University of Chicago - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

Page 14 text:

10 The Chicago tradition . . . Such a tradition is not what is commonly called a ugreat tradition.n It is not something which can he neatly pre- served in some recognizable object which can be ogled by prospects, revered by students, and fondly remembered by alumni. The so-ealled rules and traditions at Chicago exist only to be changed and changed again. For the University could saw up Mark Hopkinsh log to make a gross of superior mousetraps; it could embrace an Old Tradition, heavily trophicd With a duSty brace 0f cob- webby old grads and old school ties; it could devote itself to the mass production of stereoryped mbots and beasrs; it could be content with the same kinds of students, teachers, and arguments year after year; it could quite easily modify itself to fit the profitable pattern of the American college, where a good time is had by all. But behind its quiet fagade of hv'lidweStern Gothic, the University of Chicago has never toed the line of the ordinary, the approved, and the respectable when these did not and could not contribute to relevant problems in the advancement of knowledge, the development of wisdom, and the discovery of truth.

Page 16 text:

12 For Rossi, a book It seems almost impossible that anyone could keep a sense of humor while spending fifteen hours a day on the job, regulating nearly a hundred student groups, managing budgets, attending far too many official and unoHicial meetings, and looking after the countless pressing problems that are the daily lot of a Director Of Student Activities. Yet When Mary Alice Newman tnec Rossh took the 031cc in 1956, she brought to it a sense of purpose, a philosophy, and a warmth that have made the office a kind of sanctuary for people in activities. They wander in with big and little problemseor just to talk-knowing that Rossi will fix it if she can. As Director of Ida Noyes Hall, she has waged a three-year campaign-hjust like a woman! ewith curtains and pink lamp- shades and buckets of paint, to transform the hmagnificent mau- soleum', into an attractive, homey place. Though often harried, Rossi somehow remains cheerful, concerned, and patient. Her encouragement and support saved at least one yearbook editor from utter collapse last year. And whatever good there is in this book, whatever good comes of and to it next year, we owe in great part to Rossi and her office.