lansing Regional Office Detroit Ordnance District Mutual Bldg Lansing, Mich
Lt. HRFreemon '45 Battery "C" 383 FA BN APO 470 c/o PM New York, NY
Lt John Youle '44 470 Ord Eval CO APO 228 c/o PM New York, NY
