Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 58]

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PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

59

quite severe injuries during autumn in this game, and such injuries must be counted drawbacks to the otherwise popular and advantageous sport. The class work in the gymnasium, now in progress, is well attended and bids fair to be excellent in quality and results. I t has finally been decided to have the gymnasium practice for young women in military hall upon certain days of the week. I t is expected t h a t their practice will begin with the next term. The students composing the University Glee Club and t h e Mandolin and Guitar Club, as well as t h e athletic organization, are preparing to give public entertainments at home and in some of the accessible towns of the State. These cost much in time and energy and must conflict to some extent with regular class work; but the value to the participants may offset their losses, and the advertisement of t h e University must be helpful. The presentations will assuredly be of a high order, and in t h a t respect of much credit to the institution. The first appearance of the musical organizations occurred before a large and appreciative audience last Friday evening at Mattoon.

SHORT COURSE IN AGRICULTURE.

Provisions have been made for a short winter course in agriculture, and considerable advertisement of the fact has been secured. I t has been proposed to furnish practical and theoretical instruction, free of expense, to all who apply for this course. I t is announced t h a t candidates should be 18 years of age, but no other conditions or requirements are imposed for entrance. Besides the regular classes taught by the specialists in the agricultural college, courses of lectures will be given by several members of the faculty, and to some extent by others invited to do so. This course ought to attract a good attendance, and the indications we have point in this direction; but former failures of like efforts to reach considerable numbers of young farmers make it hazardous to predict great success this time. At all events, the endeavor is worth all it costs.

TTNIVERSITY EXTENSION.

A circular has been issued announcing 21 lecture courses in the university extension series for the present scholastic year. Fifteen members of the faculty are thus advertised as ready to carry to the public information they have gained as specialists in their several departments. Only one course has been commenced, which is by Professor Frederick, at Streator. Inquiries have been received from various localities, but definite arrangements have not been made for other courses. I t is thought desirable to take more active measures to establish courses in easily accessible towns, if a sufficient number of requests do not come without this effort. To this end a communication from the faculty on the subject is herewith submitted, and your consideration of this request is solicited. •

N A T U R A L HISTORY HALL.

The dedication of the new Natural History Hall took place November 16th, with addresses by Dr. David 8. Jordan, President of t h e Leland Stanford Junior University, by Professor N. H. Winchell, of the University of Minnesota, and by Profesor William Trelease, of Washington University. A large audience gathered to hear these addresses and to witness t h e formal ceremonies of the dedication, as well as to inspect the building, which was then thrown open to visitors for the first time. The beautiful and commodious structure was much admired, and praises of t h e architect and of the contractor were heard upon every side. To Professor Rieker must be given the credit for the elegant design, and for t h e substantial construction. The building is believed to be commendable from all points of view, a credit to your committee on buildings and grounds, and a lasting memorial to t h e high excellence and practical efficiency of the school of architecture in the University.