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

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The World of the University in 1956. The MICHI- GANENSIAN presents an impression of that world. It must necessarily be an instantaneous im- pression. The alumni gathered at class reunions can testify that the University has changed since the Stutz Bearcat days; only the naive believe that the World of the University in 1970 will conform to today ' s idioms and ideas. To record and inter- pret the attitudes which prevailed and the events which occurred in that world in 1956 is our mission. The University is a world apart. For the under- graduate, attendance at the University is essen- tially a withdrawal from the familiar environment of home and family. Arriving at Michigan from Bay City or Bombay, the student is absorbed by the University. It permeates his existence and he develops a new frame of reference. Home town cri- teria and past experiences become subordinate as the student orients himself to life at the University. The pace of academics, social life, cultural events, and campus activities largely obliterates the out- side world. Temporarily the student is shielded from external realities. His entire energy is devoted to his life in the World of the University.

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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN HERBERT STANTON WANDER RICHARD DAVIS HARRISON PATRICIA JANE GODDARD B3OWNSON MURRAY MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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The historian can trace the University of Michi- gan back to its humble beginnings in Detroit in 1817, the executive can unravel its organizational chart, the social scientist can apply his theories to its phenomenal growth, the educator can explain its philosophy, perhaps the architect can under- stand its collection of buildings. But while the spe- cialists probe components, only the student can choose from among them to shape his experience at Michigan. Life in the World of the University may be logi- cally divided into segments. Each student deals with each of these segments, even if this reaction to many of them is indifference or defiance. Wheth- er he fights off sleep in an over-heated study hall or staunchly refuses to crack a book until finals; whether he lives in a chapter house, apartment, or residence hall; whether he is active in campus ac- tivities or denounces them as outlets for extroverts and hypocrits; whether he participates in athletics, waves a pennant in the stands, or disregards the program completely, he expresses his reaction to the phases of University life. He must determine what the World of the University means to him. I N S I A N