University of California: In Memoriam, 1943-1945

Earle Raymond Hedrick, Mathematics: Los Angeles and Systemwide

	1876-1943
	Vice-President
	Provost
	Professor

The University of California lost a man of brilliant intellect, singular courage, and exceptional clear-sightedness with the death on February 3, 1943, of Earle Raymond Hedrick. As Professor of Mathematics from 1925 to 1937 and as Vice-President and Provost from 1937 to 1942, he exercised a vigorous and progressive influence on the development of the Los Angeles campus of the University. Through varied University-wide services, he attained and held a place of high esteem on all campuses. His unexpected passing is mourned by colleagues, students, alumni, and friends of the University everywhere.

Dr. Hedrick was born in Union City, Indiana, in 1876. His early education was obtained in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, public schools and his undergraduate work was done at the University of Michigan. He received the Master of Arts degree at Harvard University and was there awarded a Parker Fellowship for European study. The Ph.D. degree was granted him by Göttingen University in February, 1901, after which he spent several months in further study at the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris. In 1901-1903 he was an instructor in the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, and this was followed by twenty-one years as Professor of Mathematics at the University of Missouri. When he retired on June 30, 1942, he held the positions of Vice-President and Provost of the University.

Dr. Hedrick was recognized throughout the scientific world as an outstanding scholar and investigator in the field of mathematics. His early work on partial differential equations and his later works

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on foundations of mathematics and the theory of nonanalytic functions of a complex variable stand out as major contributions to the development of these important fields. Quite apart from his personal researches, his role in the growth of all science, particularly mathematics, was exceedingly great because of his exceptional abilities as organizer, administrator, and editor. He was one of the organizers of the Mathematical Association of America and served as its first President. Through this Association and through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, he exercised a profound influence on the teaching of mathematics at all levels in American schools. Similar contributions to the teaching of engineering were made through the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education. Dr. Hedrick served a term as Vice-President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Chairman of Section A of that Association. Without doubt his greatest service to scientific organizations was rendered through his activities in the American Mathematical Society. Over a period of forty years there was no time when he failed to carry one or more important administrative positions in this Society. He served it as Vice-President, President, Trustee, Council Member, and as Editor-in-Chief of its Bulletin. During his seventeen years as Bulletin editor, he reorganized the entire publication program of the Society and securely established this on a thoroughly sound basis. Through his extensive editorial work, he maintained close contact with mathematicians throughout the country and did much to stimulate high-grade research activity--especially among the younger investigators. He was a regular attendant at national society meetings, even though this frequently involved considerable personal sacrifice on his part. Mathematicians everywhere depended upon his sound judgment and drew heavily on his willing assistance.

As a member of the University of California faculty, Dr. Hedrick exhibited qualities of leadership which resulted in his participation in almost every major activity or development that occurred during his

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period of service. This was especially true on the Los Angeles campus where he had a vital, consuming interest and where he visualized unlimited possibilities for growth. From the outset he urged that faculty and students strive constantly toward the development of a major university atmosphere, and he insisted that the high standards of a great university be maintained--both by the students in their classroom work and by the faculty in their research and teaching. Although he subscribed fully to the principle that the true growth of the University would be insured only if carefully chosen scholars were added to the faculty when and where needed to stimulate continued growth on the part of the staff, he recognized the fact that the real reputation and standing of the University would be determined by the combined scholarly activities of an inspired faculty constantly striving toward a single goal of high intellectual achievement. Through his research, editorial work, and regular attendance at scientific meetings, he did much to focus attention on the Los Angeles campus as a growing center of research. As a high administrative officer, he directed his full energies to actions which would enhance the reputation of the University in all of its fields of activity. By performing his manifold duties on the Los Angeles campus with wisdom and foresight, Dr. Hedrick exercised a great influence throughout the University, and this influence extended to other universities of the country through his expert analysis of complex administrative matters. Wherever he went, his counsel was diligently sought on problems spread over a wide range. He quickly focused his keen mind on any problem and invariably contributed much toward a complete solution.

Dr. Hedrick possessed a sharp wit and a love for stimulating conversation on subjects of broad interest. He was always in the center of a group of people deeply absorbed in lively discussion. He was highly social by nature and was a delightful member of any gathering. He had a wide circle of friends, each friendship firmly based on

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a wholesome respect for his brilliant mind, his fine character and his magnetic and outstanding personality.

Dr. Hedrick is survived by his widow, Mrs. Helen B. Hedrick, and their nine children.

About this text
Courtesy of University Archives, The Bancroft Library, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-6000; http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/info
http://content.cdlib.org/view?docId=hb696nb2rz&brand=calisphere
Title: 1943-1945, University of California: In Memoriam
By:  University of California (System) Academic Senate, Author
Date: 1943-1945
Contributing Institution:  University Archives, The Bancroft Library, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-6000; http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/info
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