University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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ubilee Martha Cook Celebrates its 75th Anniversary Just months after it was named a Michigan Historical Site, the Martha Cook Building (MCB) celebrated its 75th anniversary. Because of these milestones, alumnae (affectionately known as cookies ) from all over the nation returned to MCB for various events and activities during a Jubilee Weekend, held October 26-28. The Martha Cook Building, located on the corner of South University and Tappan, was a gift to the University from William W. Cook, an 1882 graduate and a successful Wall Street lawyer. Mr. Cook wanted to provide an atmosphere of beauty and harmo- nious living to nurture the charm, grace and principles of cultured Ameri- can woman- hood. Mr. Cook believed that A America was a woman ' s country, and created a building that would honor his mother, Martha Wolford Cook. When MCB first opened its doors in September 1915, Helen Newberry was the only women ' s dormitory for the 750 women students at the University. Many of the traditions started in 1915 continue to flourish, albeit al- tered to fit the times. Formal, sit- down dinners are still held, but only four days a week instead of everyday. Afternoon teas in the red room used to Many of the tradi- tions started in 1915 continue to flourish, albeit altered to fit the times. occur everyday, but because of the sugar shortage in World War II, tea became a Friday festivity. Al- though male visitation hours still exist, they are not as strict. Sev- eral of the annual activities, such as Christmas morning carolling through the halls and the Messiah Dinner, have been preserved. Laughter and shouts of happi- ness filled the building as former cookies greeted each other at a re- union tea held on the second day of the Jubilee. That afternoon, 96 year old Margaret Yerkes Holden, house president in 1918, rededi- cated the statue of Portia, Shakespeare ' s most intellectual and eloquent woman character, that guards the front doorway. MCB ' s most renown alumna, clinical psychologist Penelope Russianoff, spoke at the Banquet held at the Michigan League. The dedication capped off the weekend on the third day of the festivities. The Jubilee celebration was a time for alumnae to relive the many memories that MCB held for them. Through newspaper clippings, past MBC yearbooks and historical displays, cookies were able to see how MCB changed over the years and even how it has stayed the same. But no matter how much or how little it has changed, MCB will always have a place in their hearts. wPhyllis Taylor Jubilee 23

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Martha Cook alumnae from all over the United States purchase cookbooks, sta- tionary, mugs and t-shirts at the Jubilee registration tables. vJen Wylie Current cookies and Martha Cook alumnae enjoy a traditional Sunday brunch. wJen Wylie 1918 Martha Cook President, Margaret Holden, discusses the old days with Caroline Kosnik, a current resident. Wylie 22 Michigan Life

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new look South University Gets a Face Lift While most students were away this past summer, there was a great up- heaval around campus. No, it was not the deputization of a University po- lice force, but rather the renovation and beautification of South Univer- sity. The project began in the early spring of 1990 and was completed over the summer. When students returned for the new school year, they were greeted by whatLSA sophomore Ethan Brown called a bunch of trendy colored squares and some trees and flower pots. Additions included multi-colored cement blocks on portions of South University ' s newly widened side- walks, large salmon-colored cement bowls with trees in them and match- ing lamposts. Two maize and blue Michigan flags hang from each lampost. Along with the construction, these changes draw mixed reviews. Cathy Wen, a sophomore in Engi- neering said, I like the new addi- tions because it makes the atmo- sphere more enjoyable. Wen, who spent spring term in Ann Arbor, noted that the construction bothered her a little bit because it interfered with access to the stores. Surprised to see the changes when she returned to Ann Arbor in Septem- ber, LSA junior Stephanie Roth commented, It ' s good that they ' re try- ing to upgrade the campus area, and I like the look. Other students, however, paid little attention to the changes or were dis- pleased with the results. John Sullivan, a sophomore in LSA, remarked, I didn ' t really notice it, but it ' s nice to sit on the flower pots, eat ice cream, and people watch. Like Brown, some students went so far as to say that the beautifica- tion was too trendy and will probably be dated in a few years. The Galleria Mall, a welcome addition to the already existing shopping and dining places along South University, opened this year. Second year LSA student Amy Gendleman thinks, It ' s great to have a mall right on campus. The mini mall contains a record store, an accessories boutique, a new espresso house, and other various eat- ing and shopping establishments. Whatever students ' opinions may be, they will still continue to use the new South U regardless of its appearance. Like it or not, the renovation is here to stay. That is, until some new trend or design comes into vogue. T Randy Lehner ...it ' s nice to sit on the flower pots, eat ice cream, and people watch. 24 Michigai: