University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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The Year In Review

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True Colors Some of the first students in UM's marine studies pro- gram participate in underwater class- es. Bobo, below, was the Hurricanes' first official mas- cot. He posed for this photo in 1951. Over the following years, several com- mittees formed to plan such an institution. Each tried and failed. Finally, efforts by two residents led to the issuing of the Universityis charter by Dade County in 1925. George Merrick donated the land U60 acresl and provided a large part of the fund- ing for the construction of the campus. His plans for Coral Gables, his -Venice of the West? had included a college and a high school. Merrickis donation of $5 million was to be matched from other sources. The cornerstone for the first building on campus, the Solomon G. Merrick Building, named for George Merrickis father, was laid on Sept. 4, 1925. Despite great enthusiasm, however, financial difficulties began to arise. Merrickis donation could not be matched and work on the building was transferred to the recently-leased Anastasia Hotel, which was also not completed, to ensure students would have classrooms to sit in when the time came. tThe skeleton of the Merrick Building would be left untouched for 23 years, however, until construction could finally resume in 1949.1 A Stormy Start Nothing came easily in Miami at that time, and events seemed to conspire against the young University. Just before the first classes were to begin, disaster struck. On Sept. 18, 1926, a devastating hurri- cane swept through South Florida, taking lives, destroying property and killing the -Florida Land Boomll and most of the devel- opersl dreams. The University,s major sup- porters were suddenly broke, and the yet-to- built University was now suffering under the weight of a heavy debt load. But despite seemingly insurmountable, the Universityis Board of Regents battled through great adversity behind the leadership of UMis first president, Bowman Foster Ashe, and managed to open the University, though in the leased facilities of the Anastasia Building, on Oct. 15, 1926. Five hundred and sixty students regis- tered for the Universityls first year. At the front of the line on the first day of registra- tion was Francis Houghtaling, UMis first student. Those students, and many that came after them, had their classes in the -Cardboard College? the name given to the University because, in order to hold classes in the Anastasia Building, cardboard separa- tions were erected to make partitions for the classrooms. Despite adding the School of Law in 1928 and the School of Business The Year kl Bcview Photos courtesy of the UM Archives Administration in 1929, the University found itself undergoing severe financial problems. Debts piled up and salaries could not be paid. At one time President Ashe had to pay the faculty out of his own pocket. In 1932, the University was forced to file for bankruptcy. But the Universityls supporters Were determined to keep the school going. President Ashe and others formed a new corporation, and in 1934, at an auction, they bought back most of the Universityis proper- ty for $15,758.84. After that, things began to get better and the University began to steadily expand and prosper, along with the rest of South Florida. 21

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Farewell Class of '92 goes out in style By FERNANDO BATTAGLIA he University of Miamiis class of 1992 filled the air with bal- loons and confetti as UM president Edward T. Foote 11 con- ferred degrees of the Universityis newest alumni during com- mencement ceremonies May 8, 1992. Horns blew and champagne corks popped during the proceedings on the University Green, marking an end to the college careers of the 2,349 UM students. 91 feel pretty tinglyf Todd Michael Smith, who earned a bachelors degree of sci- ence in communication, said. le relieved that Iim done with school someday, maybe Iill come back. But Pm not sure? ilIt feels good Itis hard to believe four years have gone by? graduate Jennifer Vannuchi, who majored in political science and English, said. Daniel J . Boorstin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Librarian of congress emeritus, gave the commencement address. Boorstin urged the graduates to use their education to become leaders because the need for leaders has increased. llThe leader is the person who can imagine that the fate can be otherwise? Boorstin said. Boorstin praised the students for Choosing to get an education. llWe need professionals, and Ilm sure that some of you will make some of the best? I 9 I a H Photos by James Boorstin said. ttNeither professionals nor bureaucrats can make us what we want, we l son Horns blew and champagne corks popped . during commencement ceremonies on the need a VOCEltlon.,, University Green, marking an end to the Boorstin also received an honorary Doctor college careers of 2,349 UM students. of Letters degree from UM. Other honorary degree recipients were Carlos Fuentes, Mexican author and former ambassador to France; Robert Galvin, chairman of the Executive Committee of Motorola; Louis J . Hector, senior partner in the law firm of Steel, Hector and Davis; and Walter A. Rosenblith, biophysi- cist and educator. This year, almost 400 students were graduated with honors - the highest number in UM history. The Year In Review 23