For his 50th class reunion Paul A. Samuelson filled out the following one page questionnaire. Besides revealing the youthful musical taste of this Chicago educated Wunderkind, Samuelson’s responses sometimes even illustrate his writing style (e.g. 7 8/9 grandchildren). I was most struck by his declared favorite professor during these formative years. Guess, then read.
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CLASS OF 1935 SURVEY
Your former classmates are interested in what you’re doing.
Name Paul A. Samuelson Maiden Name [blank]
Address MIT E52-383
City/State/Zip Code Cambridge, MA 02139
Your past and present occupation and employer Professor of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Anything you wish to mention about your job Overpaid/underworked
Spouse’s name and occupation Risha Samuelson, Painter
No. of children 6 No. of grandchildren 7 8/9 No. of great-grandchildren [blank]
Degrees received and institutions attended AB U of C 1935; AM 1936, Ph.D. Harvard 1941, 2 dozen honorary degrees, including Chicago
Favorite class and professor at the University, and why Henry Simons, Economics! Great economist, great person.
Most rewarding, exciting, or unusual experience as a student Being reborn as a scientist-scholar
Most memorable moments since graduation Nobel Prize, 1970; birth of triplets, 1953; first-born, 1946
Favorite song or band of the ‘30s Wayne King, Hal Kemp, Paul Whiteman
Other affiliations (clubs, professional associations, political parities) [blank]
Have you received any civic, community, or academic honors? Yes
Accomplishments, interests, hobbies that you find especially significant Tennis
Future plans Economic writing
Please share any other information that your classmates may find interest I was given a great education, in the Midway’s golden age
Please return this form by April 15, 1985. You may attach an additional sheet if needed. Mail to: Reunion ’85 Network, 5757 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
[pencil note: Sent 2/22-85]
Source: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. Paul A. Samuelson Papers, Box 4, Folder “Personal”.
Image Source: Henry Calvert Simons. University of Chicago Photographic Archive, apf1-07614, Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.