University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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E mNEXEEN-TEN MICHIGA.NENSIA.N The Future n m m m m 11 T is at a pause between strides of progress that one may best sum up retrospectively, and from this summation glean a suggestion of the future. It is like a new sailing master. peering over a wake of broken sea, he hesi- tates whether he shall put in at the port toward which other craft are scurrying or spend his best efforts to achieve the port beyond. It is here in the sheltered comfort of a convenient harbor that he might con- tent himself with the record of success of his former master. Or, he might reach beyond to the goal to which all aspire, but the accomplishment of which he alone may claim the distinction. So, too, we in the I ' liiversity may feel a tremble as the helm changes hands, then a re-engendering of con- fidence as the new skipper collects his best energies before breaking into the last for- ward sweep. Whether the command of our acting president is permanent or no, we are with him. There is evidence of the imperial spirit of Dr. Angell in the direction of univer- sity affairs, an evidence of stability and power as Dean Hutchins takes up the work which our loved President Emeritus has so efficiently done. Throughout all our progress there has been an insistent and constant broad- ening of the University ' s fundamental purpose, the building of true character. A prosperous and honored alumni form tribute to the influence which we are privileged in appreciating. It is in this influence toward the truest that we may confidently rest the University ' s future. Michigan now has twenty-five thousand living alumni scattered over the world. Each and every one of them are actively working for a greater Michigan. This year eight hundred more will be adtled to the list. Every senior in the University is going out to tell of the wonderful happenings here in Ann Arbor. There are some people who criticise Michigan graduates for singing the praises of Michigan so loudly. That, to us, is the best indication that Michigan men are still thinking of their Alma Mater. No doubt the subject is not pleasing to one who has not had the privilege of passing through one of the many courses offered by the University. We who have been here; we who have lived here and who have breathed of the helpful influences, the praises of Michigan can not be too loudly voiced. We have been fostered by one of the greatest Universities of the world and the sweet memories that shall come back to us in after years are worthy of the poet ' s efforts. No graduate of Michigan will remain silent because the truth is unwelcome news to the ears of people who have not been favored with Michigan ' s training. Michigan has been great in the past, is great in the present, and the future holds for it a brilliant prospect. Ve can see the dawning of a greater era before us, and how good it will be when we are older to tell the younger genera- tions of the old days in Michigan. How pleasant is the thought that now we are to go out into the world and point back with pride to the scene of our University days. Michigan ' s material future cannot be questioned, notwithstanding the finan- cial difficulties which often tend to check her present progress. The growth of the m m m [201 I

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W- NINETEEM-TEN MICHIGA.NENSI A.K d II a In a material way, the advancement of the University during the past year SI has been remarkable. The most significant financial accession of the year and one which, it is to be hoped, will inaugurate a new epoch in the history of the University was the testamentary bequest of the late Regent Hill, providing $200,000 for the construction of a new auditorium. Although the University derives an income from the three-eights ' mill tax equivalent to the interest from an endowment of approximately $ ' 25,000,000, there is no reason why the graduates ami friends of the University should fail to regard the University as a needful recipient for their surplus wealth. The need for more bequests such as that of Regent Hill, in view of the growing demands of the University, is patent to all who are conversant with univer- sity affairs. The extensive campus improvements which the annually increased enrollment necessitates, and the loss of valuable professors through our inability to compete with the financial inducements of other institutions, are continual remind- ers of the need for a more adequate financial foundation. It is to be hoped that the generous bequest of ex-Regent Hill will point the way to other Alumni, who, having profited from their training at Michigan, will remember the debt which they owe their Alma Mater. Notwithstanding, however, the inadequate resources of the University, the building operations of the year have been extensive. The Memorial Building, H universally pronounced as the most beautiful building on the campus, is now practi- cally completed and will be occupied before the commencement of the next school year. This building, the funds for which were raised by popular subscription, will be the headquarters of the Alumni Association and will constitute a club-house for visiting Alumni. The Memorial Committee, also, have recently announced that a large lounging and reading room will be set apart for the use of the student body. The university art collection has been provided for and will be removed from the Library Building, thereby relieving its present congested condition. The cost of the Memorial Building, without equipment, has thus far been one hundred eighty- (1 five thousand dollars. The most costly building project of the past year has been the New Chemis- try Laboratory, the expense of which, with equipment, will amount to three hundred thousand dollars. The new laboratory is to be devoted to all lines of chemistry and will also furnish accomodationa for the School of Pharmacy. Extensive addi- tions have also been made during the past year to the Engineering Building, the Observatory and the Old Chemical Building. The addition to the Engineering Building is to cost seventy-five thousand dollars, thus making its total cost approx- imately three hundred sixty thousand dollars and furnishing a building and equip- ment for the Engineering Department which is second to that of no institution in S the country. The material development of the University, however, is but indicative of that deeper institutional growth which has made it necessary. The University ' s true success is measured rather by the character of the educational influence which it affords as an institution and more especially by the achievements of its Alumni. who, as recipients of its bounty, are now rendering their service to society. In view of this latter consideration it is indisputable that if any one feature of the past year were to be pointed out as of the most far-reaching importance to the University, g the movement tending to the organization of its Alumni should receive first con- H sideration. Upon its success, together with the furtherance of the aims of the II Michigan Union and the continued progressive influence of the University Senate, depends, in large measure, the advancement of the University in the future. d n m a m ' (I [19]

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nn l FUINEXEEW-TEN MICHIGA.NENSIA.N other phase of the ideal Greater University, that of teaching, has passed beyond reali- zation. The spirit of Michigan is that tangible certainty which shall reach across the seas as it has already spread from Atlantic to Pacific. Analyze this spirit you cannot, unless you would call it the example of a peerless character which has given foundation to a universal ideal of upright conduct. It is the influence of this spirit which is to form our greater university. Not only a Greater University in a mate- rial sense, a great architectural plan, but a Greater University of ideas and ideals; a Greater University whose teachings shall lead us to greater efforts in doing honor to her who has taught us true manhood and true womanhood. When we as seniors pass without this University, whose memory is so dear, we will not forget her teachings. We will ever be mindful of her training. We shall not forget the good she has done for us and will strive to repay in our humble way the assistance she has rendered us in starting us upon our various careers. We will each take up our duty and work along our path of industry. We shall not for- get our Michigan and shall pause many times in our labor and live again the days we spent within her walls, and while we dream over those memories how pleasant shall be the thought that Michigan is not growing old and feeble, as we do day by day, but that Michigan is yet in her prime and is growing stronger and greater each year. Changes will be many, but those of us who have been here know they will be for the better. To you, Michigan, we predict a future worthy of such a grand institution. The undergraduates and the graduates will ever be watching you in your progress and will rejoice in each step forward. It is with confidence that we shall tell of your glorious future. We know that you will build in a masterly way and fulfill our hopes. H H m a Hi m s THE UNIVERSITY IN 1841 [21]