Repository: UIHistories Project: Reference Folder - 1958 [PAGE 5]

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Page k LEADERSHIP in education, research, public service, and student life and welfare has been characteristic of the University of Illinois since it opened. It has been first to do many things; in many others it has *pioneered; in many it has led the world. In education, Illinois showed leadership starting with the very first year of operation, 1868, when it offered architectural instruction which four years later allowed presentation by it of a diploma to America*s first architectural graduate, Clifford Ricker, later for many years a distinguished member of its faculty. The next year, 1869, Illinois introduced to America the idea of a laboratory for students. In this pioneering botany laboratory students saw and found out for themselves, instead of depending on textbook and lecture alone. In 1870 this idea was applied in another field when the University established the country's first shop for engineering education--not to train mechanics, but to let engineering students learn by doing. In 1877 Prof. T. J. Burrill introduced at Illinois the world*s first general bacteriology course; I89O saw at Illinois the world's first course for architectural engineers; and 1897 brought the University the first state-supported School of Music in the United States. In 1907 came the first legislative grant specifically for graduate study ever made by any state. Also after the turn of the century came the first college-level courses in business English in 1902; the first professor of city planning, C. M. Robinson, in 1912; the first four-year athletic coaching courses in 1919> and many others. To continue the list, to add those things which while Illinois did not do first it did early and well, would be monotonous as well as voluminous. In student welfare and activities,, Illinois also has been in front* In 1901 when Thomas Arkle Clark was named dean of men he was the world's first to bear this title. Today the office of Dean of Students is concerned in many aspects of student life outside the classroom. The interest has expanded through the years. In 19^8, Illinois pioneered in another the first comprehensive college program for program enables the handicapped to carry on possible and become useful citizens, and is great area by establishing the severely disabled. This lives as near normal as being adopted elsewhere.

Records show that Illinois had the first indoor intercollegiate relay carnival in 1917; and that in 1902 R, C. Matthews was the country's first collegiate cheer leader. Three great campus-wide observances which have been adopted by many other institutions originated at Illinois. These are Homecoming, of which the world's first was at Illinois in 1910; collegiate Dads Day, originated at Illinois in 1920; and collegiate Mothers Day, first observed on the Illinois campus in 1921. Though this is not of the University, Illinois is proud of the development at its campus of the student church and student church foundation movements. The world's first church expressly for college students, now McKinley Presbyterian Church, was established in 1906. The world's first campus church foundation, Wesley Foundation, was established by the Methodist Church at Illinois in 1913. (continued on next page)