Southern Methodist University - Rotunda Yearbook (University Park, TX)

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nus ROAD 10 Q SOUTHWEST SPINDLETOP . , ECONOMIC CHANGE IN TEXAS I815-IOOI BY JOHN s.sPRAn' The Southern Methodist University Press has received much favorable recognition for its wide variety of outstanding publications. The two VOl- umes pictured above are among the oHerings of the 1955-56 season; the Texas Institute of Letters has awarded to The Road to Spindletop this years prize for the best book about Texas of 1955. The Press Will also publish Mark Twain: Selected Crit- icism in this years series. Any University deserving of the name should have under its auspices a competent press, able to attract, select, and edit worthwhile publications. The SMU Press fulfills that function for Southern Methodist University quite adequately. The Southwest Review, quarterly publication of the SMU Press, is one of the three or four oldest such offerings in the entire country. It has con- siderable national and international influence, and has indeed served to bring the Southwest to the attention of the world. At the same time, through its contributors, who come from all over the globe, the Southwest Review brings the world to the Southwest. This season has marked the fortieth anniversary of the publication; those years have added substantially to the prestige of the University. Southern Methodist University is the site and sponsor of every kind of educational and cultural gathering. Pic- tured, for example, is a meeting of the Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading, at which the nationally known authority, Dr. Arthur 1. Gates, spoke. The center illustration is of an institute on human relations offered through the Institute of Managementeone of many pro- grams that benefit business and industry. iiEsquire Weekii is one of several times When the outstanding lawyers of the area convene at Southwestern Legal Foundation, whose prestige throughout this part of the country and even be- yond is well established. All ages avail themselves of the University, as well: the meeting of the Junior Classical League in the spring exemplifies the fine young groups that come to the campus. The training of mens sana in corpore sano is important to a University; likewise, competition is vital to the Ameri- can way of life. The happy union of these two factors brings satisfaction to alumni and undergraduates, who are anxious for the athletic success of the Universityis teams. The most successful season in SMUis basketball history was provided in 1956, whom this Fine team reached the NCAA playoffs. But there is a further reason for pride beyond the national recognition of the University as a power in basketball circles: the 1956 team is as fine an example of clean-cut American sportsmanship as any Uniu versity might Wish. R CTX BBUCNHBE 135E.

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. surround Southern Methodist University, in its relation to the great Southwest With the cultural heritage peculiar to an area distinct in its civilization and proud in its tradition; more closely, the city of Dallas encompasses the University with the infiuenee of an urbanity newly arising in the country just now reflecting upon the meaning of its amazing growth. And at the center of these circles, moulded by them and at the same time exerting an inHuence upon them, Southern Methodist University flourishes, the exponent of the culture of the ages shaped by the civili- zation of today. Similarly, within the University there are circles with a com- mon center; and each of these circles at the last encompassesethe student. The 1956 ROTUNDA depicts the University as it concentrates the many and various inHuences of an education for LIVING upon the student. Surrounding all, of course, there is the beautiful campus With its physical facilities for the promotion of learning. We pay particular attention, this year, to the newest addition to the Univer- sity-Umphrey Lee Student Center. Moving inward, we show the intel- lectual facilitiesethe faculty responsible for the shaping of minds. Then, the social facilities are portrayed, in their various aspects. And finally, there are the students themselves. Thus does your ROTUNDA attempt to encircle for you, Southern Methodist University, 1956. SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY has gained considerable stat- ure in the Southwest as an example of its maturing culture. From all over the area comes a wide variety of groups, from the Texas Interscholastic League to the ministers of surrounding states to the professional association of engineers. lawyers, and businessmen. The publications of the SMU Press, both single volumes and the quarterly, The Southwest Review, are a fine illustration of the new cultural development in the Southwest and the growth into an urban Civilization. The philosophy of the University is infiueneed by, though of course not limited to, the Southwest: the outlook of the University encompasses the vigor, the questing spirit, and the new demand for free speculation, typical of the great area of which it is now an integral part.

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W W utu-n-gnu-uaua Mayor Thornton signs the proclamation for nSMU Week, in Dallas. Southern Methodist University is located in a great city. Dallas is well-known for its urban attitude and its cultural opportunities, and the importance of these influences on the student can hardly be overesti- mated. Here he may witness the performances of a grand symphony, Which plays in the very auditorium 0f the University. He can see the worlds most outstanding ballets, as all the major companies come to Dallas. The Community Course, presenting outstanding lectures, con- certs, and dramas is open to him. Yes, art is his for the asking, in all of its forms. Industry, too, is hereegreat Clothing houses, aircraft plants, and food processing companies offer the business or engineering student unlim- ited opportunities. The area is a legal center, as well; and in medicine, there is the Southwestern Medical Foundation and the Medical School. Dallas supports SMU. Each year the mayor proclaims an nSMU VVeekf, during which time the Sustentation Drive is staged. The most rewarding feature of this relationship is, of course, that the city appreci- ates the cultural influence of the University, and is proud to speak of SMU as iiherii University. SMU is not merely in Dallas; it is a real part of Dallas. Student Council Secretary Ann, Rich and Sustenlation Chairman George Cullum are Bishop Boa: indicates to the Suslcntation Chairman that the drive should be successful . . . pleased with Dallas support. it wasJ