Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Beckman Institute [PAGE 6]

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ing by going off into business rather than remaining in research. Well, IVe satisfied myself on that - many say that I've done moreforscience in general by making instruments available for thousands to use than what I could do in my laboratory by myself. That is a source of satisfaction." The succession of practical inventions produced under Beckman's direction over the past fifty years attests to the soundness of that pivotal choice in 1935. If there is any one abiding philosophy that has guided his thinking and creativity for the past half-century, it is, as he puts it, "Make sure you know what the problem is. You may laugh, but this is really true. A person will think something is the cause of the trouble and gp far down a wrong path before realizing he has not properly understood the problem." Since early in his career, Arnold Beckman's business acumen, his geniusforscience, and his philanthropy have been acknowledged nationwide. He has been recognized with dozens of awards and honors, including membership in the National Academy of Engineering, the American Chemical Society, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, In addition, he has served on the boards of several universities, government bodies, corporations, museums and hospitals. From 1980 to 1985 he served as a member of the Illinois Cabinet the national governing board for the Campaign for Illinois, the U of Tsfirst major university-wide fundraising effort. Dr. Beckman has been a member of the University of Illinois Foundation since 1962, and a member of the Presidents Council, the University's highest donor recognition organization, since 1965. In 1982 the University of Illinois awarded him an honorary doctor of science decree. At the press conference announcing the Beckmans' gift establishing the Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Illinois Governor James R. Thompson captured the significance of the event in only afewwords: "TTie lives of Arnold and Mabel Beckman represent a standard of thoughtful, purposeful philanthropy that should serve as a model for all Americans."