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

Page 7 text:

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

Page 6 text:

Mr. Warner Coffin 6

Page 8 text:

Reception Held for the New Teachers The new faculty members received a warm welcome on the night of September 20, 1966, when a re- ception was given in their honor at Sacaiawea Hall. All staff members, husbands and wives were invited to the reception. As older staff members arrived, they were introduced to the new faculty members by the administrative, personnel, and department exe- cutives who served as hosts and hostesses for the evening. All staff members enioyed themselves as they renewed old acquaintances and made new ones. To add to the enioyment of the evening, a young Haskell gentleman provided background music for the lively conversation with his piano solos. The complementing touches to the delightful evening were refresh- ments of punch, mints, nuts, and cake which were served from a beautifully decorated table. l l 8