Haskell Indian Nations University - Indian Leader Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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Mr. Warner Coffin 6

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Eddie Fisher, Administrative Officer About a year ago l found a copy of a letter dated June 9, l933. The letter gave the Superintendent of Haskell lnstitute authority to destroy in a hu- mane manner one very old horse which had not been used for some time and five mules which due to their condition could not be used to advantage. We have progressed with our country and no longer depend upon horses and mules. Those of you who are graduating can meet your new chal- lenges with confidence because you have received your training in a modern facility and are well equipped to meet the challenges for which you have been trained. Those of you who will be back next year remember that this school offers to you an opportunity for education that is known only in the prayers of many youths. Take full ad- vantage of this opportunity because in the final analysis you and yours, your tribe and your country will be the benefactors. Wallace E. Galluzzi, Principal We want to take this opportunity to congratu- late the Haskell graduates for 1967. lt has beemi a thrill to watch you develop the skills that willy 1 enable you to take your place alongside the many fine alumni as a contributing member of our society. We hope you have enioyed your stay at Haskell and are able to contribute to the already fine tradition of your Alma Mater. Goodbye and may our best wishes go with you.

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DEDICATION Mr. Warner A. Coffin, .lr., revered director of athletics, passed away in September of 1966. Tony, as he was generally known at Haskell, came here first as a KU freshman after having finished high school at Mayetta, Kansas. During his four years at KU, he worked for room and board at Haskell and became an employee here after receiving his bacheIor's degree. He later earned a master's degree, also at KU. During World War ll he served in the Navy as a lieutenant. He returned. to the staff in 1945, spending most of the next 20 years in athletics. Late in the summer of 1966, Tony was appointed Head of the Related Academic Department as well as director of athletics. Throughout his many years at Haskell, Tony had the thrill of seeing many of his athletes make great records. He expressed great pride, not only for the honors acquired by his athletes, but also for the success achieved by his many students in their personal lives and in their communities after graduation from Haskell! Tony's influence inspired each individual who had contact with him. ln reference to Tony, Carl lBerniel Bierman, Seaman athletic director, stated in the Topeka Daily Capital, They don't come any better. Tony had no bad habits. He was a great influence on those kids there. He iust couldn't be beat. ln describing Tony, Mr. Thomas Tommaney, Superintendent, has said, His personal touch with students, influencing them to do the right thing, instilling self-pride, and building desires to excel, is a treasure which will long be cherished by those of us who knew him as a fellow employee and as a friend to all. The feelings of Haskell students and graduates can be expressed by the words written by Law- rence Watashe, a Haskellite. Mr. Coffin certainly was a great man who did much to help us. lt will never be the same without his smiling face at Haskell. His chief endeavor was always to help and encourage us in learning our responsibilities for the 'outside world'. This inspiring Indian Lead- er will be remembered for generations to come. To a warm smile and a kind word were added a calm look of distinction and a great deal of patience. Combined with these were enthusiasm for students and a dash of humor. These traits, blended with willingness to work and achieve, produced a great man of faithful service and lasting loyalty. Tony Coffin's calm, quiet dignity was a guiding light for hundreds of Haskell students. To him and to the dedicated spirit which survives him, we dedicate the 1967 Indian leader. 7