UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
N A V I G A T I O N D I G I T A L L I B R A R Y
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Memorial Stadium Drive Book #2 [PAGE 10]

Caption: Dedication - Memorial Stadium Drive Book #2
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*"^^^

with Olympian moderation. Not a clever word, not one oratorical trick. There are no epigrams in Greek drama. " I want to see a great Stadium at the University of Illinois," he said. "I believe that you will get it. I believe there is a great spirit at this university. The Stadium will be many things—a memorial to Mini who have died in the war, a recreational field, and an imposing place for our varsity games. But it will also be an unprecedented expression of Illinois spirit. The Athletic Association, out of its own funds, is paying the expenses of this campaign. The money you pledge will be devoted solely to the Stadium. What you have started, our alumni will finish." Elmer Ekblaw, '10, a burly, quick-stepping figure, moved to the front of the platform. Overflowing with gratitude to everyone who had made this moment a reality, the director of the drive spoke boyishly, winningly, from the heart. And then Zuppke, small, tense, his hands rigidly clasped behind his back, stepped out, and again the multitudes broke into roaring enthusiasm. Like lightning his sentences zig-zagged across the great hall, and when he ended with a request for voluntary donations of $1,000 for the Stadium, there was a deep hush of expectancy. Everybody was staring out into the main section of the hall, where, on floor and balcony, the United States was represented. Some banker's son, or perhaps the heir to rolling acres of farm land, would rise and offer a pledge of $1,000 for his alma mater. No one thought of looking behind the platform at the terraces of Filipinos, Latin-Americans, South Africans, Chinese, Japanese and Hindu students, until a dark-haired, dark-eyed youth arose, and in broken English, said: "I will give, sir!" Pandemonium broke loose. The youth was hoisted upon the platform. His name was announced by Zuppke—R. L. Cavalcanti, a LatinAmerican.

"77?,? ^y777 annex looked like the Chicago Coliseum during the Republican Convention"