The Security of Our Nation
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Authors
Pauling, Linus, 1901-1994
Issue Date
1976
Type
Presentation
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Abstract
Mr. Harlow, colleagues, honored guests, members of the class of 1976. It is an honor to have so distinguished a scientist and humanist as Dr. Pauling with us this afternoon. This is particularly the case when we realize he gave up the chance to be at his own grandson’s graduation to be here with us. Dr. Pauling, you have been a member of this college family now for two days. Now it is our turn to represent our family to you this afternoon. And I know of no member of our graduating class who would not be honored to serve as your grandson or granddaughter this afternoon. Will you also tell Mrs. Pauling that she was missed. It is said that the ills of the world define the agendas of great men and women. Such has surely been the case with Linus Pauling. The chemical basis of protein, the structure of abnormal molecules and disease, the nature of nuclear fission, the applications of chemistry to biological and medical problems, and the problems of peace have occupied his professional attention and won him distinction from major international scientific and humanistic bodies. Winner of two Nobel prizes in chemistry and for peace, he has also demonstrated in his own life and work that truly great professional men and women are also truly great human beings. In many ways the ultimate honor that I could do Dr. Pauling in introducing him is to read to him and to you something taken about him from our student newspaper. And I quote from the Index:
“For a college devoted to excellence in the sciences while cultivating liberal minds, Dr. Pauling is an ideal guest. His life provides a successful model for those planning careers in the sciences, for those concerned about their fellow men, and for those brave few who are both. His speculative brilliance and his humanistic concern will be appreciated here.”
It is indeed a great privilege to have Dr. Pauling as our spokesman this afternoon, especially in this bicentennial year when it is important for us as a nation, as a college, and as individuals, to focus on the things that have been important to our past and will be critical in our future. The class of 1976 will not likely forget the year nor the occasion of their commencement. Graduating seniors of Kalamazoo College, and ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Linus Pauling.
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Kalamazoo College
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