President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Deepest Sympathy
Former Reed President Paul Bragdon seated with two students in front of the glass-covered, original west-side entrance to the Hauser Memorial Library.
August 8, 2021
Dear Reed faculty, staff, alumni, and board of trustees,
With great sadness, I share the news that former Reed President Paul Bragdon passed away on Saturday, August 7.
Soon after I arrived at the college, I visited Paul and Nancy in their Portland home. Paul's care for the college, his deep commitment to Reed students, and his abiding faith in the power of education were palpable. He shared stories of his long history at Reed and particularly fond memories involving the many Reed students who lived at the Bragdon family home with their three children. Paul’s primary intention, however, was in how he could help and support me in my new role, one he had held for almost two decades through the 1970s and 1980s.
Paul became president of Reed at an especially difficult moment in the college's history, with multiple challenges that led some to question Reed's viability. With Nancy by his side, Paul's caring and stalwart leadership allowed the Reed community to regain its strength and continue to offer its distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences to the thousands of students who have chosen to enroll.
We will share a fuller description of Paul's time at Reed and his countless contributions to the college in the coming days. For now, I want to share this news and express my deepest condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues.
With care and sympathy,
Audrey
––––
Audrey Bilger
President
Reed College