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

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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