Mansfield University - Carontawan Yearbook (Mansfield, PA)

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111 S v 1 - - mqnffiqld umvemw Mansfuemd PA 16933 Symbolism is an interesting concept. A study of the symbols that are meaningful in our culture can provide numerous useful insights into our past. Currently, the Statue of Liberty is the subject of much attention. That soon to be restored monument is a symbol that conjures a variety of images. To some it is a mammoth sculpture, to others a sign of freedom. to others the representation ofa new life. Its res- toration will enhance its appearance, but its strength as a symbol will endure. Some of your memories of Mansheld University will include symbols. The books you read, the uniform you wore, your class ring, the jewelry that represented a special organization, selected buildings that were important to you. each of these are symbolic. For many, the diploma itself is the paramount symbol of a university education. To many generations of Manstieldians, North Hall has been an important symbol. Like the Statue of Liberty, it provokes a variety of feelings. To the thousands of students who remember it as their residence hall, it was a home. To those who took meals there, it was the site of endless table conversation. Some remember it as a bookstore, a computer center. a print shop. practice room. studios, a meeting place, office for faculty members. a post office, and the location of yet other services. To most members of your class, the symbolism of North Hall will be different. It may be the only link to Mansfield 's past that is available to you. It may represent frustration, for the efforts to restore it can produce that emotion. It could be the symbol of hope - the hope that soon North Hall will become a useful part of our campus. It may depict mystery and curiosity. It sustains the legend of The Ghost . The memories of Old North will vary, but I suggest that none of you will forget it. The future of North Hall. just as yours, is unpredictable. Its interior may be redesigned to accommo- date new functions. Its exterior may be refurbished to enable it to persist. lt may give up its location to another structure or to a park place. However, its character and its symbolism will continue to be a part of our University. You too will change. Your physical appearance will be altered. Your interests, your vocations and advocations will vary. Your life style will be modified. However, you will remain a part of Mansfield University. I'm glad that you were among our students and I hope that you treasure the symbols that have special significance to your Mansfield experience. Presidentf7

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GEORGE H. MULLEN The year 1985-86 was one in which Mansfield moved strongly ahead into the future. We responded to the challenge of high tech in a number of ways. Most significantly we obtained a new mainframe computer, an IBM Model 4361 with twelve megabytes of mem- ory. The new machine supports two different systems of software - one for academics and the other for administrative purposes. With it we support over forty interactive terminals. In addition to the mainframe we increasedthe number of micro-computers available for student use from thirty to forty-two. We be- lieve that Mansfield students have a much easier time obtaining actual computer experience than do students at most universities. Micros are also being used by most secretaries on the campus, easing the burden on these crucial support personnel. We have in- creased the number of computers available for academic departments, and obtained the important statistical analysis program SASS. fl am sure that this equipment and software will seem quaint and antiquated when graduating seniors of the 1986 class are reviewing their yearbook twenty years from now, but believe me, for today Mansfield University is state of the art with regards to computers. Another sign of the dynamism of Mansfield this past year was the number of grants awarded to our faculty. Professors George in Chemistry, Linck in Home Ecomonics, Stich in Special Education, Dodson in Geography, Sanders in English and Murray in Psychology and the Rural Services Institute all were recipients during the last twelve months. In addition we received significant grants for putting the card catalogue in the library onto a laser disk system and for an important project in telecomunnications and tele-learning. There are a host of very important programs on which faculty and staff have put in enormous amounts of work, and which are scheduled for completion during the coming years. Perhaps the most important of these that will affect all incoming students to Mansfield beginning the summer session of this year is the new General Education program. The new program provides an assurance of real quality in the liberal arts areas, while at the same time expanding the choice of students into what will be called General Education Electives. Other features of the program are an all university requirement in the fine arts area and a vevamped junior year literature based composition course. Important as all the above are, however, what lies at the heart of an academic institution, and what I am the proudest of is the hard work in the all the academic areas of Mansfield's students. College is a time to learn, to grow, to prepare for a rewarding career and a significant life. We are very happy at Mansfield to have played the part we did in the lives of the students -of the class of 1986. There's an exciting world out there waiting for our students after graduation, and I have every confidence that they will measure up to the challenges they will face. I' I An yearbook is a place for nostalgia, I have been speaking of this year, but the last four have been memorable ones for the institution, and certainly for myself, well as for the class of '86. In 1983 the institution received a new president, Rod Kelchner, and I was fortunate to be appointed' ,li sa ,keyfrole in his leadership team. Time holds still for no one. Accepting challenges is a key aspect of life, and I want to wish'thei ' l61'fl.lI'lB,f0 each and every one of our graduating seniors. Ladies and gentlemen, you have received a fine education. Now w get: to use it. ,-.a gi, gb, A f ,il A 8fProvostfV.P. Of Of Academic Affairs 'I . . .Q x-xarzw: . YI - -1 ,-1.4 5 ' ' ':- 'ti 1'-'sw ' ,. Q 1.15 'N 'el' if I x- p .F-e'-if n l -1,er5ig't E 31-5 4-ll---I