Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1888 [PAGE 77]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

80

UNIVERSITY

OF

ILLINOIS.

M E E T I N G OF D E C E M B E R 13, 1887.

The Board met at the University parlor at 3:30 o'clock p. m., December 13, 1887. Present—Trustees Bennett, Cobb, Eisenmayer, McKay, McLean, Millard, Pullen and Shawhan. Absent—Gov. Oglesby, State Superintendent Edwards, Trustees Clemens and Dysart. The oath of office was administered to Mr. Burden Pullen, of Centralia. The records of the June and October meetings were approved. The Recent read the following report, which was received and referred for further deliberation:

REGENT'S REPOKT.

To the Trustees of the University of Illinois: GENTLEMEN: The term now drawing to a close may be reported as more successful in all its aspects than any other since my connection with the University. The attendance has been larger than in any similar term since 1879. The new students were reported by all examiners as being unusually well prepared. The general order has been creditable, leaving little to be regretted. The number of engineering students continues to increase, and the shops and drawing rooms are overcrowded. Should the rates of increase continue, some important changes will haye to be made to enable us to accommodate especially the workers in wood and iron. We have all the machines in the iron shops that space and light will permit, and yet we have not now enough to employ properly the students in that speciality. The clay seems to be not far distant when either the military or the mechanics must vacate the building in order that the machinists may have the space they need. This matter will need to be brought 10 the attention of the next legislature in such form as time may determine. The work of fitting up the mining laboratory is progressing. An invoice of machinery has just been received, and will be put in place during the holiday vacation. It is hoped that tbis will help to arouse proper attention to this department, and stimulate its development. The college of agriculture has increased with the other technical schools. The entire drift of affairs refutes the statements urged that the tendencies at this University are away from the study of the practical art& and sciences. ~ At the same time a stimulus is felt upon the literary side. We are passing through a brief period of transition, which will without doubt aid in giving this department a better recognitijn as a, school of sound learning. The work in the department of rhetoric and oratory is bearing fruit. For the first time in many years, the prize in the intercollegiate oratorical contest came to the University of Illinois, since the term opened. It was taken by a student in the mechanical course, who is quite as good at the engine lathe as he is on the rostrum. The members of the senior class are now presenting two original exercises per week in chapel, and will continue until all have appeared in turn. This excise" has been entered upon with commendable zeal, and is doing good. The next anniversary is the twentieth since the institution was opened for the reception of students. Arrangements are in progress to hold a suitable celebration on the occasion, and, as the day falls on Sunday, it is proposed to hold snch a celebration on Tuesday, the 13th, which will be the day fixed for the annual meeting of the Trustees. President Pickard, of Iowa, has promised to deliver an address, and other suitable exercises will be arranged.