Wallenberg leaves historical legacy at 'U'

By Zachary M. Raimi
Daily Staff Reporter

Later this month, University alumnus Raoul Wallenberg's face will fly around America, perhaps the world.

The U. S. Postal Service plans to issue a commemorative stamp in Wallenberg's honor April 24. Three days later, the University will host a ceremony for the stamp, where Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and University President Lee Bollinger will speak. Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved 100,000 people during the Holocaust, graduated from the University in 1935 with a degree in architecture.

Much has been written about Wallenberg's efforts to save thousands of Jews from imminent death at the hands of the Nazis. And, historians and world leaders continue to debate his mysterious disappearance.

However, much of the literature on Wallenberg glosses over or completely ignores his time at the University and what kind of student he was. His years as a University student - and his frequent travels throughout America - played an integral role in Wallenberg's personal development.

In the beginning

Wallenberg was born Aug. 4, 1912, in Sweden, into one of the world's most influential families; they were often referred to as the "Rockefellers of Scandinavia." Just before Wallenberg's birth, his father passed away. His grandfather, Gustaf, took the child under his wing. Gustaf impressed upon Raoul a sense of mission - every game they played had a purpose, every story he told had a point. Gustaf's influence over Raoul ran deep, as the old man instilled in the young child a sense of love and compassion for others.

When Raoul was ready for college, his grandfather wanted Wallenberg to attend school in America; this, thought Gustaf, would broaden Raoul's experiences and views.

"He could have gone anywhere for school - it is interesting that he picked Michigan," History Prof. Sidney Fine said.

Indeed, Gustaf thought the University was ideal for Wallenberg because it lacked the pretensions of the United State's elite private colleges. Vi Benner, Program Coordinator for the University's stamp ceremony, said Gustaf wanted Raoul "to come to a public institution because of the kind of values that you would find here - there's a more heterogeneous mix of people, so he would be exposed to a broader set of ideas."

University life

Alone and lonely, Wallenberg arrived in Ann Arbor in 1931 to study architecture. His daily activities as a University student were not unlike those of current students. He studied, played, dated and learned. "I think students are generally impressed that one of the greatest heroes of the (World War II) episode was like them," Fine said.

Wallenberg spent a lot of time studying, and he graduated in 3 1/2 years. Most of his classes were held in what is now Lorch Hall. Fine said, "He was a superior student." In fact, Wallenberg graduated with honors and won a medal that went to the person with the most impressive academic record.

Wallenberg's letters reveal that he enjoyed his studies. He wrote to his grandfather, "When I now look back upon the last school year, I find I have had a completely wonderful time."

But Wallenberg was not a hermit; he socialized with others and spent time outside. Nancy Bartlett, a reference archivist at the Bentley Historical Library, has studied Wallenberg's life. She said Wallenberg's congenial, curious nature led him to explore. "He was really a very nice, sophisticated, active individual - very curious about the world around him."

The November/December 1990 issue of Michigan Alumnus magazine reported that Wallenberg was a member of the engineering and architecture debating club. Wallenberg wrote in a letter to his grandfather that the club had "long and very thoroughly prepared debates each week," which afforded him "good training in English."

Bartlett said that Wallenberg participated in planning the annual architects' ball. "The architecture students would design a space where the party would be held in," Bartlett said.

When away from campus, Bartlett said that Wallenberg would "go out in nature." For example, she said he went canoeing on the Huron River. And, during his stay in the United States, Wallenberg traveled from coast to coast, learning the ways and customs of American people.

By most accounts, Wallenberg never flaunted his family money or influence; instead, he was unpretentious and genuinely interested in the well-being of others. Clarence Rosa, a friend of Wallenberg's at the University, told Michigan Alumnus in 1985 that Wallenberg adapted well to America. "He seemed as American as could be - in his dress, his manners, and the slang expressions he quickly picked up."

Rosa added, "Everyone called him 'Rudy.'"

During his stay in Ann Arbor, Wallenberg lived in many places, including a small house at 308 E. Madison St., which is still standing. His other places of residence, which include 608 E. Madison St. and 1003 Huron St., have since been demolished.

"Rudy" left Ann Arbor, but never forgot it. Bartlett said she found a letter that Wallenberg sent on Nov. 25, 1936, to Emil Lorch, the former head of the School of Architecture, in which he wrote, "My thoughts often go back to you and your school."

Into the world

Upon graduation, Wallenberg returned to Sweden and dabbled in the banking industry. He spent time in Haifa, at his grandfather's request, working in a bank.

Here, Fine said, Wallenberg witnessed the German persecution of the Jews. "He had been to Haifa; he had seen some people fleeing from the Nazis," Fine said.

After years of working in various jobs and travelling, Wallenberg, at 32, became a Swedish diplomat and led an effort to save Jews in Budapest, Hungary.

The War Refugee Board, which President Franklin Roosevelt established during the war, encouraged neutral countries, like Sweden, to help those people being persecuted in the war.

Through a variety of strategies - including bribery, flattery and skillful planning - Wallenberg saved around 100,000 Jews from Nazi persecution between July 1944 and January 1945, according to many historians.

While on his way to a meeting with Russian commanders Jan. 17, 1945, the Soviets arrested Wallenberg. It is unclear why he was arrested, and even more unclear what happened to Wallenberg.

While he could still be alive, Fine said, "The best evidence is that they (the Soviets) executed him."

On Oct. 5, 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed into law a bill that made Wallenberg an honorary citizen. The U.S. government has granted only one other person this honor: Winston Churchill.

The Wallenberg mystique

Wallenberg is one of the University's most famous alumni, and although he left campus more than 60 years ago, his presence still lingers. "I think there is a sense of honor in somehow being associated with him and the institution," Bartlett said.

The University has two physical reminders of Wallenberg: an honorary sculpture next to Rackham and another at the Art and Architecture Building.

Moreover, there are two annual lectures - one on architecture and another on human rights - and a scholarship in Wallenberg's honor.

Beyond the lectures, scholarship and sculptures, his memory serves as inspiration for students.

Anthony Scaglione, an LSA senior and chair of Hillel's Governing Board, said Wallenberg "embodies what the University touts in its mandates for tolerance and multiculturalism."

While Wallenberg's disappearance remains a mystery, his stature as a world hero and genuine humanitarian is stable, according to most.

Fine said, "He just seems like a wonderful human being - a genuine idealist."

JONATHAN SUMMER/Daily
Raoul Wallenberg's 'U' student registration photo, circa 1940.

04-10-97