University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Razorback Yearbook (Fayetteville, AR)

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int on linton Oton “Old Main embodies the best in our long history - love of learning, opportunity for all, reverence for tradition, courage to change. Carry it on!” WELCOME HOME GOV. BILL Welcoming home Gov. Bill Clinton, an excited crowd waves signs and cheers as he outlines his plan for the nation. Returning to the University was an emotional trip for Clinton who used to teach at the law school. J. Teeter photo Bill Clinton scribbled this brief message on a second floor office wall in Old Main — symbolic of higher education in Arkansas — along with his signature. The message was written behind a bookshelf in the office of Bill Schwab, chairman of the Sociology Department. It originally was meant to be hidden behind some books, so that the next person using the office would discover the signature of a past gover- nor, the president, on his wall. Schwab’s office was being used as a holding room for the Clinton entourage while he was on campus. THUMBS UP Pleased to be back where it all began, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton gives the thumbs-up sign to the 10,000 supporters gathered on the Old Main lawn on Friday, Oct. 23. B. Ebbrecht photo 6 Student Life

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p racticing his guitar in front of the Union on a sunny day, freshman Brian Kisida enjoys the sunny Ozark autumn weather. Not only does Kisida play guitar, he also makes music as a disc jockey for KUAF, the campus radio station. ♦ B. Ebbrecht photo

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“On this beautiful fall evening in the town where it all began for me nearly 20 years ago, I want to thank every one of you for coming out here to be part of a Homecoming for me, part of a rededication of what I began in public life to do.” ■ Gov. Bill Clinton CHANTS of “We want Bill” echoed through the campus hills as an eager crowd of 10,000 awaited the arrival of the Demo¬ cratic presidential nominee. On the ground, a colorful hot-air bal¬ loon broadcasti ng the slogan “Ar¬ kansas is a Natural” and a huge banner proclaiming “Welcome Home Governor Bill” set the stage as the Cate Brothers entertained the crowd. Excitement built as the cam¬ paign plane rumbled directly above the crowd assembled on the Old Main lawn on its ap¬ proach to Drake Field. Gov. Bill Clinton, just days from becoming the president-elect, was returning home. And, no one seemed to care that the governor missed his 4:30 p.m. arrival time by almost two hours. Clinton’s final campaign appearance in Arkansas served a dual purpose. Clinton thanked his long-time friends at the University, who encouraged him to enter politics while he and Hillary served as law professors at the UA Law School in Fayetteville. He also endorsed John Van Winkle, who was in a stiff and ultimately unsuccessful fight for the same 3rd Congressional District seat Clinton unsuccessfully sought in 1974. “1 wanted to come here tonight for many reasons,” Clinton said. “But one is to ask you in a very heartfelt way to help me finishsomething I started in 1974 by sending John VanWinkle to the Congress of the United States.” In the afternoon shadows of Old Main, Clinton told the assembly, “I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me and what you have done for America.” Singing the praises of his home state, Clinton defended the attacks his opponents President Bush and Ross Perot made in ref¬ erence to the Clinton record on taxes and the environment in Ar¬ kansas. Clinton continued to thank the crowd for its support despite the temporary interruption by Bush supporters. “On this beautiful fall evening in the town where it all began for me nearly 20 years ago, I want to thank every one of you for coming out here to be part of a homecom¬ ing for me, part of a rededication of what I began in public life to do,” Clinton said. After speaking seriously, Clinton rolled up his shirt sleeves and played the fight song on the saxophone with the Hog Wild Band. In addition he plunged into the crowd to tirelessly shake hands with hundreds of supporters. UA political science professor Diane Blair, who took leave to work in the Clinton campaign said: “I can not imagine a more perfect combination of this man who has done so much for the people of Arkansas, this man who is about to become the president of the United States, with the people who gave him his first start, in the most gorgeous afternoon that ever existed in the Ozarks.” The Arkansas governor reflected briefly on the people who pushed to be near him on Friday, Oct. 23, 1992, before boarding the plane to leave. “I’m really at home here today,” an emotional Clinton told a Morning News reporter as he ended his visit to Northwest Arkansas. “All my friends, relatives, the people who have been with me for 20 years were here,” Clinton said. “A lot of people who aren’t around anymore I thought about tonight. It was a wonderful night. Unbelievable.” TOOTING HIS HORN Joining the Razorback marching band, Gov. Bill Clinton plays the Arkansas fight song on his saxophone during his homecoming rally in front of Old Main. J. Teeter photo Y KIM TRACEY Clinton’s Homecoming 7