Ronald W. Reagan
In Memoriam
1911-2004
The Eureka College community mourns the passing of Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th President of the United States and honored alumnus of the college class of 1932.
Following are statements by Eureka College President Paul Lister and others upon the death of Ronald Reagan, a 1932 alumnus and former Eureka College trustee.
Paul R. Lister, President of Eureka College Director of the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program at Eureka College:
"Ronald Reagan constantly referred to Eureka College as the institution that shaped his life; a life that then shaped the world. His remarkable service and leadership earned him a lasting, prominent place in the history of the United States and in the hearts of free people everywhere. President Reagan played an important part in the 150-year history of our College. Through the living legacy of the Reagan Leadership Program, he will always be a significant part of our present and future as well. The College and our nation have lost a great leader and a cherished friend. The Ronald W. Reagan Leadership program at Eureka College is a fitting tribute to the most renowned leader the college has ever produced. Reagan Fellows have graduated from Eureka College and have taken out into their broader world the unique legacy of leadership through service exemplified by Ronald Reagan."
Dr. Brian Sajko, Curator of Ronald Reagan Museum at Eureka College:
"This example of a true American will be deeply missed, but President Reagan's life will continue to serve as an example to Eureka College students and many others-- and isn't that the sign of a truly great person?"
Eureka College Ronald Reagan Fellow Anna Freidinger of Pekin, Class of 2007:
"It is with a heavy heart America mourns the loss of its "Great Communicator"…but even in this time of somber silence, the Reagan legacy of leadership will continue to speak for many years to come."
Over the years, President Reagan carried a deep commitment and love for Eureka College, demonstrated by his active involvement thoughout his lifetime to his alma mater.
Reagan's Participation in events at Eureka College
In the fall of 1928 Ronald Reagan, from Dixon, Ill., enrolled as a freshman at Eureka College. He became an active participant in many phases of campus life, culminating in his role as president of the student body as a senior. He was destined to become a prominent motion picture star, the governor of California, and the 40th President of the United States of America.
Dutch, as he was known in his college days, was encouraged to apply to Eureka College by his minister, the Rev. Ben Cleaver of the First Christian Church in Dixon. During his four years at Eureka, Mr. Reagan developed a deep affection for the college, which continued throughout his life. His enthusiasm led him to persuade his older brother, Neil, to follow him to Eureka in 1929. Eureka College boasts that its historic commitment to small enrollment gives every student an unusual opportunity to participate in activities, building initiative and leadership. Ronald Reagan's four years at Eureka are a testimony to those principles.
His activities included:
Dramatics: Appeared in 14 plays, including Aria de Capo in 1931 in which he was cited for character portrayal in national competition.
Athletics: Lettered in football, swimming and track. He was the College's leading swimmer, being named coach of the team his last two years. He played guard on the football team, lettering three years.
Student Government: Served two years on the Student Senate, becoming president his senior year.
Other: An active member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, President of the Boosters Club, a cheerleader for the basketball team, and held a campus job in the dining hall all through college.
Ronald Reagan graduated in 1932 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science and economics. He moved to Davenport, Iowa, to accept a position as a sports announcer for radio station WOC. His continuing career led him to Hollywood and then into state and national politics, but his loyalty to Eureka College was evidenced by his involvement in various college related events.
Ronald W. Reagan
In Memoriam
1911-2004
The Eureka College community mourns the passing of Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th President of the United States and honored alumnus of the college class of 1932.
Timeline of participation in events at Eureka College:
1941 He made his first return trip to the campus since entering motion pictures.
1947 He returned to lead the Pumpkin Festival Parade.
1955 He was on campus for the 100th Anniversary of the College, during which he received a Centennial Citation.
1957 He delivered the commencement address at the 25th anniversary of his graduation, and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by his alma mater.
1967 As Governor of California, he returned to dedicate the new Melick Library, along with fellow dignitaries Senator Everett Dirksen, Senator Charles Percy, Governor Otto Kemer, U.S. Representative Robert Michel, and others.
1970 He and his brother Neil, a 1933 graduate of Eureka College, attended the formal opening of Reagan Physical Education Center, named for them.
1977 He kicked-off a capital campaign for the College.
1979 He spoke at Honors Day convocation, and chaired the initial meeting of the College's National Advisory Council.
1980 Near the end of his first presidential campaign, he spoke at a pep rally on campus.
1982 He delivered a major foreign policy address at Eureka College Commencement which announced for the first time his goal for a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with the Soviet Union. Widely known as "The Eureka Speech," this signaled "the beginning of the end of the Cold War."
The Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program was established to recognize young men and women of exceptional talent, who have the potential to lead and the desire to serve their society. The Reagan Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for such fellows, five students in each class, a chance to develop and refine that potential and desire. Mentorships with noted leaders around the globe offer fellows a chance to experience, firsthand, the leadership skills of others.
1984 He delivered an address on campus to kick off Time's Distinguished Speakers series in which he reaffirmed his determination to reach agreements with Moscow on reducing the size of the two superpowers' nuclear arsenals.
1986 He was the honored dinner guest at the newly renovated Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., for an event benefitting the College's Ronald Reagan Leadership Program.
1987 He hosted a White House reception for the Ronald Reagan Fellows and leading supporters of Eureka College.
1992 In his farewell visit to his alma mater, he delivered the commencement address at the 60th anniversary of his graduation.
In addition to participation in these college events, President Reagan served three six-year terms on the College's Board of Trustees (1947-53, 1967-73, 1974-80).
1999 Maureen Reagan (1941-2001), President Reagan's eldest daughter, was elected to a five-year term on the college's Board of Trustees.
The Ronald Reagan Peace Garden was dedicated to recognize President Reagan's contributions toward world peace and specifically his 1982 speech at the college announcing the Strategic Arms Reduction Challenge to the Soviet Union. A bronze bust of Reagan is the centerpiece of the garden. Quotes from the speech are inscribed on the pedestal.
The Ronald Reagan Trail opened, connecting 11 communities that include historical landmarks that played a role in President Reagan's life.
Let me take this opportunity to mention that when Reagan joined WOC in Davenport, he was not hired for a sports announcer position. That is the position he desparately desired, but it had been filled. He was hired to do the weather. He did, of course, later get the sports announcer position. I haven't heard this mentioned anywhere. I likely wouldn't know myself, if I didn't live here (Iowa).