University of Georgia - Pandora Yearbook (Athens, GA)

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CONTENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES 42 ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES 112 SPORTS 196 GREEKS 224 YEAR ' S EVENTS 308 INDEX 327

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y Nl VERSITY The University of Georgia is as old in tradition as it is young in spirit. The oldest state chartered university, it received its charter in 1785, only two years after the British recognized American independence. The original document, primarily the work of Abraham Baldwin, is preserved in the library ' s rare book collection. Baldwin became the first President, and during the next sixteen years while the state was recovering from the ravages of war he directed the accumulation of funds and the selection of a site for the young University. After much political wrangling the site was finally decided. It was, of course, what is now Athens, but at that time was a high, wooded hill overlooking the Oconee River and only a few miles from deepest Indian country. In 1801, Franklin College opened its doors to about thirty young men who were enrolled as its first students. Baldwin, feeling his job hod been done, then resigned the Presidency; and Joseph Meigs, a Yale graduate, succeeded him. The next ten years were spent in establishing Franklin College as on institute of higher learning, and, naturally enough, the curri- culum was patterned after that of Yale. Meigs resigned in 181 1 because of his radical political views. During the War of 1812 and the years following the people lost interest in education, and the state was financially unable to support it. The turning point came in 1819 when the school ' s attendance reached an all-time low of seven. Moses Waddel who hod been successful in the management of on academy in South Carolina was appointed to the Presidency of the University. He served for ten years, and by the end of this time the institution was firmly on the road to success. The University continued to grow steadily in size and importance, add ing new schools and courses to keep the curriculum up to date. Each year more students enrolled, more housing and instruction facilities are required for them. Through the Campus Development Plan, concrete plans have been laid down for the long-range expansion of the University. Georgia, in spite of all the changes, has retained its traditional air of friendliness and democracy. Regardless of family wealth, or political power, the student who earnestly works to attain success finds the way mode smoother by the consideration and assistance of both faculty and students. Southern culture, American democracy, and dedication to higher learning have combined to build little Franklin College into the University of today and to keep it old and conservative, yet young and progressive.