Illinois State Normal University - Index Yearbook (Normal, IL)

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Dedication Raymond W. Fairchild, President Emeritus A.B., A.M., University of Michigan; Ph.D., North- western University; LL.D., Illinois Wesleyan University; University of Illinois; University of Chicago. The theme of the 1956 Index is Friendship; it follows then that this issue should be dedicated to a Friend of the Uni- versity. Dr. Raymond W. Fairchild in more than a score of years as head of ISNU became a part of the Univer- sity as surely as the University became a reflection of the man. A man of great stature. President Fair- child fashioned a University — and the reputation of that University — that could be recognized from afar as easily as he himself could be singled out of a crowd. All things were given to Dr. Fairchild in large meas- ures; thus his vision and dedication are manifested in a progressing institution. As President of ISNU, Dr. Fairchild was responsible for (among other things) Fairchild Hall, the Administration Building, the Stu- dent Union, the County Contact Program, and the County Alumni Program. Each of these projects is a tribute to his ability to foresee ISNU ' s role in and responsibilities toward the profession to which the University and the man are dedicated. His belief in the school and its mission was respon- sible for one of die finest special education curricu- lums and buildings of their kind. The sincerity of his interest in ISNU brought President Fairchild onto McCormick Field to address the crowds in the cruelest of weather. This same characteristic led him to a traveling team ' s bus to see them off with a word of encouragement. The selflessness of President Fairchild has become legendary. A light in his office after a basketball game which he had attended, or a football game, or a Sun- day afternoon tea was not uncommon. Dr. Fairchild ' s prodigious ability to remember names has been at- tributed to his keen interest in people. Once, while visiting an injured athlete who was semi-conscious, the President was identified by the boy as someone who had something to do with the University. Dr. Fairchild ' s resignation was accepted by the Teachers College Board with these words: Someone has said that ' a university is but the lengthened shadow of a great man. ' Perhaps so! If that be true, his shadow wall be long enduring, enviable, and prec- ious in the field and to this university. In an effort at least to recognize the direct and indirect debt that the University, students and faculty alike, owes to him, we dedicate this volume of die Index to Raymond W. Fairchild.

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fj The hearth is blazing with a warmth and a glow; Hot popcorn is heaped in a bottomless bowl. Faces are animated by conversational tides; Imaginations soar and dip, like amusement park rides. Thoughts are exchanged, both profound and in pun, For all here are friends and may join in the fun. Friendship is the wealth that sets men apart, For it proves strength of mind and a goodness of heart. Here are dreams born that shall widen in scope; Where man lives without dreams, there is life without hope. There are, then, two tilings which must be kept near: These friendships and these dreams, may they ever be dear! The warmth and glow of a blazing hearth and the aroma of freshly popped corn (topped with melted butter) have been the symbols of hospitality, con- vivality, and companionship for untold generations. In addition to these tangibles there must also be added the murmur of an idea passing from one mind to another. Undoubtedly this undertone is broken, now and again, by gentle laughter, o r the sputtering of the logs, or tire quiet refrain of well-known music. With the inclusion of people who exchange opinions and views in mutual respect for others as individuals, and who accept others for what they are, we have a reasonable picture of Friendship. It is then mete and proper that the yearbook of a university, the tradition of which is Friendship, be prefaced with a graphic and verbal portrait of Friendship. Many newcomers and casual visitors are struck more forcibly by our tradition of Friendship than by our facilities; many who have left remember the friends and friendships that began here longer than they remember die brickwork. It is the hope of the Index staff diat die pages which follow will always remind you of the friends, friend- ships, dreams, and ideals found at a place where they sins . . . Hail ISNU!

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President Fairchild, his head bared to the elements, exemplified a school spirit graced with dignity. Dr. Fairchild was in constant communi- cation with alumni groups the length and breadth of the state through his County Alumni Program. On Graduation Day it obviously pleased President Fairchild to award each grad- uate his degree and to shake his hand in congratulation.