About G. Raymond Cuthbertson

During his lifetime, Dr. G. Raymond Cuthbertson, or “Ray” as his friends knew him, made significant contributions in two distinctly different career fields. His preparation for lifetime of activity started with an Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from William Jewell College of Liberty, Missouri, and continued as he earned both an Master of Science in 1933 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in 1935 in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University.

A thirty-four-year career with Uniroyal, Inc. started immediately after receiving his Ph.D. During this time period, Ray held many positions starting with Research Chemist and included Vice President and General Manager for the Tire Division, and Vice President of Research and Development. Ray took early retirement from Uniroyal in 1970 and joined UMR to start his second career as an Associate Professor, and later Professor, in the Engineering Management Department. He immediately earned the respect of his associates with his keen insight and dedication. He made many valuable contributions to a growing department during its early years. Despite the fact that he left industry in part to seek a well-earned respite from the day-to-day pressures of administrative responsibility, he willingly assumed the Acting Chairmanship of the Department from 1971 to 1973, while the permanent chairman was on assignment in Vietnam.

Ray was a favorite with all students fortunate enough to make his acquaintance. Not only did he bring a wealth of knowledge to the courses he taught but his door was always open to those in need of counsel and advice. He frequently did more than just impart words of wisdom; often anonymously dipping into his own pocket to help a needy student with a scholarship.

He was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Chairman of the Finance Committee for many years, and Sunday School teacher. He had a strong faith in God and a belief that every individual and every situation had a positive side. The comment that “every problem has a solution’ was a frequent reminder to those who felt they faced an impossible situation. Another phrase he was heard to use on many occasions was “why not walk around your chair before making up your mind.” Sage counsel to look at all sides of a problem.

Ray was truly a man of great stature. His professional achievement won him many honors including a listing in Who’s Who in America and several other biographical references. In addition, he received a Citation for Achievement and an honorary Doctorate of Laws from William Jewell College.

He was a Loomis Foundation Fellow at Harvard from 1933 to 1935, and later was selected as a Member of the Council of the Harvard Foundation for Advanced Study and Research from 1958 to 1963.

Despite these honors, his greatest pleasure came from the knowledge of a job well done and the satisfaction that he received from helping a fellow human being during a time of need.