54 Alumni Reunion 



those wh:o worked with him and under him. He led and 

 guided them by the all-constraining force of his enthu- 

 siasm, his sympathy, and his tact. The kind of executive 

 who drives things before him by the mere force of his per- 

 sonality, is liable, in accordance with the law of action and 

 reaction, to create round himself an atmosphere of oppo- 

 sition and discontent. Such an executive may be needed 

 in some of the affairs of life, but he is not the type most 

 suited to develop the greatest efficiency of a university 

 faculty. This University was most fortunate in possess- 

 ing in Mr. Oilman a leader and executive who, by reason 

 of a happy combination of genial qualities of mind and 

 heart, was able to inspire a general and enthusiastic spirit 

 of co-operation among his official subordinates. We must 

 never forget, nor allow others to forget, that the great 

 success which this University attained, almost from the 

 beginning, was in large part, in chief part, due to him. 

 The creation of a university of a new type was not a game 

 that played itself. On the contrary, there was oppor- 

 tunity in abundance for mistakes and disaster, and if, 

 instead, there came, on the academic side, a train of suc- 

 cesses and renown, we owe it largely to his ability and 

 experience as a leader and administrator. 



I have been asked to speak of Mr. Oilman, especially in 

 regard to his connection with the medical school. In 

 truth the medical department owes as much to his wise 

 and stimulating leadership as its older comrade, the 

 philosophical faculty. It is well known that the subject 

 of medical education interested Mr. Oilman deeply. What 

 circumstances gave this direction to his thoughts I am not 

 able to say from personal knowledge. I know only that 

 it antedated his connection with this institution. That a 

 special interest existed is evident from his published ad- 

 dresses, as well as from the record of his services while 

 President. In his inaugural address the subject of the 

 formation of a worthy school of medicine comes up first, 

 and the hope is expressed that at no very distant day a 



