A Lifetime Passion For the Power of Words

Lawrence Myers Jr. G’49, G’56

A century in the making, Professor Emeritus Lawrence Myers Jr.’s legacy is a literal treasure trove of information, understanding and influence in the field of broadcast communications. Now, his legacy includes a generous bequest to his beloved Syracuse University through the Forever Orange Campaign. His bequest is targeted to his passions, with impactful gifts to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications; WAER, the public media organization that is licensed to Syracuse and a part of Newhouse; Library School/Library Associates; Hendricks Chapel; Veteran Legacy Fund; and the School of Education (in honor of his late wife Betty Jane Myers).

Myers, who celebrates his 100th birthday this month, was both a student and teacher at Syracuse University, with an academic and professional career that spanned more than a half century in the Orange community.

Myers came to Syracuse after receiving his undergraduate degree from Purdue University in chemical engineering in 1942. He focused the rest of his academic life on communications—with a strong interest in the science of broadcasting and the power of words and the television medium to influence audiences. Myers received his master’s degree in speech and his Ph.D. in applied statistics from Syracuse University in 1949 and 1956, respectively.

While pursuing his degrees, he was also the manager of WAER (1948–1951 and 1954–1957). His teaching career began as a graduate assistant in the Television-Radio Department, then an instructor and eventually a full professor of broadcasting. He taught courses in television research methodology, research in broadcasting, public broadcasting, radio production, instructional television and other areas.

Myers’ passion for the broadcast media—and how to use statistics to measure its effectiveness—led to his research and teaching focus as reflected in the subjects of his many publications. He studied the radio listening characteristics of liberal arts seniors at the University; he evaluated television as a teaching tool; he examined the use of television in formal adult instruction; and researched a variety of methodologies for measuring television audience engagement.

In 1963, Myers became chair of the Television, Radio & Film Department, a position he held for 27 years. He also served as the interim dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications from 1989 to 1990. He retired from Syracuse University in 1991 and was granted the title professor emeritus. In 1993, Myers returned as an adjunct professor for the Division of International Programs Abroad (DIPA). He retired again in 2000.

“We are extremely grateful for Larry Myers’ generous support of the Newhouse School over the years,” says Newhouse Dean Mark J. Lodato. “Dr. Myers is an admired colleague who, through his service and philanthropy, has made a mark on the Newhouse School and the entire University. His generous bequest will continue to impact students and programs in the future, for which we will forever be grateful.”

Myers also contributed to the seminal work, Hendricks Chapel, Seventy-five Years of Service to Syracuse University, a comprehensive history of the beloved campus institution that stands literally and figuratively at the heart of campus.

Myers also served his country with growing responsibilities over decades. Commissioned in 1942 as a field artillery officer, he joined the Army in 1943 and served for the duration of World War II. At the time of his retirement from the Army in 1975, Myers was a colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit medal.

By directing his bequest to specific programs at Syracuse University, Myers leaves a legacy that will last well beyond his lifetime to those programs and services he most loved.

Myers was married to Betty Jane Mowry for 70 years until her passing in 2013. They had two daughters, Carol and Claire, a son, Craig, and, today, Myers is a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, still living in Syracuse.

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