Warren F. Teel was “a big man, physically, mentally, morally,” said the Evangelical Messenger of July 30, 1932, in a tribute after his death.  “Gentleman, friend, humanitarian, scholar, and above all a Christian,” read an Alumni Association resolution. He had charisma, according to those who met him. He also had courage, vision and indomitable persistence.

In the College archive are some letters from President Teel:

A droll letter to the chair of the fund drive who had bet Teel a new hat if he could get a $1,000 donation from a certain Mr. Leidy, apparently a tough prospect.  Teel got the pledge, and Essick had several hats delivered to the president’s home. Teel chose a derby, and wrote Essick that he was “mighty proud of it.”  “We have done a few things in Reading, but I take great pride in feeling that I have won the friendship of you and this is to me is a great satisfaction. There is not a man in Reading of whom I think more of than you. I am not saying this for effect.”

A kind recruitment letter to a prospective student assuring him that the school was well suited to him and he would do well to come. “We have a splendid school and you can make no mistake by coming to this institution.”

And a persuasive recruitment letter to another. “The social and religious influences of the institution are all that could be desired. A high standard of discipline is maintained and students are encouraged to cultivate the highest ideals in the development of character.”

A stern letter about unpaid interest to the father of a student. “Remember that we were very considerate toward your son and we did everything for his advancement while at this school. Being faithful as we have been, will you not send us a check?”

A sweet letter to a mother who had not heard from her student son.  “I just handed your oldest son stamps and put a two cent stamp on an envelope and told him he should write his mother at once.”

A warm letter showing concern for a student who had fallen into ill health. “There is scarcely a day goes by that I do not remember you in my prayers.”

A furious letter about two students from Cuba whose latest in a series of offenses included tearing open a feather pillow outside of the building, refusing to clean up, and then opening another pillow and strewing it about the chapel. “We have got to make an example of such boys and the only thing we could do was get rid of them. I am very sorry for this but we could not do otherwise.”

A modest reply to an alumnus’ praise. “If I have in my humble way been an inspiration to you to do what you have done then I take some satisfaction in knowing that I may be instrumental in being able to do a little good in the world.”

Note:  President Teel’s portrait hangs in the President’s Office in the Administration Building.