Western Michigan University - Brown and Gold Yearbook (Kalamazoo, MI)

Page 9 text:

INTRODUCTION Western Michigan University was created, by Legis- lative action, in 1903 as Western State Normal Col- lege. Since then it has experienced steady growth until now it is fourth in Michigan in number of students and diversity of academic programs. In the past sixty-two years Western has physically expanded its boundaries over approximately 400 acres comprising the main east and west campuses. It has not only developed physically but academically as well. Western supports an impressive twenty-nine special curricular programs. Some of these include the Honors College, established two years ago, and the Educational Resources Center, a model instructional materials center in the Midwest. The Paper Tech- nology program is second to none at the undergrad- uate level, and closed-circuit television has already captured two national awards for excellence . . . This is to name just a few. National and international projects play an important part in the modern world today and Western is no exception. The United States Government, through the Agency for International Development, requested WMU ' s assistance in establishing a new Technical College in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participation in this pro- gram is now in its fifth year. A variety of study ex- periences in overseas nations are also sponsored by the University for qualified students. Student organizations on campus aid both the ex- pansion and versatility of the University. The quality of the University is seen through her organizations, and in the past few years a definite improvement has been evident. The Student Association, the WESTERN HERALD, WIDR, the Festival of Arts, and USCB are all fine examples of student participation. Physical, academic, social — these are the principle factors that make Western Michigan University a top ranking institution of higher and more progressive learning, a corner stone in a foundation of life. Yes, this is the framework on which our University has built an interrelated network of student activity, Western our City.

Page 8 text:

Calm soul of all things! make it m,ine To feel, amid the city ' s jar, That there abides a peace of thine, Man did not make, and cannot mar! Matthew Arnold

Page 10 text:

University Student Center BUILDING BIGGER A city grows and expands as does its build- ings, thus with our city! In the past four years Western has seen expansion in its academic, social, and residential facilities. The new academic buildings stand in tribute to Leslie H. Wood and Paul V. Sangren, build- ers of our city. Wood Hall houses the scientific aspect of our learning while Sangren Hall em- bodies liberal arts and education. The hub of social activities has grown with the expansion of the University Student Cen- ter and Read Field House. The student center serves as a meeting place for assemblies, forums, and informal gather- ings. The field house acts as an arena for various sports events as well as special con- certs and guest stars. University Student Center