University of Wisconsin Madison - Badger Yearbook (Madison, WI)

Page 10 text:

THROUGH THE YEARS THESE TRADITIONS HAVE PREVAILED V isconsIn Is a school of traditions traditions which have become more and more absorbed in the pot- pourri that is the University, until they have formed the very integer of the mixture. j fT y f f Wf j I Mld-Sepl ember finds the campus dotted v.ith new young faces; the freshmen arrive a week early in order to better accustom themselves to ihe sur- roundings in which they are to pend four years acquiring culture. Orientation committees of upper- classmen aid the neophytes in their difficult task of, readjustment. After a ten-day rushing period. iO-orlty and frater- nity pledging takes place. In a school of Wiscon- sin ' s size, fraternities and sororities quite naturally form a distinct minority group. This group makes up in solidarity what it lacks in numbers; as is demonstrated In its control over Icey campus posi- tions; and despite contrary rumors, fraternities and sororities seem destined for permanency among the university ' s Institutions. attraction of the Fall season • Home- Alumnl welcome the opportunity to return to the old Alma Mater and renew old acquaint- anceships. The Friday evening before the game finds the lower campus overflowing with grads and undergrads alike, surrounding the traditional bon- fire and responding to the Cheerleader ' s efforts to revive the spirit. In 1929 a new tradition found its way Into campus life. Pan-Hellenic Council, an Inter-surorlty body, was founded; and with it came Pan-Hell Ball. Every autumn since then, sorority girls conduct this function in its entirety — inviting their own dates in Lear-year fashion. Campus elections, occurring regularly each fall and spring, reveal the extent of democratic government at Wisconsin. In the past, Interest In these posi- tions has been largely confined to fraternities and a small group of independents; yet the opportunity to seek and hold office remains for whosoever wishes to make the attempt. a ' ii«, , -iitJ . ■ 1 i m

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The University of Wisconsin is a school which prides itself on its unique- ness among the many pillars of learning. Since Its founding, In 1846, it has become a harbor of free thought and has fostered liberal traditions. It might well be called A democracy within a democracy ; for It has conducted itself on the basis of rewarding industry and pertinacity. It Is only natural that Wisconsin should be a liberal school by the very nature of the State government. In 1900 the senior La Follette smashed machine rule and fought his way to the gubernatorial mansion. After ten years of struggle with the bosses and old line pols, he secured control of the legislature and proceeded to Initiate reforms. This same Progressivism has carried over Into Wisconsin ' s educational Institutions and the above-mentioned legislature runs the University at a minimum expense to the taxpayers. The University Is primarily a local institution (residents are admitted without paying tuition), yet It wel- comes free-thinkers from everywhere. In a background such as this, it is easy to see how great men have reached the pinnacle of success, after making their original dent in Madison campus affairs. In the Administration Section of this volume are but a few of the more Illustrious alumni whose stories of success remain a shining example for all Wisconsin students both of today and tomorrow. Nowhere else Is there such an emphasis on individualism; nowhere else is there such an opportunity for success. This down-to-earth attitude is everywhere evi- dent starting with President Dykstra right down to the lowliest fresh- man, hiere is a school which makes a reality rather than a farce of the democratic ideal; here endure the principles of justice and equality, for which these United States were founded . . . We salute you, Wisconsin, school of the free! k

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rr t Ht I IT Hk As is natural in a school of Wisconsin ' s quality, ifi? scope of degrees bestowed is quite sweeping. Each June at commencement time, two or three outstanding men are honored by the Univer- sity for their accomplish- ments in the outside world. Anolher tradition now firmly ensconced is the Army day held every spring. ROTC membership this year rose to - nine hundred, the highest fig- ure for any year since com- pulsory military training was discontinued — a significant fact, probably reflecting the general unrest In our world of today. Wisconsin students take Iheir play just as seriously as they take their work. Through the years various parties stand out for the regularity of their occurrence; in the fall come Haresfoot Follies and Homecoming Ball; in the winter, Prom and Wniter Car- nival; and In the spring, Military Ball and Senior Ball. These functions have become as traditional as the seasons themselves, and afford the student-body pleasant relaxa- tion from Ihe rigorous demands of currlcular work. Most recent and probably the fastest-developing tradition Is that of the annua! Winter Carnival. A noticeable impetus has been given by winter-sports lovers here on Campus, and the popularity of the last two festivals indicates that the Wisconsin winter fete soon will occupy a place in the sun along with the Carnivals held by some of the Eastern Institutions. 4 m