Dr. D. R. Theophilus.... He ranks No. l among the University of Idaho's builders of bridges. Most significant of his contributions was the link of understanding he welded between the President's Office and the students.
He was responsible for many other structures of strength. Throughout his tenure as president, he placed great stress on academic excellence. He continually gave first priority to salary increases and other benefits for faculty and staff to bolster that excellence. Under him were instituted the advanced placement program for high school students and a visiting scholars program. He was quick to defend freedom of speech and academic freedom, coupled with responsibility and good taste. He established Adult Education Centers throughout the State of Idaho and at the University he created the Water Resources Research Institute. He worked to bring to the University its first Library Building and many other significant structures, including a $2,000,000 addition to the Student Union which has made the building outstanding in the Northwest.
Dr. Theophilus retires as president August 1, 1965. I n years to (:Ome, many of those who attended t.he University under him will forget many of his accomplishments. However, they will not forget that his door was always open to any student and that he would talk with each one honestly, freely, and sincerely. To this man, Dr. D. R. Theophilus, who bridged so well that gap between Administration and Student Body, this issue of the Gem of the Mountains is dedicated.