He was a teacher, a principal, a soldier and, for many years, a civilian employee of the U.S. government. But, he wasn't a college graduate, or so he thought.
Reed A. Munns of Bear River City found out in mid-May, 50 years after the fact, that he is a member of Utah State University's graduating Class of 1942."I never got a diploma," Munns says. "I never knew I graduated."
Tom Dyson, USU director of the annual fund, checked on Munns' diploma status following a chance telephone conversation connected with fund raising. Dyson found that Munns had been credited for courses in which he was enrolled when he came down with a serious illness and, later, for military service courses.
The bachelor of science degree in elementary education was awarded him during those confusing years at the beginning of World War II, and the diploma was lost in the mail.
At Dean Oral Ballam's invitation, Munns participated in the College of Education graduation ceremonies, where he received a specially made 1942 diploma. Munns also participated in Golden Anniversary Club activities with other alumni celebrating 50 years since graduation.
Looking back on a half century of events, Munns says he wanted to stay in education, following the example of his mother and sister. He loved teaching and school administration.
At one point, having enough education credits to teach, Munns took a job teaching in Hanksville for two years while he saved enough money to complete his education. Upon his return, however, he contracted pneumonia and left school during winter quarter. After recovering, he filled in for a Woodruff teacher who had been drafted. At the town's request, he remained for an additional year.
Assured that as a teacher he was far down the draft list, Munns married Ruth Ellen Stacy, whom he met in Woodruff. He was promptly drafted and sent to France. During a transfer to the Pacific Theater, he received a serious eye injury that forced his discharge. Upon returning to Utah, he launched a civil service career working at Defense Depot Ogden.