University of Detroit - Tower Yearbook (Detroit, MI)

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tens University Chancellor, the Rev. Celestin J. Steiner, S.J., is head of the Challenge Fund and in charge of University development. Challenge Fund effects new look on campus For the average U-D under- graduate, the Challenge Fund isn’t the usual topic of conversa- tion. But since its conception in 1961, it has been as much a part of the University as the build- ings. This is precisely how the Fund is manifesting itself—by fi- nancing the construction of new campus buildings and by reno- vating older ones. This year, under the Rev. Lau- rence Britt, S.J., University pres- ident, their endeavors became reality for the student—the one who will benefit most from the additions and renovations. A short walk across campus last year evidenced a massive face-lifting. The Administration Building was a familiar sight. Daily they saw all stages of the construction going on regardless of the weather. Adjacent to the campus tower, the Life-Science Building began to take shape in the fall. Here the Challenge Fund became a material aspect of the University—helping the student better himself through better facilities. The Challenge Fund’s dollars are now working and will con- tinue to work for years to come, making U-D an institution vital to the student, administration, city and state.

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Thousands and thousands of letters are sent out each year to alumni, business and industry. Executive secretary Ronald Thayer talks to John Grubba. The six story Fisher Brothers Administration Building, financed by the Challenge Fund, was completed in early 1966. 20

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Tower clock ticks again While highly trained construction workers put the finishing touches on the new Administration Building and excavat ion crews prepared to lay the foundation for the new Life-Science Building, four student volunteers toiled high above the campus on an improvement project of their own. Working 185 feet above the ground at the very top of the tower, Leo Moore and Ed Saires, Engineering juniors, Thomas Toenjes, Engineering senior, and Peter Kay, Architecture junior, worked from 60 to 70 hours a week during the summer in order to complete the massive overhaul by the beginning of the fall semester. These four students donated their services. Why? “A symbol that’s half broken down isn’t any symbol at all,” Toenjes said. The Tower stands whole now, once again, a monument to the dedication and perseverance of a small band of conscientious engineers. 22