Engineering organization: By James F. Fairman, president, 1949–50

I suppose that each of the 61 men who have been introduced at the annual meetings as president-elect have experienced emotions similar to mine. They have been proud of this organization — of what it has accomplished and of what it represents. They have appreciated what it has meant to them and welcomed the larger opportunity for service which the office of president afforded them. They recognized that the members have bestowed on them the greatest honor which is theirs to give. Having served on the Board of Directors, they realized there is some work, as well as honor, involved in being president. They may have suspected that one year is all too short a time to accomplish even a fraction of the things they would like to do, but they accepted that as a challenge. They were optimistic and a little humble. They promised to do their best, they asked for your help, and they thanked you — all of which I do.