Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Beckman Institute [PAGE 15]

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Arnold O. Beckman Director Emeritus SmithKline Beckman Corp.

his is, of course, a pleasant moment for Mrs. Beckman and me. I do not have any prepared „M» remarks; I am just going to say what is in my heart. I hope all of you realize what a tremendous salesman the State of Illinois has in its Governor. He comes out to California and, as a side issue following a luncheon, he talks to somebody who has been away from Illinois for 60 years and persuades him to come back and get active again in the activities of Illinois. I thank you for that, Governor. I would also like to say that we have been receiving thanks from so many people, my conscience is beginning to bother me. I really shouldn't accept any more. It is our turn now to give thanks to you. I really mean that. Mrs. Beckman and I would like to do what we can in our remaining years to help science and humanity. The Institute has provided an excellent opportunity for that, and I am indebted to the University and to all who had a part in getting us interested in this project. What has amazed me most on this project is the way everyone has cooperated. I have been impressed especially with the Governor and the members of the Legislature, how they came through with their commitments. And I am particularly impressed with the faculty. I served on the faculty at Caltech for a number of years, so I'm somewhat familiar with them. I was told years ago it is simpler to move a cemetery than it is to get a faculty to agree on anything. But it is amazing here. It is astonishing to see how faculty gave up personal considerations and really worked together. It is a great sign for the future of this Institute. I am sure that it will live up to all the hopes we have for it. I would like to follow up on what Governor Thompson said about not being second rate and striving to be the best. I recently attended a convocation at one of the campuses of the University of California where President Gardner spoke on that same theme. He told