Office of the President - Special Announcement - September 20, 1937
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Faculty, It is with deep sorrow that I send you an announcement of the passing of our beloved co-worker, Professor Erwin Oliver Finkenbinder. A very sick man since mid-summer, he was relieved of care, suffering, and responsibility early yesterday morning, Sunday, September 19, 1937. Professor Finkenbinder joined the faculty of this college in 1921 and for sixteen years has rendered signal service in his chosen field of endeavor. Kindly, helpful, and sympathetic, he has endeared himself to thousands of students who have sat in his classes and to hundreds of associates who have shared with him the labors of college instruction. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 1937, at 2:15 P.M. at the home, 815 West 26th Street. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. All classes and activities of the Department of Education are to be suspended Tuesday afternoon. Any other members of the faculty, who wish to attend the funeral, may feel free to dismiss their classes also, Please announce in your classes on Tuesday morning that the Campanile chimes will be played from 3:00 to 3:30 P.M. in commemoration of Professor Finkenbinder's distinguished contribution to the up-building of this college and that the flag will be at half-mast from noon until evening.
Very sincerely yours, O. R. Latham
Taken from the Minutes of the Faculty Meeting, October 11, 1937
It was moved by Dr. Riebe and seconded by Dr. Beard that the resolutions presented by the Department of Education as testimonial of appreciation of Dr. E. O.. Finkenbinder be placed on record. The motion was supported unanimously. The resolutions read: Inasmuch as, through a period of sixteen years' association, we have cone to know and love our friend and fellow-teacher, Dr. E. O. Finkenbinder, and Inasmuch as we have recognized and honored his constant interest in the welfare and progress of the students of Iowa State Teachers College, and Inasmuch as we have observed the generous use of his time and talents in faculty committees and student advisory committees, and Inasmuch as we have been aware of his high scholarship and association with learned bodies both in the state and nation, and Inasmuch as we have known of his helpful participation in the civic interests of our city and state, therefore, since he was taken from us by death, September 19, 1937, Be it resolved that we cause a copy of this expression of regard to be recorded in the minutes of the faculty to stand as a testimonial of our appreciation of a worthy fellow-worker. Be it further resolved that the Registrar be instructed to prepare a copy of these resolutions and send them to Mrs. E. O. Finkenbinder.
Taken from The College Eye, October 1, 1937 We Resolve...
Resolution adopted by Psi Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi, on the death of Dr. Erwin Oliver Finkenbinder, September 19, 1937. Resolved, that in behalf of the entire membership of Psi Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi, the following resolutions be adopted, in tribute to the memory of our beloved sponsor, Dr. Erwin Oliver Finkenbinder. As a charter member of the national organization and chairman of its constitutional committee, Dr. Finkenbinder helped to shape the policy of this educational fraternity. Since the organization of Psi Chapter, in 1923, he has played an important part in its life and growth. He has given most generously of his time and advice. Under his guidance, the fraternity has sponsored various projects of value to its members--lectures, scholarships, social events. By his sterling character and his distinguished contribution to education, Dr. Finkenbinder has reflected high honor on the local chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. Be it resolved, therefore, That we express our appreciation for his leadership and our gratitude for his interest and labor in behalf of this society. Resolved, That we express our deep regret in the passing of Dr. Finkenbinder and that we offer to his family our sincere sympathy. Resolved further, That copies of these resolutions be sent to Mrs. Finkenbinder and their son, Williston; to the COLLEGE EYE; to the editor of the Educational Forum, the official publication of Kappa Delta Pi, and be spread upon the minutes of Psi Chapter. Psi Chapter , Kappa Delta Pi Jerome Cross, President Miss Rowena Edwards, Historian Allan Carpenter Ralph Moritz Resolutions Committee
Taken from The College Eye, September 24, 1937
A Tribute Human influences endure for many reasons. Some men have rare intellectual insight and make discoveries where others see nothing; some have political genius and manipulate men as pawns upon a playing board; others compel money and machines to do their will. None are loved except as they enter into the lives of others where some human need must be ministered to. Judged by this standard, Dr. E. O. Finkenbinder was one of the most beloved men on the campus. It is not known how many students profited by his generosity, for he was not one to let his helpful deeds be advertised. It is not known how many students he encouraged to higher levels of scholarship for no books were balanced in this enterprise. It is known that whenever alumni gathered to meet the faculty he was sought out for his friendly greeting and ready remembrance of his former students' efforts and achievements. It is known too that he was patient to a fault with those slow to perceive, and ready with repeated help for those who were burdened by their intellectual tasks. None can remember the caustic word or the gesture of intolerance, for these could find no refuge in his heart. Among his fellow teachers he was known for his increasing ability to adjust to varied characters. No idea was ever too far from the usual to receive deferential treatment in his thought; even those contrary to his own convictions, when expressed by his fellows, were met with constant courtesy. He could yield a point graciously and maintain a firm stand without offense. To his church his loyalty was supreme. No more constant endeavor can be found in his long record of service at the college than the help he gave to young and old. Yet it is probable that no one can know what creeds or doctrines he favored. The young people here were more important in his thought than the defense or promotion of any creed. His life was gentle yet firm. His manners radiated cheer. His desires were forward and upward and led others in these directions.
Dr. John W. Charles