The Freshman

The big Cadillac swung into Manhattan by way of George Washington Bridge; General Dwight Eisenhower said he wanted to "surround the town" instead of making a frontal assault. Threading its way through cheering neighbors and small fry, the car drew up at No. 60 Morningside Drive, the 21-room mansion where Columbia University's presidents live rent-free. Ike and Mamie Eisenhower were home.

Next day Ike put on a double-breasted grey flannel suit and strode around the corner to the Faculty Club to meet the press. First, there was a question of protocol. No, don't call him president, he said; he wouldn't actually take over as president of Columbia until June 7. Congress had made him a general for life, Ike added, but just call him mister. ("Nobody has so far. Maybe it doesn't fit.")

Would he be as religious-minded as his predecessor, Nicholas Murray Butler? Said Eisenhower: "I am one of the most intensely religious people I've ever known. That doesn't mean that I necessarily adhere to any particular sect . . ."*Was he planning to make any drastic changes? Replied Ike carefully: "I hope to become a useful member of the community, of which, frankly, I have always been frightened. It is going to be quite a task for me. I have nothing to say about education. I don't know enough about it. Right now, I'm a recruit around the place--I guess I should say I'm a freshman."

At week's end, the registrar's office noted what it hoped was not the beginning of a trend: a coed wanted her degree postponed until next winter, so her diploma would be signed by President Eisenhower.

*Eisenhower was brought up in the Brethren in Christ church.

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