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[[preprinted]]
SPELMAN COLLEGE
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
[/[preprinted]]

March 16, 1953

Dr. Frederick D. Patterson
Tuskegee Institute
Alabama

Dear Dr. Patterson:

When I read the announcement in the Atlanta Daily World of your resignation from the presidency of Tuskegee Institute, my instinctive reaction was, "No, no! Please do not leave Tuskegee at this time...."

The more I have thought about it, the more I feel dubious about your moving from such a place as Tuskegee to the directorship of the Phelps-Stokes Fund.

Is your action beyond recall?

As you know, I have great admiration for your ability and your effectiveness.  We need as president of the UNCF a man of your stature - with dignity, courage, humility of spirit, forthright honesty, and unselfishness. ^[[I.e. we need you.]]

Sincerely yours,

[[signed]] Florence M. Reed [[/signed]]

FMR/t