Being Lucky: Reminiscences and Reflections

by Herman B. Wells

In this absorbing autobiography, Herman B. Wells, the legendary former president of Indiana University, recalls his small-town boyhood, the strong influence of his parents, his pioneering work with Indiana banks during the Great Depression, and his connection with IU, which began as a student when the still provincial school had fewer than 3,000 students. At the end of his 25-year tenure as president, IU was a university with an international reputation and a student body that would soon exceed 30,000. Both lighthearted and serious, Wells's reflections describe in welcome detail how he approached the job, his observations on administration, his thoughts on academic freedom and tenure, his approach to student and alumni relations, and his views on the role of the university as a cultural center. Being Lucky is a nourishing brew of the memories, advice, wit, and wisdom of a remarkable man.

Genres: Education

544 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1980

Reviews

[Jonathan Hawkins-Pierot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming view of a fascinating period in the history of American higher education.

[Stephanie Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to use Wells’ autobiography for my dissertation and I ended up reading the entire thing. His writing is accessible and he provides a wide view of his time as a commerce professor, his presidency and his civil service to international agencies. I enjoyed part one about his role as a professor and then IU president. I learned a lot about how a university ran and some wonderful IU history. I was vaguely familiar with IU history but Wells detailed who was who and the history behind buildings and departments. I wasn’t too interested in his international part. It’s interesting work but those parts were more descriptive. Talking about who he worked with and less about what he learned. I wish Wells reflected more on the lessons he learned from his civic engagement. He also has an idealistic view about tough problems. For example, he discussed how he ended segregation at IU and in Bloomington, but he concludes that segregation is over and the problem is solved. Racism at IU is certainly not over, and it is a complex issue that campus constituents have struggled to deal with. Also as a precaution, Wells uses outdated language like referring to Asians as “Orientals.”

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Life Journey!

President Herman Wells, Indiana University, witnessed the camps growth from his predecessor of horse and buggy era, to a modern day US university. In his memoir, described with vivid detail and recollection, he outlines his contributions towards making IU an world renouned educational institution.