Index

Search Scholarships

The Oren Root Scholarship

The Oren Root Scholarship was established in 1948 via a bequest from Oren Root, Jr., Class of 1894. It honors the memory of his father, Oren Root, Class of 1856.

---

Born in Syracuse, New York, Oren graduated as class valedictorian in 1856. Following graduation, he pursued a career in law and was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin. In 1866, he became professor of English at the State University of Missouri. In 1880, following in the footsteps of his father, who was known as “Cube” Root, he returned to Hamilton to become a professor of mathematics and natural sciences. Known affectionately as “Square” Root, Oren died in 1907, having spent the last 27 years of his life as a Hamilton professor.

Oren Root, Jr. was born in Columbia, Missouri. After graduating from Hamilton Phi Beta Kappa in 1894, he began a career with the Metropolitan Street Railway in New York City. He started as a clerk, but feared his life would forever remain in an office, so he insisted on working as a motorman. He quickly progressed through the company, serving in virtually every position: motorman, conductor, gripman, inspector, car starter and barn superintendent. After impressing the company with his thorough knowledge of the industry, Oren, Jr. was appointed general manager in 1902. He was appointed vice president in 1906, and was named president of the Republic Railway & Light Company in 1912. Seven years later, he became president of the Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Company. When asked what the main cause of his success was, he replied simply, "hard work." Oren Root, Jr., died in 1948.

June 2014