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Caption: Book - History of the University (Nevins)
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354 BOUNDING THE UNIVERSITY of the institution is being fast corrected, and it is to be doubted if the student body differs essentially from those of Eastern universities. The definitely cultural branches are by no means neglected, the vocational branches are surrounded with as cultural an atmosphere as possible, the University cherishes its idealism in its own way, and the average student emerges with an interest in intellectual things different in kind, but not in degree, from that of the East. The only ground for believing in an inherent deficiency of culture in the State University would lie in some opposition between the democratic ideal and the intellectual ideal; and the only believers in that opposition are those who are ignorant of the deeper sentiment of the people of the West. The foundation the University has already laid for cultural training of the best sort is broad and substantial. As several observers have pointed out, it is inspiring to see the practical idealism disseminated by a State University like Illinois working as a leaven in the social lump. The young lawyers, engineers, and business men emerge from their classes expert, clear-headed, and honest, to confront the muddler, wastrel, and grafter; the farmers are scattered over the State to make lonely countrysides social in the best sense, attractive to live in, and productive beyond the dreams of the older generation; the girls of the University plunge into social settlements, the work of organized charities, and rural community labors in a fashion thoroughly characteristic of the West. The technical talent of the University is employed through both alumni and faculty to give to those who a generation ago were easily exploiting natural wealth a new conception of their responsibilities and opportunities | the University is softening the individualism of post-pioneer days, and
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