May 3, 2017

Professor Emeritus of Math, Longtime Resident Backs Maintaining of Veblen Buildings, Grounds

To the Editor:

I first came to Princeton in 1953 as a graduate student at the University and then as a a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study. From 1958 to 1968 I taught at Brandeis University. I returned to Princeton in 1968 to join the faculty of the Princeton University Mathematics Department.

Princeton is a very special town principally because of the two great institutions: the University and the Institute for Advanced Study. These create a unique atmosphere and environment for study, research, learning, and teaching. This idyllic state was brought about, to a large extent, by the idealism, resourcefulness, and negotiating skills of one remarkable individual: Oswald Veblen. Veblen was an outstanding mathematician and a naturalist. He, together with Dean Luther P. Eisenhart and Professor Henry Burchard Fine, built up one of the greatest mathematics departments in the world. He convinced the Bamberger family to locate the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and he was very influential in formulating its mission. Veblen was keenly conscious of the esthetic, architectural, and natural environment which would inspire researchers and students. He was deeply involved in the design of Fine Hall (now known as Jones Hall) which, for over half a century, was one of the great centers of mathematical research and teaching. To Veblen the natural environment was essential for the excellence of academic life. He donated his magnificent estate, known as the Herrontown Woods together with his house to Mercer County. One of my fondest memories as a student and as a young faculty member is the walks and talks I had with colleagues, students, family, and friends in these woods. They were an essential part of the Princeton experience.

I am writing in strong support of the Friends of Herrontown Woods’ proposal to maintain and put to public use the Veblen buildings and grounds located on the edge of Mercer County’s Herrontown Woods.

Joseph J. Kohn

Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Sturges Way