Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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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

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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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In the midst of an uprising, President Cecil C. Humphreys became a stabilizing force. After the shooting at Kent State, MSU students rebelled. Some wanted the flag lowered to half-mast, while others felt it should remain high. Humphreys quelled the uprising with his presence among the students. (Photo from the Mississippi Valley Collection) O ut of Cottonfields . . Mynders, assisted by Dean Loggins, gave out two year diplomas to Fay Canada, Holmes Cummings, Moira Ellis, Mary Garret, Ben Goode, E. Dell Hall, Eva Hendricks, Emma Hester, Joel Werton, Amma Johnson, Beulah Mosby, Maurie Phillips, Lucille Posey, Mrs. Mary Rushing, Fannie Belle Smity, Gladys Stewart, Louise Walker, Showing off tanlines and stripes. On the scorching days when temperatures climb toward 100, many students find relief at the PE Complex outdoor pool which is open for an inviting dip through summer and into the first weeks of school. (Photo from the Mississippi Valley Collection) Vermonta Wilson and Leona Witherton. The West Tennessee State Normal School was a first in many ways. For instance, it was the first school in Tennessee to offer a class tailored to the new art form — motion pictures. In 1920, the summer curriculum included a course called The Value of Motion Pictures. The class promised to teach students how to use moving pictures, how to censure them and how to select suitable material for schools and churches. It was a hit. The Normal School also was the first school to propose night classes in 1931, but the State Board of Education decided that night classes were not important. The Legislature tried to influence the decision by appropiating $11,250 per year for two years to support the evening program, but the Board did not rescind their decision. The Parent Teacher Association gathered 7,000 signatures on a petition. The Board held their ground. It was years before evening classes were to appear in West Tennessee. (continued on page 12) MSU History