American University - Talon / Aucola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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Two students stop and chat on the circular steps (if stately MeKinley Building, one of the college ' s oldest landmarks. Seen in the distance through the pillars of the portico is the encompassing tower of station WAMU ' s tower.

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Known today as Hurst Hall, American ' s oldest building is a classical reminder of its founder ' s original goal. university ' s expansion sets impressive record Watching a college grow is watching a col- lege in motion. In 1893, American University was founded as a college of history by Bishop John Fletcher Hurst with ninety-two acres of land and one building. Today the university has more than thirty-five buildings and has ex- panded its curriculum to encompass a wide variety of academic learning. Yet, despite ex- pansion and constantly rising population, The American University has grown old grace- fully. With a rare combination of dignity and aggression, this is a university of charming con- trasts, where traditional and contemporary live harmoniously side-by-side and where pride in history is excelled only by growing pride in the future. In transition, the new addition to Batelle-Tompkins Li- brary blends with the old to accommodate a growing need.

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contrasting campus blends new ideas with old Old ideas blend with the new — older minds mingle freely with the young. Students of all faiths and nationalities gather together in com- radeship and unity under the common aegis of the eagle. Reflecting these contrasts are the buildings themselves. Surrounding the tradi- tional college quadrangle is a complex of build- ings, ranging from the very old to the very new. Next to Hurst Hall, for example, rises the re- nown School of International Service, bold and confident with its simple, vigorous sym- metry. Standing directly opposite is Mary Graydon Center, the hub of student life. While maintain- ing the same gracious exterior, its interior was remodeled to house a modern cafeteria and snack bar, loungee, student publication of- fices, game, study and meeting rooms. From the very beginning, new construction has been bal- anced artistically with the old. New curricula have found their way among the tried and tested. In a final touch, landscaped lawns and gardens have lent a park-like setting to the campus as a whole. j£ ' tt • it i ■ ■ ■ ' - - I A row of outmoded government war buildings now com- poses teaching space for the department of geology. In time, the one-story classrooms will be torn down to provide ground for the proposed combined science center.