University of Minnesota Morris Digital Well University of Minnesota Morris Digital Well

Miscellaneous Campus Publications UMM Archives

2000 Re-collections celebrates: The niU versity of Minnesota's 150th birthday; The esW t Central School of Agriculture's 90th birthday; The University of Minnesota, Morris' 40th birthday University of Minnesota, Morris

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/miscpubs

Recommended Citation University of Minnesota, Morris, "Re-collections celebrates: The nivU ersity of Minnesota's 150th birthday; The eW st Central School of Agriculture's 90th birthday; The nivU ersity of Minnesota, Morris' 40th birthday" (2000). Miscellaneous Campus Publications. 10. https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/miscpubs/10

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the UMM Archives at University of Minnesota Morris Digital Well. It has been accepted for inclusion in Miscellaneous Campus Publications by an authorized administrator of University of Minnesota Morris Digital Well. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 111 Re-collections celebrates:

The University of Minnesota’s 150th birthday The West Central School of Agriculture’s 90th birthday The University of Minnesota, Morris’ 40th birthday

This year of milestones—the year 2000—has ignited our imaginations and inspired exploration.

How does our history as an American Indian boarding school and a University of Minnesota agricultural boarding high school affect the campus today?

What worldwide, nationwide, statewide, local and campus happenings shaped UMM?

How did the campus community—students, faculty, staff—react to historical events and social changes?

Re-collections is not a comprehensive record of our campus history. Re-collections seeks to show and tell how UMM has been shaped by its past. By gathering memories through inter- views, essays, photos and archival research, Re-collections explores how the accumulation of experiences defines the University of Minnesota, Morris.

ns-gathered or accumulated memories- prefix meaning anew collections-gath- g thoughts, images, ideas ° re-a prefix or accumulated memories-reviving meaning anew collections-gathered or Photograph by Tom Foley, U of M Institutional Relations Foley, Tom Photograph by Northrop Memorial Auditorium on Minneapolis campus University of Minnesota In 1851, Minnesota’s territorial legislature While the University’s beginnings were drafted a university charter at the urging of uncertain, the Minnesota Territory representa- their governor, Alexander Ramsey, who signed tives did not lose sight of the potential for a it immediately. The forethought of those first great university in Minnesota. After the charter leaders over 150 years ago launched the was created, they made their case to the United University of Minnesota’s journey to becoming States Congress for a grant of public land that an internationally-known research and teaching would be held as an endowment for funding university with a mission to share knowledge the new university. Henry Sibley, who would with the people of Minnesota and the citizens later become Minnesota’s first governor, of the world. lobbied in Washington for a congressional Few students in the Minnesota Territory in land-grant bill. President Buchanan vetoed the 1851 were prepared for college, so the Univer- bill as unconstitutional but Justin Morrill, sity, supported entirely by private donations Vermont representative and the bill’s author, and fees, began as a preparatory school. The continually reintroduced the bill until the school opened with 20 students. Tuition ranged Morrill Act was voted into law in 1862 and from $4 to $6 per quarter. After only seven signed by President Abraham Lincoln. years, the school was forced to close due to The state of Minnesota received 30,000 re-afinancial prefix difficulties and themeaning threat of civil war. acres anew of land for each of its four collectio delegation n

Minnesota Minnesota revivingTerritory thoughts, becomesimages, ideasCivil War Morrill re-a Act p established the 32nd state begins becomes law 1849 1851 1858 1860 1861 1862 University of University of ered or accumulatedMinnesota memories-revivinMinnesota g founded as a reorganized preparatory as institute of meaning school anew with an collections-gatheredhigher enrollment of 20 education thoughts, images, ideas re-a prefix m 333 members. The land, granted for investment purposes and not for campus sites, was trans- ferred to the state in 1867. The Morrill Act requires the grant revenue be invested in a perpetual fund, “the capital of which shall remain forever undiminished.” The interest used for “the endowment, support and maintenance of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanical arts...in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life.” In 1868, John Sargent Pillsbury, state senator, persuaded the Minnesota Legislature First U of M president, William Watts Folwell, and to pass the University second president, Cyrus Northrop (U of M Archives) Reorganization Act, which assured the regent and led the school out from under its Morrill Land-Grant financial burdens by donating private funds to Act endowment funds the school and by inspiring others to do Pillsbury would be received by likewise. He is known as the “Father of the (U of M Archives) the newly reopened University.” University. The school reorganized and reopened in Pillsbury, an impassioned supporter, began 1867 debt free. Under the leadership of its first his history with the University under interesting president, William Watts Folwell, considered circumstances. The University purchased an “education visionary,” the prep school was materials for its first building, Old Main, from phased out, the campus doubled in size, an Pillsbury’s hardware store. When the Univer- experimental farm was purchased and a medical sity could not pay their bill, he considered department organized. A strong foundation for suing the Regents to collect. Instead, Pillsbury the University of Minnesota had been laid. ns-gatheredembraced the school’s mission,or accumulated became a memories- Stevens County’s first documented Village of prefixDakota SiouxmeaningCivil War settlement anew Morriscollections-gath-Telephone uprising ends established established invented 1862 1865 1866 1869 1871 1876 1880 Folwell ° University of g thoughts, images,inaugurated ideas as re-aMinnesota prefix hires first University of woman professor, Minnesota’s Maria Louise or accumulated first president memories-revivingSanford, who taught composition, rhetoric meaning anew collections-gatheredand oratory or American Indian school: Sisters of Mercy The Morris American Indian Boarding School was established in 1887 by the Sisters of Mercy, an order of the Roman Catholic Church, whose mission is to serve the poor and the uneducated. The school was contracted by the federal government and provided vocational training for adolescent youth. Boys learned agricultural skills, and girls learned cooking, needlework and sewing. The school was directed by Mother Mary Joseph Lynch, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1860 after serving with Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. Under Mother Mary Joseph’s supervision, corporal punishment was forbidden, living conditions were adequate and no discipline problems were reported. The first students were from the Sisseton and Rosebud reservations in South Dakota. Mother Mary Joseph fostered a strong recruiting relationship with the Turtle Mother Mary Joseph Lynch (circa 1886) Mountain Ojibway reservation in North Dakota. Throughout its brief history, the school’s future was always at risk. An 1890 hailstorm destroyed the school’s crops resulting in a The sisters were distressed by the school’s shortage of food. Debts accumulated. Federal closing and concerned about the future of their policy changes emphasizing separation of students. church and state, and promoting universal education for all students led the government to “I feel wretched to have to send away 73 children.” end religiously-operated boarding schools. —Mother Mary Joseph Lynch On July 1st, 1896, the federal government director cancelled its contract with the Sisters of Mercy. 1887-1896 re-a prefix meaning anew collection

Wounded reviving thoughts,Knee Radio images, ideas re-a p Massacre invented 1887 1890 1895 1899 1904 Sisters of Mercy Boys’ dormitory University of eredAmerican or Indian accumulated completed,memories-revivin building Minnesota g boarding school used as the Music starts 4-H opens in Morris Hall and currently as program meaning anew collections-gatheredthe Minority Resource Center thoughts, images, ideas re-a prefix m 555 Morris Industrial School The campus reopened in 1897 as the Morris Industrial School for American Indians under the management of the federal govern- ment. William H. Johnson, former director of the Quapaw Agency reservation school in Missouri, was appointed superintendent. Johnson planned new buildings, purchased ample supplies and hired a staff that for the first time included American Indians. Students Morris Industrial School (1896) continued to come from Turtle Mountain In 1904, a typhoid epidemic struck the reservation, but the majority of students were school. Thirty-seven students contracted the from the Ojibway reservations of northern dreaded disease; two children died. Minnesota, including the White Earth Agency. The opening of the American Indian school Changes also occurred in the school’s at Wahpeton, North Dakota, reduced Brown’s educational philosophy. Kindergarten through ability to attract students to the Morris school. grade eight classes were added, specifically Eventually, changes in governmental policy emphasizing Euro-centric academic instruction. closed the school. Living conditions at the school began to Federal officials deteriorate due to reductions in federal support. believed that Discipline problems increased, as did the reservation schools number of runaway students, perhaps indicat- would more effec- ing the declining environment at the school. In tively assimilate 1901, after being accused of sexual impropri- American Indians eties, Johnson was fired and replaced by John into white society. B. Brown. On March 3, 1909, the Morris 1908 Baseball team campus was transferred to the state of Minnesota with the stipulation that American Indian students “shall at all times be admitted to such school free of charge for tuition and on terms of equality with white pupils.” Plans began for the campus’ conversion to a ns-gathered or accumulatedregional agricultural memories- 1908 Graduating class high school. prefix meaningHenry Ford designs anew collections-gath- “automobile plow” 1905 1907 1909 1909 University of University of The Morris ° g thoughts,Minnesota images,Minnesota ideasTribune re-a prefix Hospitals Extension started, announces established now offices in agriculture or accumulatedevery Minnesota memories-revivingschool will county open meaning anew collections-gathered or WCSA: The early years When the closing of the Morris Industrial WCSA students enthusiastically partici- School for Indians was announced, an intense pated in activities outside of the classroom. effort was made to establish a University of Literary societies allowed opportunities to Minnesota agricultural high school on the discuss literature and to share readings of their same site. Local legislator Lewis C. Spooner favorite works. Debate and declamation successfully rallied the community, legislature, competitions were held and class plays per- governor and the University of Minnesota formed. Athletic teams provided friendly regents in support of the new school. E. C. competition. Basketball teams were organized Higbie was hired as the first superintendent for both boys and girls. The football team and on October 3, 1910, the West Central played its first game in 1910, losing to Morris School of Agriculture and Experiment Station High School by a score of 10-0. opened to 103 students. During Field The WCSA’s mission was to educate west Days, the commu- central Minnesota youth on contemporary nity was invited to agriculture and homemaking methods and campus to learn provide core academic instruction. Students about new agricul- accepted were at least 14 years of age and ture techniques eighth grade graduates. Students enrolled in a from Experiment three-year course of study that ran from early Station and WCSA October after the fall harvest until late March faculty. before spring planting. Students continued Tragedy struck projects at home during the summer, and in 1918 when the visiting instructors would monitor progress. influenza epidemic hit Morris. Three students Summer projects allowed students to share new died, and 116 became ill. The school closed for agriculture practices with their parents at home. 21 days. When it reopened, students and staff Typical protected themselves by wearing gauze face classes included masks. The school rebounded and enrollment animal husbandry, climbed to 164 for the fall term of 1919. cooking, sewing, carpentry, as well “The University of Minnesota Farm School has as English, math worked out a system of teaching agriculture to and music. Short farm boys and girls by actual, practical experi- courses were ence which far surpasses anything of its kind in offered for the United States.” students who —Bushnell Hart could only attend Harvard University professor of history re-a prefix meaningfor brief periods. anew collectio1920 n revivingTitanic thoughts,WWI WWI images, ideas re-a p sinks begins ends 1912 1912 1912 1914 1918 1920 1920 1920 WCSA Stevens Senior Hall Record-breaking Agricultural Hall, now ered Girls’or accumulatedCounty built as a memories-revivincrowd of over 8,000 Social Sciences, com- g Dormitory hires first U WCSA boys’ attend field day at pleted, home to the “Cow completed, of M dormitory, West Central Palace,” a livestock meaninglater named County anew later collections-gatherednamed Experiment Station judging hall and now Camden Agent, F. Blakely Hall UMM’s second largest thoughts,Hall D.images, Hawk ideas re-alecture prefix hall m WCSA: The mid years 777 The WCSA was a conglomeration of new experiences for many students: living on their own for the first time, eating in the dining hall, class schedules and roommates they had never met before. For some students, running water and electricity were new amenities. A steam whistle blew at 6:30 a.m. to wake the students and again at 7 a.m. to signal the start of breakfast. “They blinked the lights [in the dorm] at 10:15 p.m. to give you 15 minutes to get ready for bed,” remembers Walter “Slim” Hokanson ’30. New friendships were formed. Students whose farm homes were only a few with the U of M agricultural high school at miles from one another often met for the first Crookston developed, and a new tradition was time at the WCSA. born. The winning football team would take Like all aspects of life in Minnesota and home a wooden pig named “Ozzie.” The first across the nation, the Great Depression affected year, WCSA defeated Crookston, but the two the WCSA. Enrollment fell from 388 students teams traded victories over the years. Ozzie in 1929 to 187 in 1932 as students and their has made his home in both Crookston and families struggled to find means to pay tuition. Morris. He still sometimes travels between the Like many of her friends, Gladys Sumner two campuses for the annual WCSA and Soehren ’32 took time off from school in order NWSA alumni reunions. to earn enough money to finish her education. An optional four-year program was added “We had to sacrifice and give up lots of things,” to the WCSA curriculum in 1938, and in 1940, she recalls. Crops were poor and basic necessi- a flight training program, Civilian Pilot ties like food and clothing were purchased with Training, was care. Soehren remembers how young women started. Ground students would lend dresses to those who and air instruction couldn’t afford to buy their own. was offered at the Despite the poor economic times, students new Morris continued to enjoy WCSA life. Football airport. During continued to be a popular campus activity. The WWII, it was team out scored its 1928 season opponents 157- renamed the War 12. During the late 1920s an intense rivalry Training Service. ns-gatheredMinnesota ratifies or accumulated memories- the 19th amendment, which guarantees Lindbergh flies Armistice prefixwomen’s right meaning to anewsolo across the collections-gath-Television Day U. S. enters vote Atlantic invented Blizzard WWII 1921 1923 1926 1927 1935 1940 1941 Infirmary completed, Junior Hall, ° g thoughts,used for administra- images,later named ideas“Monday, December 8, 1941,re-a Mr. Fenske prefix[superintendent] tion from 1961-1967, Pine Hall, made the announcement in assembly that the Japanese had currently houses the completed attacked Pearl Harbor and that the United States of America or accumulatedDivision of Education was memories-reviving now at war with Japan. Mr. Fenske and most of the and University student body were in tears.” meaningRelations anew collections-gathered—The Moccasin or 1963 WCSA: times of change The postwar years between the mid 1940s During World War II, the WCSA faced and the mid 1950s were relatively stable for the many difficulties. Students and administration WCSA. Enrollment grew to an all-time high of adapted to rationing of food, tires and gasoline. 455 in 1947. The students enjoyed excellent Students were no longer allowed to bring their academic opportunities and cherished memo- cars to school. WCSA stayed in touch with ries were made through friendships, athletics, their service men and women. This letter by social events and extracurricular activities. George Carpenter ’35 was printed in the But change was imminent. While the first September 1943 issue of the West Central WCSA students arrived by horse and wagon, School News: the high school students of the 1950s traveled August 8, 1943 by bus or car to schools in their own communi- Dear Mr. Fenske: ties. By the late 1950s, telephone, radio and I received your letter of November 17th, television were standard means of communica- [1942], a few days ago, and I was very happy tion, and the technology explosion was just and pleased to receive it. It filled me with that beginning. In the mid 1950s, the University of good ol’ Aggie spirit, that will never cease to Minnesota began discussing the future of the exist in any man or woman who has lived on high school agriculture programs. Area groups that campus. were listening closely and organizing a cam- ...At present I’m on a South Pacific Island paign to establish a college campus in Morris. and the name, of course, is not permissible to By 1959, WCSA enrollment was falling, mention. The South Sea Islands are beautiful, perhaps in part due to the possibility that the too beautiful for words, but we are so used to it, school would indeed close. In November 1959, that it isn’t appreciated as much as it could be. I the new superintendent, Rodney Briggs, believe right now the song “White Christmas” confirmed that the WCSA would be phased out explains my thoughts. It will probably have to and college classes would begin the fall of 1960. wait for a while, there is a job to do... Sincerely, “Squirt” re-a prefix meaning anew collection

Modern Korean revivingWWII computer thoughts, images,Conflict ideas re-aKorean p ends invented begins Conflict ends 1945 1945 1946 1947 1949 1950 1951 1953 Director Blossom University Third floor and Dr. Richard DeWall, ered or Sorbyaccumulated and the of Minne- roof of Girls’ memories-revivinMorris High School g WCSA Chorus sota classes Dormitory (now and University of presents concerts begin on Camden Hall) Minnesota graduate, meaningin Cyrus, anewChokio Duluth destroyed collections-gathered in fire invents heart-lung and Donnelly campus machine used in open thoughts, images, ideas re-aheart surgeries prefix m WCEDA: grassroots advocates 999 When it became apparent that the Univer- sity of Minnesota’s agricultural high schools would close, a regional group organized the West Central Educational Association. Rather than a vacant campus, void of teachers and learners, these visionaries imagined a unique University of Minne-

sota campus in Morris, a public liberal 1959 arts college, affordable and accessible. They pooled their talents, time and resources to make over 43 ribune the dream a reality. percent of UMM’s

Morris T WCEDA developed a convincing case for first-year operating costs. Commu- west central Minnesota’s access to higher nity members went door-to-door selling light education, and then tirelessly shared their bulbs. Boy Scouts sold holiday wreaths. proposal with the community, region, public Businesses generously donated. Donors could officials, legislators and regents. call in on Clifford Hedburg’s local radio show. He’d ring a cow bell on air when a new pledge “You know the facilities are available. You know was received. These community gifts started the students are available. You have the unques- the library, established a counseling program tioned authority to conduct such a pilot study. We and purchased equipment and supplies. urge you to take definite action now.” Throughout UMM’s history, WCEDA has —Edward J. Morrison been a stable presence. During the 1980s October 1959 statement to the U of M budget crisis, 22 regional supporters joined the Board of Regents Presidents Club Giving Society, pledging Fred Behmler, state senator, and Delbert $10,000 each to UMM. The dollars were much Anderson, state representative, both members needed, but the gifts themselves were invalu- of the Legislative Commission on Agricultural able in the message they sent to the University Schools, were staunch supporters. Their and to the legislature. Most recently, WCEDA’s committee submitted a report to the governor well-honed lobbying skills influenced the and members of the legislature in July 1959 legislature’s decision to fund the Morris Science requesting that the regents prepare buildings Project and Regional Fitness Center. and plans for a four-year college in Morris. Later that year, the regents voted to establish a collegiate program at Morris. WCEDA was instrumental in getting ns-gatheredUMM off to a good start. or A fund accumulated drive raised memories- Mainstreet U.S.S.R. launches Alaska Morris 1956 Sputnik I and II, and prefix meaningthe first earth anewHawaii collections-gath- satellites become 1956 1957 states 1959 1959 Roy Bridgford, retired 1959 U of M Regents Edson° Audito- g thoughts,Experiment Station images, approveideas offering rium, named re-a in prefix agronomist, appointed first year college honor of WCSA to National University classes at Morris Superintendent orof Seoul accumulated to work on memories-revivingAllen W. Edson, postwar rehabilitation dedicated meaningefforts anew collections-gathered or “We packed up our suitcase, clock radio, portable typewriter and went to college. It was a very low-key, conservative time. The area high schools had dress codes...so the first UMMers continued to dress more formally than today’s college students,” remembers Halvorson. Classes began in a flurry of activity. Two sets of students—UMM and WCSA— were occupying the campus, and, at least for staff, “It was complete chaos,” James Peterson, UMM painter, remembered. Professor of Chemistry Jim Olson, who taught at WCSA and was one of UMM’s founding faculty, remembers the first day of classes: “It was very exciting, but I can remember being totally puzzled and a little bit nervous. When it was all over, I had no way of judging, did this go well or not?” First-day confusion faded, and UMM Opening day: September 26, 1960 began fulfilling its liberal arts mission. “The Two hundred thirty-eight students scurried academic standards were very high....and into UMM classrooms on opening day in Briggs wanted students to experience diver- September 1960. The new student body was sity,” states Halvorson. made up of 64 young women and 174 young men. Bruce Halvorson ’64 recalls, “We were very young. The majority of students were 17 and 18 years old... about 95 percent had just graduated from high school.” Ninety-two percent of the 1960-61 “We were all freshmen together, students were from within 35 miles of Morris, beanies and all.” and many students commuted to school. Only —Mary Vogel Kowles ’64 30 young men lived on campus in what is now first student to enroll at UMM Pine Hall. re-a prefix meaning anew collection reviving thoughts, images, 1960-61ideas Facts and Figures re-a p Tuition, room and board $1,003 1960 1960 1960 WCSA Alumni A group of women WCEDA 238 students eredAssociation or accumulatedfrom Morris form a donates $15,000 memories-revivin27% female 73% male g established bridge league to to help UMM 92% from within 35 miles of raise funds for establish a Morris meaningUMM anew library collections-gathered 13 faculty thoughts, images, ideas re-a47 freshman prefix courses m 111111 Early controversy During UMM’s early years, the new college survived threats of termination and classification as a junior college. In November 1960, the chairman of the Western and Southwestern Minnesota College Committee told reporters that 1962 UMM had inadequate facilities, and that the

campus should be closed immediately: anguard

The V “It would not be in the best interest of the tax- payers of this state or in the best interest of the University of Minnesota and its great metropoli- In 1962, UMM supporters—faculty, staff, tan expansion program to appropriate further students and community— in a united effort moneys for the continuance of the Morris experi- prevented junior college classification by the ment. Its future success is highly doubtful.” Minnesota Legislature. In April 1963, UMM —O.B. Rekow received approval to offer a four-year program. Montevideo News The “Morris experiment” years provided November 1960 numerous opportunities for UMM advocates to express their support, convincing the legislature Students responded by hanging signs and the University of Minnesota regents of throughout campus showing their school pride UMM’s important, unique role within the and commitment to UMM. state’s system of higher education.

ns-gathered or accumulated memories- prefix meaning anew collections-gath- 1961 ° 1961 1961 g thoughts,UMM faculty “Weimages, have visited institutions ofideas higher learning in re-aFirst UMM prefixStudent grows after regents this country and in Europe but never have we seen football newspaper, approve funding such school spirit and enthusiasm as at Morris.” game The for second and —Edward E. Barsness played on Vanguard, or third- accumulated year classes 1961 Minnesota Legislature representative-elect memories-revivingMiller Field begins publication meaning anew collections-gathered or Founding faculty and teaching staff from the 1960 Venture. Seated from left: Ralph Williams, Rodney A. Briggs, Rachael Munson, Judy Schradel, Mildred Gausman Standing from left: Herbert G. Croom, Ri- chard W. Burkey, Theodore Long, Calvin Pederson, Donald Gray, James Olson, Stephen G. Granger, John B. Heald, Bruce Nord, W. Donald Spring, Karl R.Bornhoft, Jay Roshal, James C. Gremmels, Glenn H. Daniels, John Q. Imholte

Founding faculty Despite the uncertainties of starting a new Housed in what was for- college, 20 excited and inspired faculty and merly a model farmhouse, the teaching staff accepted the “Morris experi- English and speech faculty traded ment” challenge. Enthusiasm, initiative and stories and strategies in close Gremmels inventiveness often quarters. made up for inad- “Camaraderie equate resources. “We bonded together and fought for this com- among the faculty was Professor of mon goal of establishing this liberal arts college.” extraordinary,” says Biology Jay Roshal —James Gremmels Stephen Granger, who routinely drove to professor of English served as professor of Minneapolis late in 1960-2000 psychology and the day, after the counselor in UMM’s Twin Cities campus classes ended, to “borrow” early days. The faculty was young, demanding lab supplies and apparatus needed for his own of their students and eager to make UMM a classes at the Morris campus. Later, he would success. Their vision set the context in which re-amake prefixthe long trip back tomeaning return the equipment. UMM anew thrives today. collection The Great Beer Boycott Early UMM faculty initiated the “Great Beer Boycott” revivingas a means to influence thoughts, the manager of the local “bev- images, ideas re-a p erage” store and to secure inexpensive brew. Each 1962 1962 1963 week, faculty members took turns venturing to neigh- University of After a lengthy, Nanna Jelstrup, who eredboring townsor to buyaccumulated Cold Spring beer and then stopped Minnesota memories-revivinheated debate, served the WCSA g at the Morris store with their purchase to remind the Foundation elementary from 1923 as Dean of manager of his limited beer selection. Although they established to education Girls, Moccasin meaningwere not successful in their anew attempt to get Cold Spring collections-gatheredencourage and added to UMM adviser, play director stocked on Morris shelves, this shared experience that receive majors and math teacher, lasted several years has become a lasting memory for philanthropic retires thoughts,early UMM faculty members. images, ideassupport re-a prefix m There Is A Quiet Spirit 131313 There is a quiet spirit in these halls WCSA closes Whose floors to Aggies’ tread no more resound. After the announcement of UMM’s Strange alien sounds now echo o’er the ground opening, new students were not admitted to Which once reflected only Aggie calls. WCSA. As enrolled students completed their course work, classes were phased out. The gentle branches of the elms outspread On March 28, Murmur in secret wonder at it all. 1963, WCSA held A foreign group emerges from Ag Hall. its last graduation It is not true the spirit of West Central’s dead! ceremony, marking the end of an era In many a classroom here the students plied and the closing of a Their earnest task and sought to learn. school that more Knowledge of life on farm their one concern than 7,000 students As side by side with fellow men they vied. had attended. WCSA faculty, In many school events they played their part staff and students To bring West Central just a little fame, struggled to both mourn the loss of their To glorify each individual’s name, school and celebrate the opening of a college Enacted scenes which really touched the heart. in west central Minnesota. T.S. Long, English and speech instructor, The spirit gives us cues once more to see was one of several faculty members who The drama of West Central’s golden years. made the transition from WCSA to UMM. The curtain falls, the actor disappears, Witnessing the end of the school at which he And soon there’s nothing but a memory. had taught for 35 years was difficult, but Long understood that change must occur in order to Oh, let that quiet spirit still prevail meet student needs. The West Central School As onward on its course the college keeps, of Agriculture spirit would provide the new Onward the course of education sweeps! college a legacy of pride. Could we but judge, our brief rehearsal done; West Central’s glory and the college dream are one. “Progress may have removed West Central from —T.S. Long her role in the secondary education of English and speech instructor Minnesota’s youth, but neither progress nor time WCSA 1925-1960 can remove her from a role in the hearts and UMM 1960-1969 memories of all former students.” ns-gathered or —The accumulated Moccasin 1963 memories- prefixJFK assassinated meaning anew collections-gath- 1963 1964 ° First UMM g thoughts,“Classes were cancelled thatimages, after- ideas re-acommencement prefix noon. I spent the next three days watching news reports on the televi- or sion.” accumulated memories-reviving —Harlo Peterson ’65 meaning anew collections-gathered or Rodney Briggs: meeting the challenge Officially appointed as the West Central School of Agriculture’s superintendent in 1959, Briggs was also assigned the responsibility of transforming the campus from an agricultural high school into a liberal arts college. Briggs was an ideal candidate for the position because of his long University of Minnesota history, his strong agricultural background as an associate professor and extension agronomist and his passion for the project at hand. His wife, Helen Briggs, remembers well the question her husband posed back in 1959: “Helen, do you want to help me start a new college?” It was an exciting and busy time. Luckily, she notes, her husband was energetic and required a minimal amount of sleep. Endless tasks needed to be completed: hiring returned.” Briggs built relationships with faculty, equipping classrooms and labs, finding faculty, staff, community members and money to operate and students—relationships recruiting students. “Rodney Briggs was young, enthusiastic, dy- that laid the foundation Wearing his namic and smarter than any other two or three for UMM’s success. Stetson cowboy hat, people in the room, whatever the room.” Briggs served as Briggs spoke —Stephen Granger chief administrator from enthusiastically to 1960 until 1969, first as countless groups dean of students and about UMM. Stephen Granger, who served as later as provost. In 1974, UMM’s library was assistant to Briggs and was the first UMM named the Rodney A. Briggs Library in his employee Briggs hired, remarks that the dean honor. He died in 1995. His wife, Helen, “approached everyone with a smile, handshake, continues to be an enthusiasic supporter of and a personal interest in their well being.... He UMM: “I am very fond of the school, and I’m loved people and loved to have that affection proud of it. It’s like a child.” re-a prefix meaning anew collection reviving thoughts, images, ideas re-a p One of many efforts to raise community support for UMM was the Agricultural ered or accumulated memories-revivinBarter for College program (ABC). The g pig in this photo was sold to the highest bidder and proceeds used for student meaning anew collections-gatheredsupport. Pictured: Briggs and De Anne Frederickson Kennedy ’64 thoughts, images, ideas re-a prefix m 151515

UMM spirit Even before UMM opened its doors, gift, he promptly named the doll “Louie” and Rodney Briggs and his new faculty members displayed it in the popular student hangout. were working on UMM’s campus identity and Professor of Music Ralph Williams also school spirit. played a role in establishing school traditions. Briggs scheduled a homecoming game that He composed the UMM Hymn that was first first fall, even though UMM had no alumni to performed by the Morris High School Band in come “home.” The students played the faculty. August 1960, one month before UMM offi- Although Briggs scored a touchdown, rumor cially began its first classes. The UMM Hymn has it that the play was meant for Jack Imholte. was performed by the UMM Men’s Choir in Briggs stole the ball—and the show! 1962 at the Seattle World’s Fair and in 1964 at “Louie’s Lower Level” was a name Briggs the New York World’s Fair. blatantly swiped for the UMM student hangout ns-gatheredfrom the University of Arizona,or accumulated Tucson. When memories- he received a doll dressed in cap and gown as a prefix meaningCivil anew collections-gath- Rights Bill 1964 passes 1964 Herb Croom, 1964 UMM Alumni ° g thoughts,former WCSA images,Association ideas re-a prefix principal, appointed established director of newly or established accumulated UMM memories-reviving Alumni and meaningPlacement Office anew collections-gathered or Alumnus reflection: gave me when I was six to The Cougar mascot help it stay in place on my “Bwaap, bwaap, head. A liberated pink towel bwaap, bwaaaaap! from the trainer’s office and a Consecutive concus- little jock tape gave my head- sions of the plastic piece the requisite width. Black green horn sounded the magic marker makeup rounded start of another Cougar out the cosmetic enhance- men’s basketball game. ments. The crowd was on its feet and We sutured the would likely stay that way for the shoulder with safety next couple of hours. pins. We covered the Being the Cougar mascot in the zipper with a tight-fitting 1990s was a home-remedy challenge. polyester women’s basketball The Cougar outfit (circa 1960s) jersey I’d picked up at the suffered a separated left shoulder. The athletic department’s sweat-corroded zipper detached from spring rummage sale. the faux fur. The skull was crushed Although the fur didn’t by a throng of beer-crazed alums at match, a pair of clawed Homecoming the fall before. The slippers gave the whole mighty Coug’ had seen better days, ensemble a finished, home-brewed look. but by the start of hoops season, the We transformed our sleepy costume had been rehabbed in the spirit of academic campus in the middle of nowhere resourceful Midwestern undergrads. into the rowdiest, loudest fans in the NAIA The head was a work in progress. The Northern Sun conference. It was appropriate papier-mache shell was cracked and creased. I that its mascot be equally rough-hewn.” dug out the U.S. Army helmet liner my dad —Wade West ’95 executive editor American Snowmobiler re-a prefix meaning anew collection United States National involvement in Organization revivingVietnam thoughts,for Women images, ideas re-a p begins formed 1965 1965 1966 1966 Students sod University of ered Provostor Rodney accumulatedMinnesota memories-reviving Briggs’ office, then classes begin replace office on Crookston meaningcontents plus one anewcampus collections-gathered addition—a golf thoughts,flagstick images, ideas re-a prefix m 171717 Vietnam War: passionate issues Rarely did campus opinion on national or international issues diverge in such opposing views as they did during the Vietnam War. Students and faculty were intimately embroiled in the turbulent debate and personally affected by the reality of the draft—for family, friends and self. In October 1969, three hundred people marched from campus to Willie’s Red Owl parking lot on a national day of protest. Throughout Homecoming float the night, volunteers read the names of almost 36,000 Americans already killed in the the deaths of four student protesters at Kent conflict. State University and to American involvement The Vanguard, the campus newspaper, was in Cambodia. Brent Waddell ’70 recalls criticized for not publishing a variety of voices meetings organized to allow students to discuss and opinions regarding Vietnam. “Unfortu- their views and the “passion involved” on both nately, the Vanguard has become so one-sided sides of the issue. The gatherings were so it doesn’t even consider that there are two sides intense they were discontinued after only a few to every issue,” said one letter to the editor. sessions. Like their peers across the nation, UMM students anxiously gathered around TVs in “I was passionately opposed to the war in Viet- January 1970 to watch the draft lottery. nam.... Although my views on the war were well- Birthdates would decide known, I tried not to slant the fate of many young my lectures or penalize stu- men. dents for contrary views.” A special Campus —Roland Guyotte Assembly was called in professor of history May 1970 in response to 1969-present

Torchlight march

“It was a very interesting time to be a college student body president. Students were beginning to exercise significant political influence on ns-gatheredcampuses nationally and internationally or accumulated in the late 1960s. There was memories- an interest on the part of many student leaders to exercise more influ- ence on college policies and national foreign policy in relation to Martin Luther prefixVietnam....There meaning was concern among UMM students,anew faculty and staff collections-gath-King, Jr. Neil Armstrong that we should be involved in the formulation of any U of M policies assassinated walks on moon and procedures that would affect our campus....Once a week for many 1968 ° 1969 1969 g thoughts,weeks, Truman Driggs and I wouldimages, travel to the Twin Cities ideas to attend re-aJerry Koosman, prefix the meeting of the U of M Commission on Campus Demonstrations.” WCSA ’60 Gary McGrath ’68 pitches for the 1967-68 student body president World Series or accumulatedvice chancellor for student affairs 1986-1999 memories-revivingwinning New York Mets meaning anew1967 student body collections-gathered leaders pictured at left or Place Passages from “Old Waters” If prairie winds carried away all the “Classical in its simplicity, the prairie’s campus inhabitants—faculty, staff, students, whole character is revealed in the visual tension barn cats and horses—and all the buildings to between the arch of the sky and the plane of the another place, even if all remained the same, it earth, and in their corresponding forces, the wind would no longer be UMM. trying to sweep you away, gravity barely holding UMM’s identity is intertwined with its you down.” west central Minnesota prairie presence. Students often remember vividly their first visit “We are formed by our surroundings, and our to “Mo-town,” especially those travellers not surroundings contain stories that, if we learn familiar with the flatness of prairie and the them, form us too. The landscape of the northern expansiveness of farmland. prairie, which seems so passive, changeless, and After one’s eyes adjust to the endless lacking in surprise, is in fact a place of power horizon—vibrant blues, intense greens, frosty- and mystery to those who know its story and who silver whites— then the olfactory nerves start carry that story on, a core of coolness in their interpreting the Morris experience: the spring- hearts as they stoop in the sun to a rock, lift it off time sweetness of apple blossoms, the warm earthiness of the ceramics kiln, the Saddle Club cleaning the barn, the “guess what’s for supper” smells from the dining room, the salty thick air of the weight room, the grey plume rising from the ethanol plant. And the sounds...as varied as one can imagine. Opera floats and jazz rips through HFA corridors. Spring fever hits Spooner and a blaring boom box appears in an opened window. The cat sunning in front of Behmler purrs; the horses greet central parking lot users with a friendly neigh. Voices discuss and lecture and chat and laugh and organize and argue and direct and comfort and encourage. And the ever-constant, ever-flowing wind provides the background—visual and vocal— Professor Emeritus of Art Fred Peterson recalls that when h for life on the prairie, for life on this campus. of exuberant freedom and awe. Peterson’s art reflects the pr re-a prefix meaning anew collection reviving thoughts, images, ideas re-a p 1970 1970 1970 1970 UMM Phi Sigma Epsilon Pine Hall Down by 21 points at the half, Independence eredchapter orallows womenaccumulatedbecomes first Cougar memories-revivin football team scores 29 Hall, named by g members, is removed from coed dorm points to win against the staff and the national all-male Moorhead State Dragons, resulting students, meaningfraternity’s roster, and anew collections-gatheredin first of many Northern completed changes name to Morris Free Intercollegiate Conference football thoughts,Scouts images, ideastitles re-a prefix m 191919 the earth and hold it, smelling a strange, musty formative class I’ve ever taken; and Nathaniel scent deeper than earth, as the sky revolves above Hart, who had the courage, grace, and insight to them, and from the north a cool wind springs.” suggest I might actually be able to write this —Kent Meyers ’77 very book...It took me twenty years to realize professor of English what he saw—but real teachers, thank God, are Black Hills State University patient, and will wait a long time to discover from The Witness of Combines their influence.”

Meyers’ stories begin with a preface acknowledging people who have influenced his life: “All my teachers deserve thanks, but Prairie July especially two professors at the University of Sometimes it is so quiet Minnesota, Morris: Don Spring, whose love of I lie awake all night language and understanding of how it works hearing clouds creak by. astonished me when I entered his ‘Technique and Form in Poetry’ class, surely the most Swallows swarm on the wires at dusk. Fireflies roar by the screen at night. Just for the sweetness of it pelicans rise from Frog Lake and soar high in great floating circles above the farm. Their white bodies nearly disappear against the sky, then slowly drop to still waters, taking the afternoon with them.

for weeks now the big round bales have waited in a row for a place, for some reason to roll. —Gail Rixen ’77 1989 Minnesota Voices Project Winner he arrived at UMM in 1961 the prairie filled him with a sense from Pictures of Three Seasons rairie’s richness, its simplicity and its expectancy. ns-gathered or accumulated memories- Environmental Protection Agency prefixcreated meaning anew collections-gath- 1970 1971 1971 1971 1972 University of Mall closed to traffic UMM Computing° Wayne Brabender g thoughts,Minnesota images,in order to reduce ideasServices established re-a’68 is member prefix of classes begin noise and preserve in Camden Hall U.S. Olympic on Waseca UMM’s peaceful basketball team or accumulatedcampus atmosphere memories-reviving meaning anew collections-gathered or John Q. Imholte With a quiet nature and a leadership style UMM through uncertain times when the emphasizing compromise, former Chancellor legislature and the University of Minnesota John Q. Imholte’s gift to UMM is his devotion discussed closing the Morris campus because of and dedication to its liberal arts mission. universitywide and statewide budget concerns. A member of Professor James UMM’s founding Gremmels, friend and faculty, Imholte began colleague, shares this and ended his UMM thought about Imholte’s career as a professor chancellorship: “I think of history. Specializ- Imholte had a kind of ing in military history, leadership style that fit Imholte drew from his the faculty. We had own personal experi- strong faculty that could ences as a veteran of lead, and Jack was able the Korean War for to ameliorate the his classroom lectures. differences and keep As provost from things going. He 1969-1985 and as handled a strong-willed chancellor from 1985- faculty very well for a 1990, Imholte guided long time. That gave us UMM through its second and third decades, a kind of stability that we needed.” intensely focused on UMM’s liberal arts Imholte’s style and determination are mission. He shaped the young school by praised by his colleagues and his students. maintaining and protecting the institution’s Imholte’s 40 years of service leave a lasting vision. He refused to start professional pro- legacy of confidence in UMM's mission and grams and advocated increased student pride in the liberal arts vision. recruitment. In the early 1980s, he directed re-a prefix meaning anew collection revivingWatergate thoughts, images, ideas re-a p scandal breaks 1972 1972 1972 UMM KUMM, ered or accumulatedWomen’s which started memories-reviving Center in Pine Hall, established petitions for meaning anewFM frequency collections-gathered thoughts, images, ideas re-a prefix m Alumnae reflections: 212121 women’s athletics “When I played on UMM’s first volleyball and basketball teams in 1970-71, there were virtually no sports for girls. Like nearly every other woman at the time, I came to UMM with little prior athletic experience, other than recreational sports. A genera- tion later, my daughter has competed in sports at every age, including collegiate soccer. At the time I played, I was just thankful to be on the floor, 1970-71 volleyball team even if it meant playing in secondary gyms around everyone else’s schedule. I’m not sure that we thought of our teams as a breakthrough “UMM memories—I have many good for women. For some people, the athletic field ones, and volleyball is one. I recall practicing in was symbolic of the battles feminists were the annex as we all, coach included, made the fighting in the 1970s. We just wanted to play! mental transition from an intramural to a I don’t know where our desire to compete competitive mind-set. Traveling to other came from since women’s skills and athleticism universities to compete was exhilarating. were so undeveloped, but we all loved to play. I I don’t remember thinking that this first knew it then, but I appreciate it even more now, volleyball team could be a landmark for the that women like Willis Kelly [athletic director] advancement of women in many areas. At that and her colleagues had to make waves so it time, we just wanted to enjoy the team camara- could happen. Not everyone wanted to make derie that the men enjoyed. room for women’s sports. Willis Kelly, coordinator for physical In a generation skills, athleticism and education, was an influential woman, advocat- respect for women athletes have grown along ing women in sports and strength for our with the opportunities. I’m thankful that I gender. To see the competitive edge change, didn’t miss it completely, but I’m more thankful techniques improve and greater public accep- that our children can take it for granted.” tance over the years has been thrilling.” —Sandy Buesing Glas ’73 —Connie Haldorson Edlund ’71 executive director wellness chair and instructor ns-gatheredGrand Forks Foundation or foraccumulated Education, Inc. Kalamazoo Valley Community memories- College, Michigan prefix meaningRichard anew collections-gath- Nixon resigns 1973 1973 1973 1974 1974 Humanities Fine West Central Professor Area elementary° g thoughts,Arts completed, Experiment images,Arnie Henjum ideasschools invited to re-a prefix earns architect Station moves organizes first children’s theatre Ralph Rapson a to new facility annual production, program ornational accumulated design east of campus Creative Study memories-revivingstarted by Professor award from Institute for Ray Lammers brings Progressive grade 7-12 thousands of children meaningArchitecture anew collections-gatheredstudents to campus each year or Minority Student Program When Bill Stewart Stewart established Cultural Heritage Week arrived on campus in in 1974 to foster understanding among students 1973 as the new director of all cultures and to raise consciousness in the of the Minority Student larger community of minority contributions to Program, he had no society. office, no staff and no Academically related programs created files. Twenty-five during Stewart’s career include an institutional students participated in racism course, the Minority Mentorship the program that year. By the end of Stewart’s Program, Project SEE, the Minority Education 25 years of leadership, UMM would boast the and Enrichment Program (ME3) and Gateway, highest percentage of a program that helps new students of color population “According to alumni, without Bill’s UMM minority students within the U of M system counsel, support, faith in their prepare for college and a graduation rate that potential...and connections through- through mathematics, out the nation, they would have been far surpassed the national English and computer distracted from the path of success.” average. In 2000, the MSP —Ron Morris ’99 science classes. provided support and admissions counselor Student organizations guidance for 292 minority 1999-present complement MSP’s work: students, 16 percent of the Asian Student Association, student body. Black Student Union, Circle of Nations Indian Initiated in 1971 as a part-time program, Association, Imani, United Latinos and Women MSP’s first coordinators were Dr. Michael of Color Association. Harris, professor of biology, and Duanne Dunkley. In 1973, MSP received full unit status affirming its role within UMM’s mission. Stewart crafted a multilevel support program that assists minority students in finding the financial means to attend college, provides academic and psychoso- cial assistance and helps graduates adjust to post-college life. re-a prefixEarthquake meaning in anew collection U. S. west central 2000 Gateway participants. Vanessa Carney ’04: “It’s like a won- involvement Minnesota derful welcoming experience.” revivingin Vietnam thoughts,measures 4.5 on images, ideas re-a p ends Richter Scale 1975 1975 1975 1975 1976 Professors Ted Student First women’s studies degree awarded as ered Uehling,or Peteraccumulatednewspaper created memories-revivin major g French and changes name Howard Wettstein to The Writer “Part of the democratization of UMM was to meaningorganize the first anew collections-gatheredallow the student to create his or her major.” Philosophy Mimi Frenier Colloquium professor of history thoughts, images, ideas re-a1973-present prefix m 232323

Jazz Syncopated rhythms and wailing instru- “Playing in and ments have a home at UMM. traveling with the In 1979, UMM held its first Jazz Fest, an jazz bands helped me explore a dif- event that, like a familiar riff, occurs repeat- ferent style of music, comprehend music theory edly but grows in excitement and intensity and understand other cultures. The things I each year. The program allows high school and learned, along with the lifelong friendships I made, college musicians to study and perform with make jazz one of my favorite UMM memories.” internationally-known guest artists. Sold-out —Beth Haugland ’00 audiences enjoy performances by UMM’s own music teacher student jazz ensembles and the UMM Alumni Pine City School District Jazz Band. UMM jazz students travel to Preservation “Jazz is an art form that developed in the United Hall in New Orleans and the North Sea Jazz States. Since it was ‘Made in the USA,’ it’s part Festival in Europe to perform and to attend of our culture. It is appropriate for educated performances, developing their understanding people to be aware of their culture.” of this exhilarating musical genre. A favorite —James “Doc” Carlson ’65 memory of the 1992 UMM Jazz Ensembles is professor of music ns-gatheredappearing at Carnegie Hall.or accumulated memories-1978-present Morris City Council votes for housing code enforce- prefixment in responsemeaning to anew collections-gath- substandard off-campus housing allegations 1978 1980 1977 Men’s basketball Campus women ° g thoughts, images,team wins Northern ideasboycott Dressed re-atheatre prefix photo Sun Intercollegiate to Kill at Morris or accumulatedConference title Theater memories-reviving meaning anew collections-gathered or Elizabeth Blake When Elizabeth “Bettina” Blake came to all levels of University governance and campus Morris as academic dean in the late 1970s, life. change was a key word in both her personal life Blake remembers: “One thing that and in her professional life. happened the end of my first year was removal Morris was definitely a change of place. A of all the sexist language from UMM course native of Manhattan, descriptions and the Blake studied on the bulletin. University east and west coasts. regulations said She came to UMM sexist language was from Wellesley College not to be used, but in Massachusetts. West nobody had thought central Minnesota to worry about it. initiated her to small These things sound towns and vast prairies. strange now, but at She has come to value the time it was like a the intellectual commu- sea change on the nity created by students campus. I just and faculty on this assumed that people rural campus and to would use nonsexist enjoy the quiet language. If they friendliness of the didn’t, I had Morris community. “Blake has an enthusiasm something to say about it.” for the populism of this prairie place,” states As vice chancellor for academic affairs David C. Johnson, former chancellor. and dean from 1979-1995, it was Blake’s Universitywide and campuswide, change charge to build a strong, diverse faculty and was also occurring in the area of opportunities continue to strengthen the academic program. for women. As one of few women University of Guided by her desire for quality and equality, Minnesota administrators at the time, Blake Blake successfully accomplished these goals, served frequently on Universitywide commit- staying true to UMM’s liberal arts mission and tees, simultaneously representing UMM and earning UMM national recognition for aca- advocating women’s presence and equality at demic excellence.

National U.S. and 57 other Organization countries boycott re-a prefix meaning anewof Women Olympics collectio in n (NOW) Moscow in protest chapter of Soviet occupa- organized in tion of Afghani- reviving thoughts, images,Morris ideasstan re-a p 1980 1980 1980 1981 First Women’s ered or accumulated Flatlandsmemories-revivinbasketball team g Festival wins Minnesota held Association for meaning anew collections-gatheredIntercollegiate Athletics for Women title for second consecu- thoughts, images, ideas re-a prefixtive year m 252525

Students arranged for first UMM Provost Rodney Briggs to attend the 21st birthday party.

Happy 21st birthday, UMM! Although year 20 rolled by without public “[An analogy can be made] between a recognition, UMM students were determined person’s twenty-first year of life and an to commemorate the institution’s 21st year of institution’s. The optimism now in the air is sea- existence. The celebration organized by soned and tempered by experience. It is not as students Marian Blattner ’81, Ruth Simpson exuberant as it was in 1972 [when I arrived at ’81 and Gail Voss ’81 was held May 1981. UMM], but it is wiser. People at 21 are not like Blattner remembers: “I recollect sitting that. They are ready to seize the day with both around one afternoon with a group of people... hands, assured of a glorious future. Because hu- thinking aloud about how old UMM was.... we man life is short, that illusion serves a good end. thought about the ‘coming of age’ associated But an institution grows slower, lives longer, es- with 21. The theme seemed appropriate as we pecially an institution of learning. By the mea- left the 1970s behind with its national political sure of Oxford or the University of Bologna, strife and its legislature discussions about UMM has existed for roughly seven minutes. retention and why have both a Southwest State We’ve only just been wrapped in swaddling and UMM. There seemed less town/gown clothes.” strife. It seemed UMM was poised at the brink. —Dwight Purdy We didn’t know then, that in the couple years professor of English following, UMM would take those 21+ years 1972-present ns-gatheredand gain such national statureor andaccumulated reputation!” from May memories- 1981 Morris Weekly AIDS First IBM recog- U. S. economy personal prefixnized as meaningrecovering computer anew collections-gath- epidemic from recession sold 1981 1981 1981 1981 1982 1983 1983 Tom Beyer UMM UMM receives first° of two Federal Cindy g thoughts,’81 first images,threatened by ideasTitle III Strengthening Programre-a grants prefixLonneman ’83 wrestler to statewide fiscal that totaled $500,000 for initiatives that sets basketball be named as crisis; included improved management and record for career or accumulatedNCAA legislature memories-revivingplanning, an academic assistance scoring and Division III considers program and computers and training rebounding that national closing campus for faculty in the use of information she still holds meaningchampion anew collections-gatheredtechnology or Business office staff Halloween 1974

U of M President Moos with 1967 kitchen staff

Exceptional staff Part of the “Morris Experience” is the friendliness of this place, and that friendly, 1997 Breckenridge flood volunteers caring quality is embodied in UMM’s staff. While responsibilities are varied, UMM “Mom.” Work study students and interns serve staff members are united in providing students in offices and departments across campus the services they need to succeed and to feel learning skills and building relationships with comfortable at UMM. But staff also affect the staff who are excited by the opportunity to tone, the atmosphere, of this campus. People work with enthusiastic students. like Betty Wu, who worked in food services, win students’ affection by greeting them by “With diligence, inventiveness and dedication, name each day. Residential hall custodians like their work supports our college mission of un- Marian Swenson are dergraduate liberal learning.” re-afondly prefix referred to as meaning anew —Chancellor collectio Sam Schuman n Space shuttle reviving thoughts, Challengerimages, ideas re-a p explodes 1985 1986 1986 1986 As UMM First Driggs Lecture held, Concert Choir eredsenior, Buddyor accumulatedhonoring Professor of travelsmemories-revivin to New g DeGier ’86 History Truman Driggs, York, plans organizes recipient of the Alumni for 1987 meaningAlumni Jazz Association anew Outstanding collections-gatheredScandinavian Band Faculty Award trip thoughts, images, ideas re-a prefix m 272727 Pow Wow In 2000, UMM celebrates its 17th annual Pow Wow. This Circle of Nations Indian Association event invites the campus and the commu- nity to learn about American Indian traditions and to learn about each other. From the moment planning begins to the final dance, the Pow Wow provides educational opportunities, states Jena McNabb ’97, chair of the 1996 Pow Wow. The CNIA student organization is composed of Ameri- can Indians from many different backgrounds. As the members plan the Pow Wow, they are exposed to each others’ traditions and values. It is not always easy, but the group learns to work together and to respect, if not always in agreement, both traditional and McNabb remembers when the Pow Wow contemporary thoughts and ideas. finally began on the circular mall in the center In 1996, the committee decided to invite a of campus, when the work of many people women’s drum group to participate in the Pow became a gift to the community: Wow. This was a controversial decision. Not “You could hear the drummers, everyone on the committee believed the Calling people from the dorm rooms, tradition of men drummers should be changed Calling people from the classrooms, nor did all of the Pow Wow attendees. But Come try, McNabb notes that UMM’s mission encour- Come join us.” ages “eye opening” and learning opportunities. It was appropriate to offer the women drum- mers an opportunity to participate just as it is fitting for this liberal arts campus to support events and provide classes that offer different ns-gatheredcultural perspectives. or accumulatedPomme de memories- Terre River almost dry prefix meaning anewfrom severe collections-gath- drought 1987 1988 1988 1988 1988 After a 20- Inquiry, a Student ° Chancellor Imholte congratulates g thoughts,year absence, common images,newspaper ideas Olympiansre-a Duane prefix ’82 and Dennis caps and course for changes name ’81 Koslowski, Greco-Roman gowns are freshmen, to The wrestlers, and Tina Radke, or encouraged accumulated for initiated University memories-revivinggymnast and former Morris Area Commence- Register School District student meaningment anew collections-gathered or Alumnus reflections: antics and academics “I spent too much time worrying that I We tried little ‘hacks,’ nothing large or wouldn’t get into graduate school. I convinced fancy, to provide entertainment. We tried to myself that I lacked the background for success rekindle a rivalry with biology—to put some in a hard science Ph.D. Once I got into graduate life into the ‘Burkey Bowl.’ We placed a poster school, I learned how wrong I had been. of a kitten wrapped in bandages in the biology Physics and mathematics at UMM gave me a freezer. The caption strong, almost one- read, “A hug would on-one education in make my day.” The the core curriculum freezer holds the cats needed to survive the for the dissection first two years of a class. My last visit Ph. D. program. Dr. back to campus, the Michael Korth and poster was still there. Dr. Vinod Nangia My favorite were inspirations. activity was sitting on Their dedication top of the science would have made it building with a laser, difficult to not before they were continue my studies recognized as after graduating. ordinary. We’d wait The new science till the bars let out and and mathematics facilities will be wonderful, small groups were wandering back to campus. but remodeling the old facility does make me a If you were quick, you could get just one little sad. We had good times there. You can person to see the beam. You’d shut it off still find traces left behind by the students from quickly and watch as the unfortunate tried to my era. Of course, you’d have to look for explain what he’d seen (usually with large them...under the elevator, in the heating tunnels gestures). His buddies wouldn’t see it. Then, as where we spelunked, etc. One time, we rigged they started walking, you’d let the victim see up an air cannon. We were careful to never the beam again. Worked every time and cause physical damage; we were just seeing provided hours of entertainment.” what we could do! —Dr. Jeffrey A. Larsen ’89 Spacewatch Project Lunar and Planetary Laboratory re-a prefix meaning anewUniversity ofcollectio Arizona, Tucson n

Berlin Persian revivingwall thoughts, images,Gulf ideas re-a p falls War 1989 1989 1990 1991 1991 1992 1992 1992 Under the Led by Vice Chancellor for E-Quality MSP alumni Waseca UMM is one of eredleadership or of accumulatedStudent Affairs Gary established memories-revivinestablish the campus 10 founding g Pat Gannon McGrath ’68, the student MSP Alumni closes institutions of ’70, the first body and the alumni Association the Council of meaningannual Alumni association anew organized a collections-gatheredPublic Liberal Career Fair successful lobbying Arts Colleges held during campaign for the new thoughts,Homecoming student images, center ideas re-a prefix m “Chancellor Dave” feel at 29home...2929 The David C. Johnson, competition threw him at UMM’s third chancellor, first...but he acclimated began his UMM tenure remarkably quickly, as do most freshmen— became an enthusiastic by moving into a dorm. flatlander, got involved in Appointed only days wetlands research, met before school began, lots of townspeople by Johnson didn’t have becoming a member of time to find housing in the Emergency Medical Morris. He recalls, “I Technicians, played in stumbled into Indy Doc Carlson’s jazz Hall...by mistake. It was the best thing I ensembles, tutored calculus students, ran track could’ve done.” This quarter-long living and graduated with admission offers from three arrangement, his pleasure in dining with dental schools. The latest I heard he’s volun- students in food service and his uncanny ability teering during summers on an American dental to remember everyone’s name earned him the team serving in Latin American villages.” familiar title “Chancellor Dave.” Johnson’s ability to tell UMM’s story, Johnson had to quickly prepare for his first articulate its vision and mission and share his orientation speech. “Well, viva Wanda Lou and pride in the accomplishments of UMM students Wilbur.” With a few variations, Johnson shared and alumni had a tremendous effect on deci- the story of these two imaginary quintessential sion-makers in St. Paul. He led the lobbying UMMers with new freshmen each fall: charge to the state capitol during the 1998 “The ‘incorrigibly disorganized’ Wanda legislative session to secure funding for the Lou didn’t declare a major. She came to UMM new science building and the new Regional to experience new ideas and dreams...She is Fitness Center. His efforts and those of going to keep her options open, become a WCEDA, faculty, staff, students and alumni Morris Academic Partner and Morris Adminis- resulted in a record $28.2 million in funding. trative Intern, teach English as a second Johnson’s willingness to advocate for language in a developing nation during her students and their needs left a mark on this junior year and prepare herself to skate right campus; his love of students left a mark on around the kids who made up their minds their hearts. prematurely about majors and careers. Wilbur was a little nerdish, a bit straight “Students are why the campus is here, pure and arrow in comparison with the joyous chaos of simple.” Wanda, but Morris is a place where nerds can —Dave Johnson chancellor ns-gatheredEarthquake or accumulated memories-1990-1998 measuring 4.5 on the prefixRichter Scalemeaning anew collections-gath- is felt in Morris area 1993 1994 1993 Men’s ° UMM Retirees g thoughts,basketball images, ideas photo by Jessie Bartz ’95 re-aAssociation prefix team advances established, 13 to “Elite charter members or accumulatedEight” in memories-revivingelect officers: Laird NAIA Barber, Leona tournament in Classen, Barbara Kansas City McGinnis and meaning anew collections-gatheredThe University Register or Robinson Abbott

1993

Study Abroad tional study experiences available, and the Thomas McRoberts UMM International Studies office can provide ’68 has been a student information about Universitywide programs. advocate since he was a McRoberts states: “Most students who go student himself. An abroad define it as one of the most important active participant in experiences they have had in their undergradu- student activities, he ate career.” was elected as vice In partnership with the International Study president of the Morris program, UMM also offers two other unique Campus Student Government in 1966. His experiences: Global Student Teaching (GST) undergraduate career was greatly influenced by and English Language Teaching Assistant the late Professor of History Truman Driggs. (ELTAP) programs. ELTAP and GST Director “Probably there were very few people who had Craig Kissock, chair of the education division, as great a sense of history as he did,” notes that these experiences allow students “to McRoberts said of his mentor. know the joy of living, learning and working in McRoberts returned to UMM in 1975 after different cultural settings.” Since their inception, finishing his graduate degree in history at 458 students have been placed in 17 countries Oregon State University to serve as professor through GST, and 217 students have been placed of history and then academic adviser. His in 14 countries through the ELTAP program. respect and understanding for students and his wish for each to receive an outstanding, personal- ized UMM education have earned him the John Tate Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and the UMM Student Activities Award for Outstanding Support of Student Leadership. McRoberts’ current role as director of the Center for Interna- tional Programs, established in 1992, allows him the opportunity to assist students who desire a

study abroad experience. UMM Photo by Kris Hjelmeland ’01 re-ahas severalprefix short term and meaning long term interna- anewSummer 2000 study abroad collectio program in Italy n reviving thoughts, images, ideas re-a p

women wrestlers 1995 1995 1995 ered or accumulatedUMM establishes Joseph memories-revivin Latterell, Thomas Rooms in UMM g one of the first McRoberts and William residence halls women’s Stewart create Gateway wired for cable meaning anewwrestling collections-gatheredProgram, designed to television, telephone programs in the recruit, retain and graduate and internet access thoughts, images,nation ideastalented students of colorre-a prefix m 313131

photo by Jessie Bartz ’95

The University Register

Students speak to U of M President Hasselmo after Halloween 1993

Activism UMM style UMM’s very existence is a direct result of Halloween starkly activism. WCEDA lobbied intensively in the accentuated the danger 1950s to make UMM a reality. Its first students of ignorance, and the kept the vision alive by showing their commit- community responded ment to the campus. During the 1980s budget with discourse, crisis, community leaders stepped forward to discussion and action on racism concerns, tell UMM’s story. issues and awareness. Oyate Hall was filled As loyal, vocal lobbyists, alumni students, with color and compassion when the AIDS faculty, staff and WCEDA have earned UMM Memorial Quilt was displayed in 1995. Campus and Morris an outstanding reputation at the state happenings such as Take Back the Night, an capitol. Their willingness to speak out for evening to speak out against domestic violence, UMM has resulted in a beautiful Student and the World Touch Cultural Heritage Peace Center, a state-of-the art science building and a Run have become important annual events. Regional Fitness Center of which the entire UMM is proud of its 85 student organiza- community is proud. tions that offer opportunities to build leadership Throughout the years, students have voiced skills and make a difference on campus and in concerns and rallied for support on issues that the community. Volunteer activities like affect the campus washing senior citizens’ windows and planting and far beyond. In trees have become campus traditions. 1985, students UMM’s activism style has not gone protested apartheid. unnoticed. In 1997, Mother Jones magazine In 1993, an incident ranked UMM fourth in its top 10 list of activist ns-gathered orthat accumulated occurred on campuses. memories- prefix meaning anew collections-gath-

1995 ° 1996 g thoughts,WCSA alumni images, ideas Professorre-a John prefix donate beautiful Stewart Ingle, garden to the internationally known or accumulatedcampus memories-revivingwatercolor artist, creates the new Betty meaning anew collections-gatheredCrocker image or Winter 2000 Multicultural Retreat participants Valuing Diversity Liberal arts learning is enriched and times that people get a chance to interact with enhanced by diversity. UMM has developed other groups on an even plane. They get a programs to encourage the campus community chance to hear others and get their own to appreciate diversity, seek understanding and feelings out.” As a result of campuswide discuss differences. diversity efforts, UMM received the regional In 1996, under the Campus of Difference 1997 Celebration of Diversity Award. Initiative, a group of students, staff and faculty The Multicultural Student Leadership developed programs to help individuals from Retreat, first held in January 1999, allows diverse backgrounds find common ground and students to gain perspective on diversity issues combat prejudice. That fall, UMM held its first and discover shared experiences. Irma Salazar Diversity Jam, an event that invites participants ’03 reflects: “Programs like MSLR help to learn about other cultures and to pledge to students...understand where other students are take action on diversity issues. coming from and find out who they really are In 1997, Tinisha Dow Davis ’98, recipient and why. It helped me realize that even though of the first U of M Multicultural Affairs we’re all different, most of us have gone through Student Award, was one of the students who the same difficulties to be where we are today.” started Diversity Peer Educators, a student group that facilitates discussions in residence halls, in classrooms and at campus events. re-aShe states:prefix “...Diversity Peermeaning Educators are anew collection important because often it’s one of the first reviving thoughts, images, ideas re-a p 1996 1998 1998 1998 Erik Mottl ’96, and Maya Angelou, Students voice Legislature funds eredMike Schneideror ’97accumulatednoted civil activist, memories-revivinconcerns regarding new science g assist David Hoppe, poet, author and substandard rental building and professor of biology, educator, speaks to housing to Morris Regional Fitness meaningwith deformed frogs research, anew a topic convocation collections-gatheredCity Council Center that receives national and interna- audience in filled thoughts,tional media and scientific images, attention PE ideasCenter re-a prefix m Shakespeare writes... 333333 The campus has come to expect and enjoy the Shakespearean reflections offered by Chancellor Sam Schuman. When the cordial laughter fades, his audience quietly listens, knowing that the words written 400 years ago will still be appropriate today: This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. —William Shakespeare At the Campaign Minnesota kickoff in October 1999, Schuman shared these thoughts: “Today, the University of Minnesota, Morris announces with pride a fund-raising campaign which is true to ourselves, at our best. Our exercise. An avid bicyclist and runner, he is campaign is true to the dreams of those whose often seen in the early hours at the Regional courage created this place 40 years ago: the Fitness Center or making his way along area citizens of West Central Minnesota, our roadways. In the evenings, campus visitors may founding faculty and staff members, the first see Schuman, wife Nancy and Tigra, their pet, college students who came to our campus in the enjoying a leisurely stroll. fall of 1960. Our campaign is true to the work Although just beginning as chancellor, and energy and imagina- Schuman’s contributions as tion and dedication of all “He combines the leadership, vision vice chancellor for aca- of us who are part of and devotion to liberal arts that will demic affairs and dean UMM’s very extended serve the campus well in the years since 1995 are well family today. Our ahead.” respected. As interim campaign is true to our —Mark Yudof chancellor, he led the predecessors, the Sisters University of Minnesota president lobbying efforts that of Mercy and their 1997-present resulted in $8 million for American Indian boarding the final stage of the school, and the West Central School of Agricul- Morris Science Project, and President Yudof ture; our campus today stands on the solid praised Schuman for his outstanding semester foundation of the rich physical and cultural conversion administration. UMM’s recently heritage we have inherited from them. And our announced partnership with Minnesota Public campaign is true to the hopes and aspirations Radio is evidence of Schuman’s goal to and talents of those who will be on our campus increase the visibility of the college— “the ns-gathereda year from now and a orcentury accumulatedfrom now.” extraordinary students, thememories- outstanding faculty As well as his love for Shakespeare, and the exceptional staff”— of which he is so prefixSchuman meaning is also known for his dedication anew to proud. collections-gath- 1998 1999 1999 1999 Before science After 39 °Campaign Minnesota, Campus and g thoughts, images,building construc- ideasyears, the largest re-a fund prefixcommunity tion begins, staff semesters raising campaign in celebrate remove time replace UMM’s history, successful or accumulatedcapsule placed in memories-revivingquarters at begins with John partnership with PE annex corner- UMM Dayton ’68 and dedication of stone in 1930 Robert Gandrud ’65 Regional Fitness meaning anew collections-gatheredas co-chairs Center or The Morris Campus In 1998, Stephen Granger’s deep buildings surrounding the campus mall, provide apprecation for this campus inspired him to a feeling of shelter. Granger notes that the mall publish a paper on the history of the older “maintains a sense of place... pulls the campus campus buildings. As a founding faculty community together.” member, Granger experienced first hand the UMM’s goal is to preserve the campus transitional years—UMM’s beginning and traits that Granger describes as “... intimate, WCSA’s ending. Forty years later, over 9000 friendly, small town, residential...where close students have enrolled and graduated. Staff and interaction between members of the campus faculty have served, then moved on or retired. community is both facilitated and valued.” As In the past 90 years, people changed and stated in the Campus Master Plan, UMM hopes purpose changed, but this campus—this “to build on the cultural and architectural physical space—is an experience shared by all. history of the campus.” Granger notes that the new science building beautifully adheres to this policy. Its overhanging eaves and interior wood complement UMM’s historic buildings. Lasting treasures of UMM’s history in and of themselves, several campus buildings also honor and commemorate important figures in our history:

Only one building remains from the American Indian Boarding School, the boys’ dormitory. Built in 1899, it was known as the Music Hall during the WCSA and early UMM days and is currently the Minority Resource Center. In 1984, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the WCSA years, Clarence Johnston, Minnesota’s state architect, designed 10 campus structures. These buildings, con- Completed in 1913, Spooner Hall, a re-astructed prefix between 1912 andmeaning 1930, “give the popular anew residence hall, is named collectio for Lewis C. n UMM campus its architectural distinction and Spooner, a local state representative who revivingcohesion,” according thoughts, to Granger. The brick images,lobbied for the WCSA’s ideas establishment. re-a p

2000 2000 2000 2000 eredUMM tiesor with VassaraccumulatedYahoo! Internet Life Legislature memories-revivinProfessor of Physics Gordon McIntosh’s research g for 2nd on Peace ranks UMM #24 of funds results in Minnesota; Rivers and Fields docu- Corps’ listing of top 50 “colleges and BA remodeling mentary that follows the natural, cultural and meaningfive smaller colleges anewschools” in annual of old collections-gathered science agricultural history of the Minnesota River from producing Peace list of 100 Most and math prehistoric times to the present, produced by Corps volunteers Wired Colleges building Roger Boleman and UMM Media Services, aired thoughts, images, ideason Pioneer re-aPublic TV prefix m 353535

Completed in 1992, the Student Center is now the home of Louie’s Lower Level. Turtle During WCSA and early UMM days, Mountain Cafe and Oyate Hall, which means Behmler Hall was a dormitory, dining hall, “the people” in Lakota, remembers the campus gymnasium, auditorium and the home of years as an American Indian school. Edson Louie’s Lower Level. Its current occupants Auditorium was originally part of Edson Hall include admissions and administration. Fin- and is named for WCSA superintendent Allen ished in 1918, its namesake is Dr. Fred W. Edson. Behmler, local legislator instrumental in UMM’s establishment. “It was a great honor and experience for me to Gay Hall, a residence hall, was completed come back in 1968 and to be a part of UMM for in 1966 and is named for Clayton A. Gay, the 25 1/2 years... Going through the old buildings first WCEDA president. ... each classroom, the dormitories, the gym, the The Briggs Library was built in 1968 and is football field, the mall, sidewalks and paths re- named for minded me of something special.” founding provost —Harold Fahl WCSA ’45 Rodney A. UMM plant services director Briggs. 1968-1993 ns-gathered or accumulated memories- prefix meaning anew collections-gath-

2000 2000 2000 2000 ° 2000 g thoughts,U of M’s Career Centerimages,WCSA alumni ideasCommission on Institutions re-a of Foundersprefix Day Sesquicenten- Director Gary celebrate Higher Education of the North celebrated on nial Celebra- Donovan estimates WCSA’s 90th Central Association of Colleges September 26, or tion accumulated marking over 100,000 birthday during memories-revivingand Schools reaccredits UMM, 40 years after its 150th credentials mailed their annual and declares it “a model liberal UMM opens meaningbirthday begins anewsince 1964 summercollections-gathered reunion arts college.” its doors or Student reflection: James Horsman ’01, intern Student reflection: Jennifer Jones ’01, intern “What makes a ‘historian’? Classes “I fell in love with UMM during my first tour. completed or articles published? As this project Campus was blurred by fog, and every step I began, my credentials took was rewarded by a on the first were revealed building, an minimal, on the uncovered tree, a released second nonexistent. sigh. Those glimpses Now as this project convinced me that ends, I understand opportunities would historian less as a unfold on this cozy, profession and more as classic, romantic campus. an appreciation for Sadly, time how the objectives of unraveled my romance. the past are shared The library began to with the future. represent hundreds of A person reflect- English papers; ing on his or her life Behmler symbolized will find recurring characteristics and happen- dollars in debt. The magic faded. Then, I ings. One can draw from these experiences to accepted the campus history internship, which shape future decisions. Outcomes could then be led me to fall in love with UMM all over again. shared with others. A historian is defined by the Creating a booklet to celebrate our history ability to recognize that certain traits and was wrought with challenges and rich with experiences not only deserve recognition and rewards. Sifting through decades of unidentified preservation, but that they are essential to pictures, scheduling interviews and representing comprehending the significance of those very UMM’s past in limited space caused frustration. traits and experiences and applying them not The rewards are best illustrated by a just to one life, but a group of lives, and in this moment that occurred during our visit with case—UMM. Helen Briggs in her Shoreview home. We closed During this project, we listened to Jim the interview by asking if there was anything she Gremmels eloquently speak of the passionate wanted to add. She paused and said, “I have a students in those first UMM classes. As a first very strong feeling about UMM. I am very fond generation college student, I recognize how of the school, and I’m proud of it. It’s like a their experiences were similar to mine. I fought child.” I fought to control my emotions as I thought tears in my eyes and fear in my heart when I of the countless individuals who gave of them- arrived at UMM. But soon Gay Hall 1-1 selves to make UMM successful. Their stories friendships and spirited discussions in Paula must be told, for we cannot treasure what we O’Loughlin’s American government class have today if we do not know from where we showed me what a wonderful place UMM is. come. Like those early UMMers, I have never taken This internship was invaluable to me. It this experience for granted. provided professional development and, more Thanks to visionary leaders who saw importantly, renewed my UMM romance. I opportunity where others saw ruin, mission developed respect for those who worked for where others saw gamble, prosperity lies in UMM’s establishment and faith in our mission. I UMM’s future. I can’t express the gratitude I recognize that everything on campus today is feel toward UMM for guiding me to where I here because someone believed in our school. am now. As a UMM student —and now Now, I cannot walk across campus without historian—I can think of no better way to show hearing the echoes of footsteps of those who my appreciation than by acknowledging that went before us. We must all listen to these gifts of lasting significance are possible when footsteps if we wish to understand how much we the vision is clear for those who receive them.” have to celebrate.”