He was named president of the board of trustees of Stanford University by its original founder and served in this capacity from 1885 to 1916 where he effected its consolidation with the Wilmerding and Lux schools.
He was appointed chairman of the board of trustees of Stanford University by its original founder and served in this role from 1885 to 1916, where he facilitated its merger with the Wilmerding and Lux schools.