Nicholas Murray Butler speeches, 1882-1947

Born in 1862, Nicholas Murray Butler received his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in philosophy from Columbia University and also studied in Paris and Berlin. He joined the philosophy faculty as an assistant in 1885 and quickly advanced to adjunct professor. In 1886 he became president of the Industrial Education Association, which he later developed into Teachers College, and in 1890 was appointed professor of philosophy and education, as well as dean of the Faculty of Philosophy. In 1901 he became acting president of Columbia and in 1902 formally gained the title.

Butler served as Columbia's president for 44 years (1902-1945) -- the longest tenure in University history -- and elevated Columbia to the ranks of the world's leading institutions of higher learning and research by expanding the campus, increasing enrollment, creating graduate schools, and spearheading a massive fundraising effort.

Butler also established himself as a prominent figure in early twentieth century America. As an active member of the Republican Party, he was friend to several presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, and sought the presidential nomination in 1920 and 1928. From 1925-1945, he served as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for his dedication to international arbitration and disarmament. In addition to his extensive collection of speeches, Butler authored numerous articles, reports, and books including a two-volume biography.