President Justin R. Loomis

Mid-Term Project, 03/27, Word Count: 1586

“Never did an ex-president retiring under such circumstances render more invaluable aid to the succeeding administration.” With these words, the impact of Justin Rolph Loomis’s contributions to Bucknell University is recognized, echoing his unwavering dedication long after his tenure. His story is a testament to a leadership that saw the university not just survive but thrive against the odds.

Born in Bennington, New York, in 1810, Loomis’s journey from scholar to becoming the fourth president of Bucknell University (then known as the University at Lewisburg) is a narrative of dedication and academic pursuit. Before taking the helm at Bucknell, he was a revered chemist, a professor, and an ordained minister, shaping minds at institutions like Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution and Brown University. His arrival in Lewisburg marked the beginning of a profound era of growth and challenge for the university.

During his presidency from 1858 to 1879, Loomis faced the nation’s turmoil and internal financial crises with innovative solutions and visionary leadership. His strategies, such as the sale of scholarships, safeguarded the institution’s future, ensuring that education remained accessible. Moreover, Loomis’s architectural legacy, through the construction of campus landmarks and the Baptist Church, left an indelible mark on both the university and the community. However, it’s his influence on the Bucknell spirit—instilling values of resilience, excellence, and community—that remains his most enduring legacy.

Personal Life:

Loomis had a personal life filled with both happiness and heartache. He married three times, experiencing the loss of his first wife, Sara Anne Freeman, and later marrying Mary Gilbert and Augusta Tucker, sister of Andrew Gregg Tucker. His marriages blessed him with children who followed in his educational footsteps, including a son who became a professor and a daughter who taught languages at the university. “There were four children of Justin and Mary Loomis whose gravestones we can see at the Lewisburg Cemetery. Three of them died in 1862, during the Civil War, and one in 1858. I wonder what caused their deaths. Back then, there was no protection for children against many diseases.” Everett died on 22 Dec 1862, at the age of 2 years and 11 months; Anne died on 9 Jan 1862, at 9 years and 11 months; Sarah died on 5 Jan 1862, at 1 year; Gilbert died on 3 Nov 1858, at 2 years and 10 months. Anne and her sister Sarah died only days apart. Imagine how their parents must have felt, losing four little children. This side of Dr. Loomis reveals a man deeply connected to his family and community, showcasing a tender aspect of his character often overshadowed by his professional achievements.

Dr. Loomis’s third marriage to Augusta Tucker resulted in another child, Andrew Gregg Loomis, who would carry the family’s scholastic ambitions to Columbia University’s law school. Beyond the confines of the university, Dr. Loomis was a man of courage and conviction, never shying away from following his beliefs, even if it meant stepping into the line of fire, quite literally, during the Civil War. As a private in the 28th regiment, P.V.M., he briefly exchanged the academic gown for a soldier’s uniform, demonstrating a type of bravery that didn’t necessarily endear him to all but commanded respect. This blend of stern leadership and personal sacrifices painted a picture of a man deeply rooted in the ethos of his time, committed to the advancement of his university, and equally invested in the well-being of his family and local community.

The Troubled Years of War

President Justin R. Loomis’s tenure at Bucknell University is a narrative of unwavering dedication and intellectual prowess that guided the institution through one of the most turbulent times in American history—the Civil War. Selected after a complex and contentious election process, Loomis emerged as the leader Bucknell needed, his presidency a testament to both his scholarly acumen and his resolve. “Loomis received six of the ten votes cast,” a decision that marked the beginning of a defining era for Bucknell, as recounted by Lewis Edwin Theiss in his meticulous chronicle of the university’s history.

Before his presidency, Loomis was known for his scientific explorations and significant contributions to the field of geology, indicating a mind both adventurous and rigorously analytical. His journey from teaching at Waterville College to leading Bucknell University was characterized by an enduring commitment to academic excellence. “I shall devote myself with earnestness to the duties of the office,” Loomis wrote in his letter of acceptance, a declaration of his readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Loomis’s approach to leadership was both hands-on and highly principled. Notably, his physical courage was as evident as his intellectual rigor. Anecdotes from Theiss’s book reveal a president who would not shy away from confronting misbehavior directly, even if it meant breaking a window to access a locked chapel. This blend of determination and direct action was symbolic of his entire administration.

During the Civil War, Loomis’s presidency was tested as never before. Bucknell, like the nation, was caught in the struggle of conflict and division. Yet, under Loomis’s guidance, the university not only persevered but also played an active role in the war effort. J. Orin Oliphant’s account highlights the complex challenges faced by Loomis and Bucknell during this period, noting the strategic decisions that kept the university afloat amidst the financial and societal upheaval.

The Civil War’s impact on Bucknell extended beyond the battlefield, influencing its academic and community life. Loomis’s reports to the trustees, as detailed by Theiss, underscored his vision for the university’s role in these trying times. He saw Bucknell not just as an academic institution but as a beacon of knowledge and patriotism, a stance that shaped its contributions to the war effort and its legacy.

Loomis’s global perspective, enriched by his travels and scientific research, informed his leadership during the war. He understood the importance of preparing students not just for academic success but for meaningful contributions to a nation in crisis. This global outlook was reflected in Bucknell’s welcoming of international students, such as Shaw Loo from Burma, who became a symbol of the university’s far-reaching impact.

The unity and resolve within the Bucknell community, fostered by Loomis’s leadership, were evident in its response to the war. Faculty and students alike were engaged in the conflict, contributing to the Union’s cause while maintaining the institution’s educational mission. Loomis himself, as highlighted in Oliphant’s narrative, was deeply involved in these efforts, demonstrating a commitment that went beyond his presidential duties.

Under Loomis, Bucknell faced the war not as a mere spectator but as an active participant, with its community members joining the fight and the university itself serving as a rallying point for patriotism and service. During this tough time, Bucknell grew stronger and held firmly to its values, with Loomis leading the way and guiding the school through new challenges.

Loomis’s post-war years were a time of reflection and continued dedication to the university’s mission. Despite the scars left by the conflict, Bucknell emerged stronger, with Loomis’s leadership pivotal in ensuring its resilience and progress. His tenure is remembered not just for its challenges but for the triumphs of spirit and scholarship that defined Bucknell during one of the nation’s darkest hours. President Justin R. Loomis’s era at Bucknell University was marked by challenges both external and internal, but through them all, his leadership shone brightly.

Conservatism, Depression, and Crisis

Under the cautious guidance of President Justin R. Loomis, Bucknell University navigated through periods of conservatism, depression, and crisis with a steady hand. Loomis, known for his belief in the value of proven traditions over untested innovations, famously stated in his 1876 Baccalaureate Address, “There may be improvement, but that which has stood the test of time is sure to be good if not the best. You will be safe in following it.” His approach was instrumental in securing a significant financial boon for Bucknell during the challenging years of 1861-65, raising over $100,000 in subscriptions, a testament to his effective leadership and the trust placed in him by the university’s trustees.

Loomis’s financial acumen not only helped pay off existing debts but also bolstered the university’s endowment, laying a solid foundation for future stability and growth. This accomplishment did not go unnoticed, as reflected in 1867 when the Trustees, in an unprecedented move, elected Loomis to the Board of Trustees without prior nomination, further solidifying his influence and standing within the university’s governance structure. Their resolution stated, “Whereas Dr. J. R. Loomis has been for years the President of the University & by his ability and faithfulness won our confidence & esteem, therefore, Resolved that we make his election unanimous,” a clear acknowledgment of his significant contributions and leadership.

The discontinuation of the Department of Theology in 1868, for instance, was a significant change, aligning Bucknell more closely with secular academic advancements and paving the way for new academic programs and departments.

Throughout these turbulent times, Loomis’s dedication to keeping things traditional but also being open to change helped guide Bucknell University. His careful but progressive leadership made sure the university could keep going and improve, turning it into a well-known school. As Bucknell grew, Loomis’s role as a president who wisely led the university through hard times with caution and vision stayed an important part of its history.

I have attached the links to all the interviews I conducted for this article. Thank you, Isabella O’Neill, Nancy Neuman, Diane Meixell, Jim Pangburn, Cat Jamison, and Joe Murray, for all your assistance and contribution to this project.

Interview links:

Isabella O’Neill : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBtJcWwFt1o

Nancy Neuman : https://youtube.com/watch?v=qRPjdJ1SUJo

Diane Meixell : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uco-_EdKBIo

Cat Jamison : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2vWMJtyDZU

Jim Pangburn : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSuIFjU2Ljc

Joe Murray : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AehymC4r45M

References:

Oliphant, J. Orin. The Rise of Bucknell University. Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1965.

Theiss, Lewis E. Centennial History of Bucknell University : 1846-1946. [Grit Pub. Co. Press], 1946.

Streeter, Robert E. Bucknell Now & Then : A Sesquicentennial Miscellany. [Bucknell University], 1995.

Kalp, Lois. A Town on the Susquehanna, 1769-1975 : With an Epilogue, 1975-1980. Colonial Printing, 1980.

Snyder, Charles McCool. Union County, Pennsylvania : A Celebration of History. Union County Historical Society, 2000.

Loomis, Justin R., Rev., L.L.D. The Retributive Power of Memory. American Baptist Publication Society, 1859.

Bucknell Mirror, vol. XVIII, Lewisburg, PA, October 10, 1898. Print.

“Justin Rolph Loomis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Sept. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Rolph_Loomis.

“Justin Rolph Loomis.” Bucknell, https://www.departments.bucknell.edu/edu/bu_history_old/photo_history/1895/President_Loomis.html

Articles and historical documents from the archives provided by Isabella O’Neill.