Repository: UIHistories Project: UI Foundation Series - Bulletin 5 (1937) [PAGE 3]

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^WASSON

Eastern Alumni Tell Wilson They Are Eager to Support I.P.G

N I V K K S I T Y of Illinois alumni in the I Oast are greatly interested in the Illinois Plan of Coordination, arc eager to know more about it, and will do their part in making it a success. This encouraging report was brought hark by Wendell S, Wilson, '27, acting d i r e c t o r of intercollegiate athletics, whose visit to N e w York during the Christmas holidays to attend the annual meeting of the National Collegiate Association gave him an opportunity to meet with the alumni of New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Since Director Wilson represented the athletics of the University, the athletic phase of the Coordination Plan naturally came to the fore in these meetings. T h e alumni in the East want to help. Typical of the sentiment was this expression by an alumnus in Pittsburgh: "We alumni have been asked for very little by the University. My wife, a graduate of another university, pays annually to assist her alma mater. In the matter of a Union building, for instance, I do not think it is for us this far away to attempt to decide whether such a structure is needed. If the University says that a Union building is needed, the University must have one'."" More can be done in the East in employing graduates of the University, alumni who are leaders in industry and business asserted. They felt that they could find no young men better qualified for positions than graduates of their own university; they told Director Wilson they wanted to keep in closer touch with Illinois in this regard. I lope that Illinois athletic teams will play in the East from time to time was frequently expressed. Alumni pointed out that no Illinois football team had appeared in the East since Army was

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played in New York in 1930 and that the previous visit before that game was in 1925 when Red Grange led the Ulini on their memorable trip to Philadelphia to conquer Pennsylvania. The possibility of occasional trips East by the Illinois basketball and baseball teams was also discussed. It would mean much to the athletic prestige of the University. N e w York Alumni H a v e Fine Meeting. E u g e n e S t e p h e n s , '28, presided at the meeting in New York in the Railway Exchange club on Dec. 28, as L. E. Yeager, '18, president, was unable to be present. President Yeager later assured Mr. Wilson of the loyal support of the New Y o r k Illini. Fifty alumni were present. After Director Wilson's formal talk explaining the Coordination Plan, there was an informal discussion participated in by many. It was generally regarded as one of the best meetings the New York organization has had in many years. In addition to meeting these alumni at the dinner, Mr. Wilson also talked with many others individually. The meeting of the National Collegiate Association, Football Coaches Association and kindred organizations, brought several oldtime athletes to New York and, they too expressed approval of the movement to unite the alumni for the general progress of the University. Philadelphia Illini Gather. F r e d A. Healy, '15, who had organized the meeting, presided at a gathering of 18 alumni in Philadelphia at the Downtown club on Jan. 6. T h e r e were no formal speeches here, all sitting around a table and joining in the discussion. T h e Coordination Plan in all its details met with hearty approval.

Pittsburgh Alumni Show Interest. Director Wilson's final appearance in the East was at Pittsburgh, where 14 alumni met at the faculty club of the University of Pittsburgh on Jan. 7. R. R. McGregor, '26, presided. W h a t the Pittsburgh meeting lacked in numbers it more than made up in spirit. Many Turn Out in Chicago. M o r e than 100 Chicago alumni turned out to hear Director Wilson on Jan. 14 in the Illini diningroom at Mandel's. This was one of ^ the largest noon luncheons of the Chicago Illini club since the campaign to erect the Memorial Stadium 15 years ago. F r a n k E. Rokusek, '24, president, presided. K. J. T. Ekblaw, president of the Alumni Association and Jack H . Powers, coordinator, were also present. Mr. Wilson spoke on the athletic program and at the conclusion of his formal talk, many remained to give suggestions and ask questions. Acting Director Wilson's E n g a g e ments. D i r e c t o r W i l s o n has a c r o w d e d calendar of engagements, in addition to hi*s many executive responsibilities. His partial itinerary is as follows:

Jan. 27—Columbus, O., Illini Club. Noon meeting. Testimonial dinner for Director L. W. St. John, Ohio State University, at night. Feb. 2—Rockford, 111., Illini Club. Night meeting. Feb. 4—Bloomington, 111., Illini Club. Feb. 8—Milwaukee, Wis., Illini Club. Feb. 12—Davenport, la., Father & Son dinner, First Presbyterian Church. Feb. 22—Decatur, 111., Rotary Club.

Coach Zuppke to Start P r a c t i c e . Coach Bob Zuppke will start football practice Feb. 8. After this is over he will make several speeches at least, and do all he can to assist in the campaign to mobilize the alumni forces of Illinois. -