Bucknell Honors Bunnell
Reprinted from Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, May 21, 1960
In the March 1955 issue of the Bucknell Alumnus, a salute was given to Dr. Charles
E. Bunnell, class of 1900. He is regarded as one of Bucknell's most eminent alumni.
He was an outstanding athlete and a top student in his graduating class.
In 1900 Bunnell came to Alaska in 1900 to teach in an Indian Service school. He later was
school principal at Valdez where he studied law for five years and was appointed by
President Wilson as judge for the Fourth Judicial District. He served as judge for
seven years before becoming the first president of the College of Agriculture and
School of Mines here.
"Who's Who" account of him gives the following facts:
Bunnell was born at Dimcock, Pa, Jan. 12, 1878, a son of Ruth (Tingley) and Lyman
Walton Bunnell. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Bucknell in 1900, his
master of arts degree in 1902, and doctor of laws degree in 1905 from there.
He was married to Mary Anna Kline, July 24, 1901, and had one daughter, Jean. He was
principal of the public schools in Valdez for four years; studied law and was admitted
to the bar in 1908 and practiced at Valdez.
Ran For Office In 1914 he ran for delegate to congress on the Democratic ticket and was defeated
(By James Wickersham) but was appointed as judge of the district court of the Fourth
Division of Alaska by President Woodrow Wilson on Jan 12, 1915. He served until Dec.
4, 1921, when he was named president of the Alaska Agricultural College and School
of Mines and continued until 1945 when he was named president emeritus.
Dr. Bunnell was a life member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Arctic Brotherhood, a Phi
Beta Kappa, an Episcopalian, a Mason and an Elk.