The following was written by Dr. Merl Baker, P.E. (KY A ’45) and read by District Director Kassy Lum with his presence at the District 6 Conference hosted by Kentucky-Alpha at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 24th, 2012.
Recognizing the capabilities and resourcefulness of the young leaders of Tau Beta Pi encourages the older members that the Society will continue to strengthen with time. My initiation date was 1945, 68 years ago, and many changes have occurred for the better for UK and Tau Beta Pi since then.
Trying to complete an engineering degree ahead of the WWII draft was a major objective for many of us. I barely achieved the goal by earning the BS degree in slightly less than 3 years. Not much time was left for fun activities except the tug of war between the engineering and law students. The weaker group, usually the lawyers, had a bath in the outside fish pond, which sometimes was covered with a sheet of ice.
Believing that an engineering degree strengthened by a TBP plaque would enable me to better serve the country at a more challenging level than with just a high school diploma, I was not only disappointed but could not understand why the Navy sent me to the Bureau of Personnel in Washington rather that an engineering operation. In checking a copy of the information form that I had made for the records, I noticed that I had listed as a Booster of qualifications, “typing skills at 40 words per minute–with some errors.” This entry was apparently more important than my college credentials, and took precedent, thereby explaining the choice for the assignment. Men were a minority at the Bureau, and I soon learned that women were very capable both as helpers and especially as bosses. This was a major learning experience which I remembered throughout my career.
Although engineers, especially members of TBP, are well prepared for a diversity of career challenges, all of us can expect having to confront the hangover from disappointing events and perhaps a few mistakes. Accept these as a wake-up call; don’t allow road bumps to reverse your enthusiasm for setting positive and rewarding goals for the future.
I am highly honored by the 2010 Alumnus Award. The UK chapter prepared an excellent nomination, which seemed to my family as being “slightly inflated.” With this exception, they are also honored. Emily was a valuable partner for many of the citations documenting the nomination requirements; our son received the plaque in King of Prussia, and Marilyn traveled from Covington/Cinicinnati to push me today. I am most grateful for their supporting my nomination. Another reason that the award means so much to me is the recognition of services in the broader scope of engineering contributing to the liberal culture in which we work and live. Our professional development is assisted by society which influences goals, high standards of ethics, and values which are very important for our development. We should sense an obligation to return more to society than received and to influence the culture positively and consciously through these efforts. Your continuing involvement in the programs of TBP and providing leadership offer excellent opportunities for reaching these goals.
Best Wishes!
