University of Minnesota - Gopher Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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THE CHALLENGE IS MET Bv E.B. Pierce, ' 04 FOR the first time in the 54 years of the wonderful history of the University of Minnesota, students, faculties, and alumni were asked to supply a fund of $2,000,000 to meet the two greatest needs of the Uni ' ersity aside from class room requirements: (1) An auditorium where students in general assembly might sense their spiritual unity and catch the vision of unselfish, dis- interested service which uni ' ersity and national leaders of thought may present; the structure to be a mem- orial to the late President Emeritus Cyrus Northrop. (2) A stadium seating 45,000 to 90,000 persons who might catch the inspiration of clean living, ' Sturdy bodies, staying quali- ties, team work, fine sportsmanship, fearlessness, and leadership through the games witnessed therein; this monument to be dedicated to the memory of the boys who died in service. People said : Minnesota is a state institution. Why should any need be met by her family and friends? A friendly legislature has successfully met the classroom needs arising from the rapid expansion of buildings and grounds, trying to keep pace with the bare scholastic requirements, but has been obliged through lack of resources to neglect certain spiritual and character-making influences so essential to the de elopment of our young manhood and womanhood. And it was those needs that the call sought to meet. The opportunity to help was to be presented to the students and faculties in the fall. What would be their answer? Were our critics right who said that an institution located in a large city couldn ' t have any spirit? Or was there really at Minnesota a genuine cohesiveness and power that needed but a great incentive to stir it into action? The University spirit e.xpressed by the student body and faculty during the campaign, when they subscribed $665,000.00 to the auditorium-stadium project, surpassed any demonstration of institutional loyalty that I have e er seen or heard of here or elsewhere. It was the first time that a real test of devotion involving a financial sacrifice for Minnesota had been made, and the magnificent response to this challenge has stirred the blood of every alumnus and former student with a new sense ol pride in the refined power of the student body. A new era has come to Minne- sota. THE STADIUM Page 34

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cA STADIUM Dedicated to the soldiers of Minne- sota; who by their sacrifice in the World War made ever bright the glory of their native state. cAN AUDITORIUM To the memory of Cyrus Northrop, who by his life gave inspiration to all who knew his spirit and his work.

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MINNESOTA IS AWAKE 5vLa Pu ene. ' 92 There are giants in THESE Mater has been the princess in rescue. The college world has votion. Countless monuments e ' ery vhere. A new world has have found expression. Joy and breast. ACK of college spirit; lack of esprit de corps on the campus; absence of alumni loyalty. These were the charges against Minnesota. Unfavorable compari- sons were made with other colleges. Students came to doubt their own college spirit. Alumni were inert and indifferent. A college which makes no demand receives little allegiance. Alumni associations with hypo- thetical programs get nowhere. Life cannot be sustained on mere remi- niscence. That which is not ex- pressed dies. Loyalty demands that a price be paid for its e.xistence. And so we had come to believe that there was no Minnesota spirit. It was latent on the campus except under p ressure of pep meetings, when it was whipped into line. Alumni groups existed on paper only, days. Campus giants. Alumni giants. Alma distress. Hosts of giants have come to the seen a succession of feats of strength and de- of victory grace the domain of Alma Mater dawned on our campus. Loyalty and devotion satisfaction and pride have sprung up in e -ery In the Land of the Northern -Star a giant lay in lethargy. Now and then a bevy of elfs and imps prodded him into a spasm of life. Artificial stimulants were administered. There was an automatic sign of pep. He gave meaning- less yells, but not being able to stand defeat he relapsed, groaned, wept, and slept again. Suddenly the j ' oung giant stirred. He stretched himself. He burst his shackles. He rejoiced as a young man to run a race. The test had come. He saw in vision the realization of a charming dream. He ran, he shouted. Other sleeping giants awoke. Minnesota, Hail to Thee! The shackles are gone forever. A glorified LIniversity is calling to us. She beckons us on. Ne ' er was there such response. Minnesota fight is realized. Obstacles crumble before our ad ance. Ne -er was such a giant seen before. All other feats of daring and strength seem as naught. All other valiant and loyal deeds are put to shame. The Minnesota giant stands alone with sword in hand. His victory was without precedent. No more will he sleep. A succession of victories li THE STADIUM Page 25