258 Proceedings of Indiana Academy of Science. 
PROFESSOR M. J. GOLDEN, NOTED EDUCATOR, CALLED BY 
DEATH. 
R. B. TRUEBLOOD, Purdue University. 
In the death of Michael Joseph Golden, for years a member of the 
Purdue University faculty, which occurred December 18, 1918, at his 
home, 320 State Street, West Lafayette, Ind., this community and the 
professions of engineering and education lose a noted educator and 
highly esteemed citizen. Professor Golden retired as an active member 
of the faculty in 1916, after rendering extraordinary service since 1884. 
He was beloved by students, faculty and alumni, and, although he was 
a strict disciplinarian, he was ever eminently square in his dealings with 
the student body, to whom he was familiarly known as ‘Mike.” That 
in the university community Professor Golden was not fully appreciated 
by the freshmen was a result of intent on the part of upperclass men 
to inspire awe and even fear in the hearts of the first-year men. This 
was possible in some measure because of Professor Golden’s manner 
of speech to his freshmen classes, which was well designed to inspire 
respect for things good and true, and to discourage the habits of in- 
attention, indolence and dishonesty. Even these students, however, soon 
learned that their interests were his interests, for he was in sympathy 
with all student activities and took prominent part in many of them. 
He believed in practicing what he preached. He was always ready 
and willing to help those who helped themselves and needed help, and 
on the other hand he believed it was the right and privilege of every 
student to be allowed to get his own education. 
He took advantage of every opportunity presented by critical situa- 
tions in the activities of students to urge them to dealings of justice, 
honesty and courtesy among themselves and with their opponents. He 
was one of the staunchest advocates of athletics Purdue had, and his 
brilliant personality and keen sense of humor made him a figure much 
sought after in all gatherings of students and alumni. He was for 
years a member of the board of insignia of the athletic association. 
Probably no other individual in the university community wielded so 
widespread and so effective an influence for the better things in the 
university life of the student as did he. 
None knew better than his colleagues his professional ability, his 
kindliness and his generosity. His was a character of strength. No 
adjectives are required in such a description. He was honest, frank 
