Baker University - Wildcat Yearbook (Baldwin City, KS)

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Synthesis in Focus The sun filters through the wide-branched trees throwing lacy shadows on green mowed ground. Two and three story buildings of mechanically- smooth limestone and glass stand side by side with rough-hewn limestone buildings of the past. There is an air of serenity and solidity, mixed with excitement and anticipation of the future. This is Baker, 1967. Behind this scene is a magnificent history made by people who were determined to foster liberal education on a barren prairie wrought with the turmoil of the Civil War, economic depressions and droughts. In 1858, in a three-story stone build- ing, the foundations of liberal education were laid. An initial student body of 50 students assembled to study math, Greek, Latin and English literature, science, music and French. Before long the foundling institution was threat- ened by the Civil War. At one time students and faculty took up arms to ward off Quantrill's raiders. The Civil War also meant poor years, but teachers and school presidents continued ! their services despite little pay. Before the turn of the century, there were economic depressions which created a great financial struggle for the university. But despite these setbacks, the university was backed by people who were de- termined that Baker would grow. Financial sub- scriptions were sold to individuals, and with such money and volunteer labor, buildings were built. Today, two of the first structures--Old Castle and Parmenter--stand as reminders of the past to the sixth generation of students to use them. Baker is indeed a synthesis of the past, present and future. Present day Baker is a reflection of past determination to foster liberal education. ln recent years it has increased its faculty, built newbuildings to accommodate a growing student body, and expanded its cur- riculum to meet the demands of today. With this same determination Baker looks ,f to the future with Space Age plans to expand her boundaries to other countries and peoples of the world. A sister Baker University may well be established in B o t s w an a Q fo r m e r ly BOTSWANA FRANCISTOWN SEROWIQ GABERONES ' Bechuanalandj, Africa. rx x 0 .uf