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

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The President of the University l The 1964--1965 academic year was an his- toric milestone in the life of Southern Methodist University. It marked the completion of the Uni- versity's first fifty years and heralds an era of unprecedented challenge, responsibility, and oppor- tunity as Southern Methodist University moves into the ranks of the nation's major private uni- versities. We look forward to our commemoration of this fiftieth anniversary through a series of special events during the 1965-1966 academic year. The fiftieth year itself reflects the remark- able development that has characterized Southern Methodist University throughout its relatively short history. During this year our Master Plan made important advancement in its transition from blue- print to actuality. The inauguration of the University College and the School of the Arts reaffirmed Southern Methodist University's commitment to the cen- trality of the basic arts, humanities, and sciences. The experimental '6Nature of Mann and Discourse and Literaturev courses laid the foundation upon which the University College will endeavor to build l a strong core of general studies extending across 1 disciplinary lines. As the first students in this educational venture, the freshman class of 1964- fwf- 1965, with faculty and administrators, met with enthusiasm the challenges and satisfactions of pioneers in exploring new regions and charting paths which others will follow. The first participants in the Superior Studies program of the University College explored in depth various aspects of the problems presented in these new courses through a series of bonus lectures and seminars, several of which benefited the entire University community. The dreams and plans of many years came to fruition upon the opening of the first units of the Owen Fine Arts Center. We look forward to the completion of this magnificent focal point for the cultural life of our campus and our city and region. With the comprehensive facilities of the Owen Fine Arts Center and the strengthened programs of the School of the Arts, we expect the fine arts to become an integral part of the educational experience of all students at Southern Methodist University. Our increasing emphasis upon graduate education bore fruit this year in the development of new programs, research projects, and inter-institutional planning. Of particular significance were the Ph.D. program in religion to begin operation in September, 1965, and the Masteris degree program in biomedical engineering launched last September in conjunction with the Uni- versity of Texas Southwestern Medical School, the first such program in the South. The high calibre and serious concern of our student body were important factors in the accomplishments of 1964-1965. We are grateful to the faculty, students, administration, trustees, alumni, and friends whose participation in this fiftieth year contributed significantly toward the Universityfs advancement. With the passing of the milestones of time and progress, Southern Methodist University comes of age. We move in to our second half century with confidence and renewed dedication to the fulfillment of Southern Methodist Universityfs dynamic destiny as a major, balanced, church-related university of quality, integrity, and substance. WILLIS M. TATE President 20

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THODI5' Administration I J?-'i: '-'T-' ff- :Milling 2 , ew fo if W- 2 .. U ,U -1' ' Y z e 5 x b

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Dr. Tate received his BA. and MA. from SMU. At the University of Texas and the University of Chicago, he did graduate work. He also received honorary degrees from Texas Wesleyan, Centenary, the University of Denver, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Tulsa. As the fifth President of the University, he is at home at 3600 Marquette. Dr. Tate's main interests are people and athletics. He served as president of the Southern University Conference, 1963, and president of the Dallas Council on World Affairs, 1964. THE TATES Willis and Joel