Chicago State University - Emblem Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

Page 15 text:

THE PRESIDENT AND THE STUDENT William Bishop Owen was an ontstandin.y ' ojitimist in dealing with yonng- ]ieople. He always saw somethini very much worthwhile in all u them. As an illustration let me quote briefly from a conversation which I had with him just one week before he died in which he said, Isn ' t it won- W ' hile he continually apjjreciated the great contributions of the many, he never lost sight of the few, who for manifold reasons needed his insi)iring touch and his deep insight. It was a great thing to see him look into the minds and hearts of these Normal School students, to watch them unfold their minds to him. Because he combined that magnificent intellect with an intelligent and human insight that was marvellous, students did not fear talking over the most difBcult problems with him even when they knew the information given might have serious consecjuences for them. He put new light into their eyes, fresh smiles on faces saddened by a good many hinnan woes, and gave them all that appreciative human interest which heljied them, to go steadily forward. His, indeed, was the gentle spirit which went out to cure bitterness with his ever charitable interpretation of all of the comjilexities involved in our connnon, e ery-day life. Hazel L. Stillman.

Page 14 text:

EDUCATIONAL VISION Dr. 0 ven s capacity fcn Educational A ' ision ' was a source of inspira- tion and i)leasure to all those whose . ood fortune it was to be asst)ciated with him. He was keenly alive and sensiti e to the changing social struc- ture of our modern world, and he saw clearly the need of preparing the stu- dents to meet these new conditions. Through his splendid scholarship he was able to keep in close contact with the progress being made in Science and Art and with the effects that this new knowledge was having on the Avorld. Dr. Owen knew that a mere refinement in the technicpie of teach- ing the traditional curriculum was not the answer to the iJroblem. The challenge of the new day called for a re-evaluation of the existing educa- tional tradition and the addition to the curriculum of new knowledge, new values, and new social habits. With this in mind he visioned, ])lanned and l)artly executed a remarkable educational ]irogram. Since the Xormal I ' ollege was a training school for teachers, his first consideration was to i)roperly prejiare students to be successful teachers. A second and e(piall - important con ideration was to teach the students how to live an intelligent, successful and hapi)y life. In order to accomi)lish these aims. Dr. Owen planned that the student should accjuire the essential knowledge about the social and physical sciences that were sha])ing our modern world. He further believed that this knowledge should be accpiired in the process of trying to control and direct their daily life. I ' he health course which he established will serve as an illustration of this point. The training in chemistry, bacteriology, physiology, mental hygiene, physical education and dietetics which the students received was not only to enable them to understand these subjects as social factors, but was ])rimarily in- tended to find its immediate application in their daily health habits. His l)lan called for the same treatment in regard to literature, music and art. The students were not only to become acquainted with the great traditions in these subiects, but they were to use and develop their capacities in these fields through the medium of their daily tasks. Part of this scheme was realized in the increased time given to the teaching of these subjects and also through the colorful social functions such as the Christmas Week l- ete. -May Festival, Song Contest. Dr. Owen had also initiated student control in the management of school affairs. This was constantly being- extended so that eventually it would include student participation in all situatii This is a ery hasty and inade(|uate sketch of a ver - wonderful ision that a great educator left us. Alay we bring some of it t(.) fullillnient as a tribute to his meniorv. Henrv ( i. Cieilen.

Page 16 text:

HIS MANY, MANY CHILDREN Nearest to the heart of Mlliani Bishoj) Owen lay a love for his chil- dren — his own children and those thousands of adopted ones in whose lives he played so loving and important a part. He desired to have his students assume an active portion of the planning, managing and governing of the school, ' e were repeatedly called in to hear and suggest plans for various occasions. The special student and the one who was failing never had a better friend or a finer and more willing helper than Dr. Owen. He has spent uncountable hours with each one. listening to every stoiy. advising, con- soling, counseling. Dr. Owen was keenly alive to the social interests of Xormal. Scarcely anything made him happier than being with the girls and boys at their regular Friday afternoon Social Hour. It is general student opinion that after all we were happier that he had come back to us if only for a short while than if he had prolonged his western trip and spent those last months away from home . No one excejit his students can understand how much he was a part of us, and so we know that he also, if choice had been allowed him, would have made that last hour one of dance and melody. He encouraged many and frequent aiiairs by the numerous clubs in the school and he seldom missed one of these floings. often going from one to several others in a single afternoon. AA ' e can make no finer tribute than that which already abides in the hearts of those who ha e been his students and in whose world he has lived, sharing and encouraging, helping and befriending. We do not feel that we have lost him, for it is inevitable that that in- domitable spirit which prevailed not only in our little realm but also in the Nation ' s educational achievements is carrying on into a wider field than vou or I can estimate. It is growing again in the hearts and minds of those students who have passed under his influence and his teaching and who are today and tomorrow the guides and directors of the youth of America. Bessie Specht.