A 1p typed letter signed by future 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), then in his role as 13th President of Columbia University, as "Dwight D Eisenhower" at lower right. Written in New York City on June 23, 1948, on cream watermarked paper with "Columbia University / in the City of New York / New York 27, N.Y. / President's Room" letterhead embossed in blue at the top. Expected wear including flattened paper folds, and a few scattered staple holes along the left edge, else near fine. 8" x 10.5."

Eisenhower wrote to William B. Higgins, President of the David Eugene Smith Club at the Teachers College of Columbia University, in part: "Thank you for your thoughtful invitation to Mrs. Eisenhower and me to attend the farewell banquet on 15 July for Professor William David Reeve. Unfortunately we have for some time had an engagement for that evening…"

Eisenhower has been appointed the 13th President of Columbia University in May 1948; he would helm the acclaimed Ivy League institution until January 1953. Eisenhower was committed to fostering a new type of American education, exemplified by that offered at Columbia, that prepared its citizens for life in a postwar world.

Established in 1887, the Teachers College at Columbia University is the oldest and largest graduate school in education in the United States. David Eugene Smith (1860-1944) served as a professor of mathematics at the Teachers College from 1901 until his retirement in 1926. In addition to teaching teachers, Smith also wrote, edited, and published numerous journals and textbooks, as well as chaired various math- and science-related societies.

William David Reeve (1883-1961) taught in the math department at the Teachers College from 1923 until his retirement in 1949, eventually becoming department chair. Like his predecessor David Eugene Smith, Reeve wrote dozens of math textbooks, some of which are still considered authoritative today.

The Eisenhowers probably did have another commitment in July 1948. Eisenhower was frequently absent from campus as a result of his increasing involvement in national politics and international affairs, most notably in 1950 when he served as the Supreme Commander of NATO. Eisenhower resigned from Columbia University to become the 34th U.S. President in January 1953.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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