Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Report on Need for Campus Recreation Facilities (1947) [PAGE 23]

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December 5, 19^7 Professor Staley 108 Huff Gym Dear Professor Staley: I am enclosing a report of Illini Union programs and recreational ncilities including programs now in operation and desired expansions and developments. I would like to add the following general student needs not included in the report. 1. Informal type of recreation, low priced, not requiring a date in advance 2. More programs including instruction so as to serve as a supplement to the academic education. Interest more faculty members in helping students to develop the social phase of education. At present the following programs are planned under the direction of faculty members: Classical music hours, square and social dancing, pep rallies and block I, town meetings, browsing room, chess club, bridge club, guide and travel, Variety show, and Homecoming Stunt Show. 3. Some form of subsidization of recreation programs by University in case of unavoidable losses. At present Illini Union Student Activities are financed entirely by income from programs for which students pay admission fee. b. Place on or near campus for informal picnics and hikes. Storage space for picnic equipment kits, 5. 2200 seating capacity auditorium insufficient. Prohibitive Huff Gym Physical Plant expense makes it impossible to supply requests for additional community song fests and similar programs. All students have free hours at different times, and do not like to plan all leisure time by the clock. Due to the variety of programs sponsored by the Union, the reports may be difficult to interpret. However, I tried to give you a complete picture as 3ince I have been in the work I wondered why some scientific effort was not being made to improve the situation. It is gratifying to know that a study is being made. If I can be of any further assistance to you, please feel free to call me. Sincerely yours,

Irone D. Piorson Social Director IDP:iieg