Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Memorial Stadium Drive Book #2 [PAGE 23]

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"0UR1LLINI MUST WORKTOGETH ERAS THEY HAVE NEVER DONE BEFORE" says SENATOR WILLIAM B.McKINLEY

'A FITTING TESTIMONIAL "ASTADIUMWILLBEA OF AFFECTION^.* FlNETHING'w^SENATOR GOVERNOR LEN SMALL MEDILL MCCORMICK.

" r I ^ H E great institution of learning X maintained by the State of Illinois at Urbana is to be enriched and augmented by the erection of a magnificent Stadium and Recreation Field, the gift of the alumni of the University. " T h e University of Illinois ranks among the first in the United States, and it is contemplated t h a t the proposed arena for athletics and sports shall also take first place among the stadia of the country. " T h e people of Illinois may take great pride in a memorial so magnificent, so dignified and yet so fraught with rich life and vigor for the youth of today and tomorrow. T h e prominent place which our University has won in the athletic world is, I believe, a true indication of the vitality which is characteristic of our State. This gift is a generous and fitting testimonial of the affection in which the graduates hold their alma mater.11

L E N SMALL.

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N T H E great Memorial Stadium and Recreation Field projected for our campus I see the beginning of greater glory and finer loyalty for

old Illinois. "If we are to have a Stadium worthy of our class sportsmanship and our athletic prowess; if we are to have a Memorial symbolic of the courage and loyalty and devotion of our men and women, our Illini must stand together and work together as they have never done before. The project demands our loyal, united support. "This movement heralds the dawn of a new day, when every alumnus shall feel his deep obligation to his alma mater and realize his own individual responsibility for her continued progress and greater usefulness. The movement expresses the conviction of our people t h a t we must provide for the development of sound healthy bodies to nurture sound healthy minds."

WILLIAM B. M C K I N L E Y , 76

G R E A T Memorial Stadium and Recreation Field a t our State University will surely be a fine thing. " I am proud of our University, and I hope t h a t everything essential to her work in developing and training our youth to its highest usefulness and efficiency may be provided, I firmly believe t h a t carefully supervised athletic training is as essential as intellectual or manual training. "Everywhere in our land great stadiums are being built. T h e y are a material expression of our national zest and joy in clean, healthful athletic competition. On the campus of the University of Illinois, the Stadium movement should attain its climactic development in a temple of incomparable beauty and dignity, a monumental structure which will be a wonderful Stadium, a worthy memorial, and a significant symbol of Illini loyalty and courage—all in one!"

MEDILL MCCORMICK.

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