Indiana University - Arbutus Yearbook (Bloomington, IN)

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1 Ike Dpirif ox Indiana Marker of Indiana University ' s first building A work of this kind must express certain ideals which are the fundamental bases of the institution whose activity it is recording. There can be no doubt that the real spirit of Indiana University is the foundation for all permanent achievement, whether of character, of distinction, or of brick and stone. It is fitting, therefore, that this Arbutus of 1926, to the best of its ability, attempt to illustrate and to reveal the true spirit of Indiana University. This book is being compiled because its authors have had concrete proof that ideals have not been lost by modern college men and women. This proof has been an expression of true, loyal school spirit, delineated in a manner which should bring conviction to every educated man and woman. The Arbutus of this year cannot ignore the mighty spirit with which Indiana has been endowed. In order to know the necessity of appreciation of this spirit, it is necessary to understand what this spirit really is. The average undergraduate of any uni- versity rarely understands the motivating forces of the institution; the average alumnus does not know the source of his interest and effort for his alma mater ; few of the faculty realize why they make sacrifices for the school of which they are a part. All are working toward a common end, but none stop to analyze the power which is driving them to that goal. Perhaps it is just as well that they do not see this, for the great impulse is so intangible that very few can lay their hands upon the pulse of the impelling force and state definitely that they have found the source of activity. But Indi- ana University has, within the past five years, laid this mighty spiritual engine bare; its workings are exposed to all those eyes which possess love and un- derstanding. The SPIRIT OF INDIANA may now be defined. What is this spirit? Is it the spirit that impels a wild-eyed student body to scream, Beat Purdue ? Is it the spirit that causes a group of seri- ous-minded men and women to com- bat Philistinism upon the campus by founding magazines in which the The first building itself vagaries of Babbittry are ridiculed? [PAGE 18]

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Joseph A. Wright A graduate of the first cla Is it the spirit with which new buildings are paid for by the sacrifice of loyal students and alumni? These are but the ebullitions, some great and some very small, of this great force which is causing Indiana to advance to some- thing entirely different. The true spirit of Indiana is the spirit that causes the students and graduates of Indiana to be true to themselves and true members of the society in which they are placed. Indiana University is placing citi- zens of the state and of the nation in positions where they may benefit the individual and those people who are dependent upon that individual in that he is a necessary part in the action of the society to which he belongs. Soldier, statesman, scientist, educator, it matters not. The part is a minor thing; the action is the vital necessity. And has there been proof that the spirit of Indiana has functioned in this manner? Let us turn the pages of her history and perceive the actions of her men and women. They will tell us of the manner in which the injunctions of the true spirit have been carried out. In the early pages of Indiana University ' s history, we find that classes in a very few subjects, taught by a very small faculty, in a diminutive building, were the sum total of the activities of the time. There was no frenzied shouting at football games; there was no daily paper; there was, ostensibly at least, no social organizations with their various pursuits. Yet, at that very time, when all seemed so quiet, when there was really no Indiana University, the spirit of In- diana was operating. The first class left the small building in 1829; one Dr. Andrew Wylie First President Owen Hall, one of the first campus building [PAGE 19]