Show They called i the 'Ath f 1 ' ft by Sue Van Alfen To the Marly S000 freehmea who walk or ride m Local Udi faU to begin daisea at Utah State Ihdvenity the eampoa will be an Camelot coming to life for the first time before their eyes Moet of the newcomen won't think much about the fact that the tnitltution that promiaei them a future also has a CoDefle SOU in ivy-cover-ed past Few of the freshmen far instance will know Just how wisely they have chosen their alma mater: a study published KKodd years ago when the Agricultural Collett of Utah first openml its doors concluded that students who chose to get their education in the “Athens of UUh” could learn 25 per cent more than their counterparts other places in the state There were good reasons far the study's conclusion Not only did the new college administration limit themselves to only three speeches when the legislature came to call (thereby freeing student study time) hut there were fewer big-cit-y dutractfoos for Logan students to contend with Unlike the disadvantaged scholars at the University of Utah AC of U students were not plagued with “pool rooms gambling bouses and houses of nssignation filled with women of no virtue” Even if Logan students had been interested in such places (which according to President Sanborn was impossible since the AC only accepted dean and reliable students) they wouldn't have had the time for them New colleges usually have as many difficulties as they do enthusiastic supporters and the AC was no different Turning pasture and field into buildings and walkways was the first order of business It was a big day when the electric lights were tuned on and the stringing of the USU offered the first college class ever in auto repair but long before that had a class in wagon believe then either) Automobiles weren't yet a problem but transportation was nevertheless a lively topic of campus conversation Students who were always late for class complained about the erratic schedule of the Logan Rapid Trsnsit Those who had their own rigs complained about the kneedeep muc in the streets Those who did make it to campus complained about the obstacles encountered getting from class to dess Since fully (0 of the original 70 acres college tract were given over to pasture for AC of U lives toll the students were as prone to putting a foot in it outside of class as in (In the best campus tradition however the students made the best of things chose an udderiy wonderful mascot and named her Milk of Magnesia) telephone wire up the hill was cheered by people throughout the valley The editor of the local Annul was especially pleased He'd taken to task the college administration several times for being too cheap to install the convenience and told President Sanborn in print that although the Jounal had come up with several ideas to help the fledging college ssve money an editor has better things to do with his time than walk all the way up to the campus to discuss matters with the administration The mascot by the way traveled with the Glee Club as a regular member She was also an important part of football contests where she had to vie for any attention at all with the Logan team decked out in "brown pants white Jumpers red stockings and a smile of confidence” Other amfffles were eventually installed on the campus — with leu fanfare Bathrooms (for both senes!) and radiators were especially appreciated by the students With heat in the buildings the incidence of flu grippe and other nmnnti declined (a situation which his poeumonia must eaused one have been dM to everworEastory the physidan didn't The AC team rapidly developed a reputation and for more than haberdashetr — despite the fact that it often played in “raw and chilly" weather on “greasy" fields against a “bunch of bad losers” (local sportswriter) from some other state institution The Aggies were known for sportsmanship and team spirit Boore one game 30 players turned out to help one 4—ThoHorold JoumalVolloy Monday Soptombor 25 1978 - repair (fop photo) In the campus library men were dressed for study in suits and boots (above) of their teammates top beets on his form so he could make the game The team topped five acres in om day and even did well on the other field the next day Intramural sports got a big boost on the new campus when evening athletics were begun to “counteract the effects of enforced confinement” (study to the uninitiated) on the student bodies The fraternities took up the challenge and started something that is still a prominent feature of USU life They organized the first valley campus marathon for joggers The route ran from Logan Hardware in downtown Logan to Johnson’s Grove and back An education at the college was not of course all play or even all work A great deal of time was spent as it still is in "learning from others” and establishing collegiate tradition The international flavor of the campus was determined earty by the registration of students from Mexico Canada and Persia Within a few years the AC boasted a student body from 2C states M countries ranging In age from II to The students came from diverse backgrounds But they no trouble coming together on the issues end projects of the day At basketball games they confounded the opposition with cheers describing the ability of the AC to ‘raise pumpkins squashes potatoes and carrots” Their voices were equally well heard when the ad-- hid |