Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Out of Cottonfields . . . The first publication, The Columns, appeared in January 1914. It was named after the massive columns that bordered the front entrance of the Administration building. The publication was totally independent from the university to insure freedom of the press — a very unusual circumstance even today. In April 1913, Mynders announced that the first graduation exercises would take place May 16, 1913. The principal address would be made by Mrs. James N. McCormack who was a tireless campaigner for the Normal School and a prominent club woman in Memphis. At that time she was the president of the 19th Century Club. She was the first woman to give a commencement speech in Tennessee. The first summer school schedule was also announced at this time. The summer school would run six weeks with double classes for those who worked during that time. Seventy-five courses were offered during the summer — more than any of the other Normal schools. The first graduating class consisted of 25 men and women, all of whom had completed their first year of post-secondary schooling elsewhere. (continued on page 10) Rallying over a hot issue. In May, 1 970, at the UC mall, students were divided over the Kent State incidence. Some wanted a lowered flag in rememberance of those who were killed while others took the opposite stance and wanted to leave the flag as is. (Photo from the Commercial Apppeal archives, courtesy of MVC) MSU History

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The neverending line. Memphis State ' s registration process was as much of a headache in the ' 50s as it is today, except then it was conducted from building to building. Students still had to pass through tables of organizations looking for members and had to fight off that neverending urge to give it all up. (Photo from the Mississippi Valley Collection) Out of Cottonfields . . . The year that the school opened, Mynders grieved the loss of his daughter Elizabeth, who died in Chattanooga on Jan. 26, 1912, four months after her marriage. At the opening ceremonies President Mynders announced to a large gathering that 200 students had enrolled and that he expected 300 more to enroll by the completion of registration. The requirements at that time were good health, good morals and for the Normal school classes — graduation from high school or the equivalent. Mynders saw to it that everyone was helped to the fullest to meet these requirements. President Mynders made sure that all prospective students notified him of when they expected to arrive in Memphis so that he could dispatch a faculty member to the train station to meet the student. The teacher would stay and help get the student settled in while answering questions that first time visitors to Memphis always have. John Brister was the second president of West Tennessee State Normal School. He was from Petersburgh, Va. During his administration two new clubs started at West Tennessee State Normal School. The Seymour A. Mynders club and the Kappa Lambda Sigma (a girls ' club) grew out of the former Claxtonian Club. Sigma Alpha Nu appeared shortly thereafter. Then came the enormously popular Young Men ' s and Young Women ' s Christian Association. (continued on page 8) Studying in progress. The vestibule of the old Brister Library provided an atmosphere for learning. Today the same atmosphere is found on the second floor of the Brister Tower in its reserve room. (Photo from the Mississippi Valley Collection) A Passing Parade

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Welcoming 10-year alumini back to MSU are co-eds, Susan Lindsey and Marsha Durham. The festivities during Homecoming 1973 concluded with a 13-10 loss to Southern Mississippppi after a record- breaking season start. (Photo from the Commercial Appeal archives, courtesy of MVC) ■ ;;. r.—-: : ] A Passing Parade