Graduation portrait of Henry A. Wallace. Son of Henry C. Wallace and friend of George Washington Carver, Wallace remembered Carver with appreciation: "Because of his friendship with my father and perhaps his interest in children George Carver often took me with him on botany expeditions, and it was he who first introduced me to the mysteries of plant fertilization. He seemed to have a great sympathy with me... Later on I was to have an intimate acquaintance with plants myself, because I spent a good many years breeding corn. Perhaps that was partly because this scientist, who belonged to another race, had deepened my appreciation of plants in a way I could never forget. Certainly because of his faith I became interested in things that today give me a distinct pleasure. I feel I must pay him this debt of gratitude." Henry A. Wallace was a 1910 graduate of Iowa State. After graduation, he farmed and wrote for Wallace's Farmer. He took over as the magazine's editor when his father became Secretary of Agriculture. He also founded the Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company in 1926, launching the first commercial production of hybrid seed corn. In 1932, Wallace was selected as Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secretary of Agriculture, a position held until 1940, when he was elected as Roosevelt's third term Vice President. He was not chosen as Vice President for Roosevelt's fourth term, but was selected as Secretary of Commerce. He held this post until 1946. At that time, differences with then President Harry S. Truman over U.S.-Soviet relations forced Wallace's dismissal. After an unsuccessful run for President in 1948 on the Progressive Party ticket, Wallace retired from public life. He spent the rest of his years pursuing his interest in plant hybridization. Neg. # 2332.
Portrait of Maria Mabel Roberts, one of George Washington Carver's professors. Maria Roberts graduated from Iowa State in 1890 and shortly afterwards became a member of the Mathematics Department faculty. In 1908, she was named Vice-Dean of the Junior College--the term then used for the Freshman and Sophomore Classes. In 1920 she was named Dean of the Junior College. She continued as Dean and Professor of Mathematics until 1933, when she became Dean Emeritus and Director of Student Loans. Throughout her career, Miss Roberts was concerned with the plight of talented students who had a difficult time completing college because of financial problems. She was instrumental in developing the college loan funds do the needs of such students could be met. Through the Alumni Association, she also worked to set up scholarship funds for needy "B" or better students. Neg. # 0051763.
Statue of George Washington Carver by Christian Petersen, sculptor-in-residence in the late 1940s. Originally a plaster sculpture, it was given to the University and placed in Carver Hall at the dedication of the hall in 1970 by the Class of 1968. Christian Petersen came over and stood by August Bang's side. "When I look upon Carver as you have him here," Bang said, "the words which were written at his death come to my mind--'He wandered with God'." "That is just what I have tried to say," answered the artist, and a beautiful smile lighted his face. In 1998, with gift funds, the statue was cast in bronze as it was originally meant to be, and installed in the courtyard between Carver and Beardshear Halls.
Portrait of Henry C. Wallace, one of George Washington Carver's professors. Henry C. Wallace graduated in 1892 from Iowa State, a degree that was begun in 1885 and then interrupted by a career in farming. He was hired as an Assistant Professor in Dairying after completing his studies. While on the faculty, he started a publication, The Farm and Dairy, which was moved to Des Moines in 1896 and renamed Wallace's Farmer. Wallace left teaching to work on the magazine, which was edited by his father. He took over editorship upon his father's death in 1916. He was called to be President Warren G. Harding's Secretary of Agriculture in 1921, a position held until his death in 1924. Neg. # 031565.
