University of Oklahoma - Sooner Yearbook (Norman, OK)

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} ROLOGUE The 1941 SOONER YEARBOOK symbolizes GROWTH in three aspects — the State, the University, and the Student. First are explained, through the use of art, pictures and writing, the original assets and the natural environs of the State of Oklahoma. Then comes the period of struggle for possession, the conflict among the Indians, cowboys and settlers. The transitional stage is the changing economy from cattle ranges to farming and industry. Then our in- dustrial development is seen to stabilize and to become permanent. Out of this stabilization has grown a definite culture of Oklahoma, a culture which is dis- tinct and original, one which has made great contributions to the culture of America and the world. Our poets, authors, musicians, painters, and entertain- ers are outstanding; our industrial, civic, and political leaders, widely famed. 1 HE founding of the University was immediately followed by a period of uncertainty, groping, and exploration together with experimentation in curricu- lum and instruction. During this period of turbulence, the administration was rather uncertain. Then the University experienced rapid growth and expan- sion; the school began to take on aspects of a real University. It reached a high peak in enrollment; it gave great accomplishment with limited resources; there was a stabilization in administration. Today the University of Oklahoma ranks at the top in size and quality. Its schools and colleges have world-wide renown; its cultural influence is now beginning to be felt. 1 HE growth of the Student is begun with a period of new discoveries, new associations, new environment. Then comes Sophomoritis , during which the student is brash, wild, irresponsible, rowdy, and unpredictable. The junior year is the transitional stage between the brass of the sophomore and the dignity of the senior. The Senior is industrious, capable, stable and achieving. The grad- uate student is resourceful and cultured — the safe-keeper of knowledge from the past, and the custodian and producer of learning tomorrow. A ND there it is. We present them to you, now, as the motif of our art decora- tions and as the story of the Birth, Adolescence, Transition, Maturity and Cul- ture of Oklahoma, The University and the Students. We hope it will prove a valuable historical manuscript, as well as a treasured memory document. CUlT-Oo

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WITH LOVE AND ADMIRATION Born in South Texas while the echoes of the War between the States still echoed ancl the bitter- ness of Reconstruction still fanned sparks of ha- tred, William Bennett Bi .zell jjrew up in the con- servati e tradition. of the )kl South, tempered by tile jo ()us optimism ot the unbounded Southwest. His boyhood legends were tales of gallantry and heroism, told by men who had worn the gray at Shiloh and in the Valley of Virginia; yet mingled with them were stories of tiie Alamo and San lacinto. Education in rural Texas in those days was a prize worth strug- gling tor; hoys athirst toi ' knowledge did larm chores, underwent pri ations and trudgeil or rode horseback long miles through Texas northers or blistering heat to meagerly equipped but faithfully served schools, hungrily read what books they could obtain, and burnetl midnight oil in the sure iaitli that learning is the key to all doors. Graduating trom Bavlor L nnersits m A ' aco, Texas, with the degree of B. S. in 1898 and of i ' h. B. in 1900, he went to Navasota, Texas, in the latter year as superinteiulent of schools. l- rom this e [ierience comes his deep understantlmg ol, anil liroad sympathy for, the problems of public school pupils, teaciiers and admniistrators. in 1900 he was marrleil to the lo el lady whn has shared his biu ' dens as well as liis triumpiis through all the years. I lis sympathies were as boundless as Ins energies: he read enoniioush , he studieil pi-ob- lems ol religion, ol agriculture, ol philosophy anil of culture. In 1911 he studied law at the Illinois College ol Law, recei ing the tiegree ot 1,1,. M. in 1911 and of n. C. !.. in 1913. From this perioil may be traceil his |)rotouiul and scholarK books of later ears.