Speeches

Anna W. Field, Centennial Address, 1949

Anna W. Field taught in the Michigan Normal College Training School from 1915 until 1928, when she joined the Department of History at MSNC as a professor. Retiring in 1946 from the History Department, Field was selected to attend the dedication of the new Pierce Hall in 1949, and to give her remembrances of the original Pierce Hall. In this address, Field speaks of how the original building was the cultural center of Michigan Normal College, and how its growth and expansion mirrored the growth of MSNC itself.

Arthur G. Ruthven, Inauguration of Eugene B. Elliott, 1949

Zoologist and President of the University of Michigan, Arthur Ruthven was selected to speak at the inauguration of Michigan State Normal College President, Eugene B. Elliott. In this address, Ruthven speaks of the important place of MSNC in the post-World War II nation and world, while also emphasizing the need for regional studies and national defense training.

Augusta “Gussie” Harris, Farewell Address to Elton Rynearson and Lloyd Olds, 1963

Graduating from Michigan State Normal College in 1926, Gussie Harris taught physical education for three years until returning to MSNC in 1929, where she held a variety of important positions for the next 39 years. Harris earned numerous awards for her service to the field of physical education. In this short, informal speech, Harris presents Lloyd Olds and Elton Rynearson with scholarships in their names, each awarding the amount of $400 to selected students. Harris recites a short poem, describing the scholarships, and the affection that EMU has for both retiring men.

Bingo Brown, Farewell Speech to Lloyd Olds and Elton Rynearson, 1963

James “Bingo” Brown was one of the most beloved figures in Eastern Michigan University history. Coaching the football team in 1923 and 1924, Brown went on to be appointed Dean of Men in 1927, a position he held for 35 years until his retirement in 1962. Here, Brown delivers a heartfelt farewell address to Lloyd Olds and Elton Rynearson, detailing the ways in which Olds and Rynearson had given their lives over to their students to help guide them down that “golden roadbed of life.”

Bruce K. Nelson, Address to Faculty Senate, 1971

Bruce K. Nelson served as Eastern Michigan University Vice President for Instruction for 21 years, from 1954 to 1975. In this address, Nelson emphasizes the idea that the teachings of higher education change with the underlying cultural currents of society. Nelson stresses that without continuous, institutional change, teachers will become victims of their own success.

Bruce Nelson, Address to New Faculty, 1972

Bruce Nelson joined the faculty of Eastern Michigan University in 1954, gradually working his way to Vice President of Instruction, a position he held until 1975, when he returned to his professorship. Nelson retired from EMU in 1981. In this address, Nelson greets new faculty members with a summary of where EMU has been, and where it hopes to go in the future. Introduced by Dr. Robert Silver, whom Nelson describes as a “gentleman and a scholar,” Nelson explains how the culture of any university is affected by, and representative of, the greater culture surrounding the university. In the greater surrounding culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s, says Nelson, many new and seemingly unfortunate characteristics have become more visible: drug use, violence, racism, and feelings of disillusionment brought on by the ongoing war in Vietnam. These cultural characteristics helped to bring on the late unrest at EMU, and laid the foundations for the recent student demonstrations at the university. However, Nelson argues that these students are only doing what the faculty of the institution have always asked of students: to relate the lessons of the university to the greater world. Instead of holding the university back, Nelson posits that the actions taken by the student demonstrators assisted in the forward movement of EMU.

Calvin Vanderwerf, Address at the 20th Annual Honors Convocation Ceremony, 1968

Calvin A. Vanderwerf (1917-1988) was President of Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and former University of Florida chemistry professor. Invited to speak at the 20th Annual Honors Convocation ceremony at Eastern Michigan University, Vanderwerf speaks of his 25 years in academia, and shares his observations of the changing national attitude toward college education and the development of the American intellect.

Charles Colby, Centennial Address, 1949

An alumni of Michigan State Normal College, class of 1906, and head of the Department of Geography at the University of Chicago, Charles C. Colby speaks in the address of the need for training teachers with an understanding and good judgement of an acceptable standard of living. In order to understand and judge this standard of living, Colby insists that teacher training in the field of economics is vital.

Charles W. Hunt, Centennial Address, 1949

Charles W. Hunt served effectively in many capacities at State University College at Oneonta, and in this address, given at the 1949 Michigan State Normal College Centennial Celebration, Hunt states that the influence of MSNC has been felt around the world by virtue of the training given teachers at the college. In a democratic culture, says Hunt, normal colleges like MSNC are vital instruments in the furthering of knowledge and growth of all citizens.

Clyde Ford, Centennial Address, 1949

Dr. Richard Clyde Ford was appointed head of the Department of Foreign Languages at Michigan State Normal College in 1903. An experienced world traveler and expert on the state of education in Michigan, Ford here gives an overview of Michigan State Normal College. Given in the context of the growth of Ypsilanti, Ford’s summary of MSNC features a biography of John Pierce, to whom Pierce Hall was being dedicated at the MSNC Centennial Celebration. The buildings on campus, states Pierce, are a present testament to the men and women who labored to grow the College to its current (1949) form. Ford also explains the connection between the creation of a school and the creation of culture.

Donald Currie, University Library Dedicatory Address, 1967

Donald Currie serve as dean of students at Eastern Michigan University until joining the staff of the Royal Oak public schools, where he served as superintendent. Still president of the EMU Alumni Association, Currie was asked to speak at the dedication ceremony for the new University Library. Currie speaks at length on the growth of the university libraries throughout the years, and notes that all library growth can be traced back to just three individuals -Elsie Andrews, E. Walfred Erickson, and Genevieve Walton- in the more than 100 years that the school has been in existence. Currie says that more than how many books a library has, the real success of a library is measured in how well it serves the academic community.

E. Walfred Erickson, University Library Dedicatory Address, 1967

E. Walfred Erickson, Head Librarian at Eastern Michigan University, gave this address at the University Library dedication ceremony. In the speech, Erickson thanks all parties at length who had a hand in the planning, funding, and construction of the new building, calling Eugene Elliott the “father of this child,” and Representative Joseph Warner, “the rich uncle of this child.”

Egbert Isbell, Introduction to the First Annual Conference on College and University Archives, 1968

Egbert Isbell served as professor of history, and administrator at Eastern MichiganUniversity from 1937-1967. Presiding over the lunch portion of the First Annual Conference on College and University Archives, Isbell welcomes all participants, and pays tribute to President Harold Sponberg for not only looking forward to the future of EMU, but also to the institution’s past.

Elliot Richardson, Commencement Address, 1974

Elliot Lee Richardson (July 20, 1920 – December 31, 1999) was an American lawyer and politician who was a member of the cabinet of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. As U.S. Attorney General, he was a prominent figure in the Watergate Scandal, and resigned rather than obey President Nixon's order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox. In this address, Richardson warns the graduates of Eastern Michigan University against being “mastered by change,” and instead encourages them to “be in charge of change,” and to resist the prevailing sense of cynicism felt in the late 60’s and early 70’s. At the conclusion of the ceremony, several people are awarded honorary degrees by President Sponberg, including new Detroit Mayor, Coleman Young.

Elton Rynearson, Farewell Address, 1963

Elton Rynearson attended Michigan State Normal College from 1910-1914, and later, as a coach, led MSNC athletics to the most successful years in the history of Eastern Michigan University. In this informal farewell speech given at a retirement party for Rynearson and Lloyd Olds in 1963, Rynearson looks back over his time at EMU, sharing anecdotes of the influential professors and coaches of the school, during his time as a student and coach.

Eugene B. Elliott, Inaugural Address, 1949

Eugene B. Elliott was inaugurated as Michigan State Normal College President in 1949, and served until 1965. In his inaugural address, Elliott acknowledges his warm welcome from MSNC staff and administration before discussing the necessary “reconsecration” to the cause of education on the part of faculty and administration. This revisioning of the mission of MSNC, Elliott says, emphasizes teachers doing away with their “bags of tricks” used formerly to solve classroom problems, and instead utilizes flexibility and adaptability to move the institution and its students into the future. Elliott also speaks of the need for educated young people to halt the spread of totalitarianism around the globe.

Eugene B. Elliott, University Library Dedicatory Address, 1967

Eugene Elliott served as Eastern Michigan University from 1949 to 1965. During Elliott’s tenure, the university underwent a period of growth unprecedented in its history. In this address, Elliott stresses the need to keep library development at the top of the list of university priorities. Elliott speaks to the fact that even in troubling socioeconomic times, libraries are of the utmost value, and that this new University Library, located at the center of campus, will act as “the intellectual heart, pumping new ideas through the veins of Eastern Michigan University.”

Eugene Elliott, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955

Eugene Elliott was President of Michigan State Normal College and Eastern Michigan University from 1949-1965. In this address at the dedication of Bowen Field House, Elliott thanks all those who lent a hand in the planning, funding, and building of the structure. The new facility, he says, will meet the needs of a rapidly growing student body, as well as strengthen the values of students while it is being used 10-14 hours per day.

Eugene Elliott, ROTC Award Acceptance Speech, 1965

Eugene Elliott served as Eastern Michigan University President, 1949-1965. This recording captures Elliott on the eve of retirement, accepting an award for outstanding performance from ROTC of EMU. Elliott discusses the importance of the ROTC program, and the great responsibility attached to military might. The recording, captured out of doors, is very windy at times.

Fred Rogers, Commencement Address, 1973

Fred Rogers was an American television personality, musician, puppeteer, writer, producer, and Presbyterian minister. Rogers was famous for creating, hosting, and composing the theme music for the educational preschool television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001), which featured his kind-hearted, grandfatherly personality, and directness to his audiences. In this address to the graduating class of 1973, Rogers stresses his view that education is individually varied according to the student doing the learning; different student characteristics necessitate a diverse array of teaching methods. Rogers says that though the road to discovering one’s true self may be long, it is also worth the wait, especially with the help of intuitive and creative teachers. Rogers performs two of his own compositions, “Truth and Freedom,” and “There Are Many Ways to Say I Love You” during the presentation.

G. Mennen Williams, Campaign Rally Address, 1966

G. Mennen Williams (1911-1988) was the 41st Governor of Michigan, and later worked under John F. Kennedy as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and served as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. In 1966, Williams unsuccessfully ran for Governor of Michigan. This audio recording captures Williams in a campaign stop, introducing primary speaker Robert Kennedy.

George Goodman, Mayor of Ypsilanti, Address to the Fall Faculty Luncheon, 1974

George Goodman was a lifelong Ypsilanti resident, having attended the Roosevelt School before graduating from Eastern Michigan University. Goodman served as mayor of Ypsilanti from 1971 until 1981. Concerned with the “orderly growth of the community,” Goodman here recaps the first 150 years of Ypsilanti, recounting both achievements and problems, before describing the city in terms of infrastructure, historic preservation, and the costs of new city resources such as bridges, fire trucks, and public transit. Dismissing the possibility of any major industrial powers making their homes in Ypsilanti, Goodman stresses Ypsilanti's need for the jobs and prestige that EMU brings to the community. Goodman also lists several ways in which the city and the university could improve their relations.

George Marshall, Address at the George Marshall Recognition Dinner, 1967

George Marshall served as track coach for Eastern Michigan University for 35 years, from 1928 to 1967. In that time, his teams won 14 Interstate Intercollegiate Conference titles and the NAIA national cross country title. This audio recording from an appreciation dinner in Marshall’s honor captures Marshall responding to the accolades of the evening. Recalling stories from his time as track and field coach, and revisiting many of the lessons learned in his years with the track team, Marshall is humble and humorous in this address.

Governor G. Mennen Williams, Introduction to Vice President Barkley, 1949

In this address at the Michigan State Normal College Centennial Celebration, Michigan Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams introduces the principle speaker of the day: United States Vice President Alben Barkley.

Hannah Arendt, Commencement Address 1964

Johanna "Hannah" Arendt (14 October 1906 – 4 December 1975) was a German-born, American political theorist. Her eighteen books and numerous articles, on topics ranging from totalitarianism to epistemology, had a lasting influence on political theory. Arendt is widely considered one of the most important political philosophers of the twentieth century. In this address, Arendt emphasizes the importance of truth-seeking in the world outside of the university. The experience of education, Arendt says, is the experience of committing to the pursuit of truth, and once outside the bubble of academia, students will find this commitment to truth to be invaluable.

Harold Sponberg, Address at the George Marshall Recognition Dinner, 1967

Harold Sponberg served as Eastern MIchigan University President from 1965-1974. As the opening speaker of the George Marshall Recognition Dinner, Sponberg thanks all those in attendance for being present, before stating that he wished he could have known Marshall for a longer period of time, so that he might do him full justice in his testament to Marshall’s character. Sponberg details Marshall’s career before illuminating several of his teaching, coaching, and personal qualities. Sponberg’s address takes an emotional turn when he speaks of Marshall’s illness, and his hopes for a full recovery

Harold Sponberg, Address to Fall Faculty Conference, 1972

Harold Sponberg served as Eastern Michigan University president from 1965 to 1974. In this address at the 1972 Fall Faculty Conference, Sponberg begins with a humorous synopsis of the duties of administrators, deans, and secretaries, before moving on to express his view that good decision making on the part of teachers depends primarily on insight, and the ability to recognize the different ways in which students learn. Sponberg also announces the appointment of a committee to investigate the differences in pay, workload, and hiring between men and women at EMU.

Harold Sponberg, Address to Fall Faculty Conference, 1972

Harold Sponberg served as president of Eastern Michigan University from 1965-1974. In this address to EMU faculty, Sponberg begins by explaining why he chose EMU and welcomes new department heads to the University. The bulk of Sponberg’s remarks center on budgetary concerns and the faculty’s apprehension over a looming wage-freeze. In the wake of civil unrest on and off campus, Sponberg stresses the need for the University to remain accountable for student action, whether that action be civil or uncivil.

Harold Sponberg, Inaugural Address, 1966

Harold E. Sponberg served as President of Eastern Michigan for nine years until his retirement in 1974. This audio recording captures Sponberg’s inaugural address from Pease Auditorium. George Romney delivers the invocation, and Chairman of the Board of Regents Edward J. McCormick introduces Sponberg and gives him the symbols of the University.

Harold Sponberg, Introduction to the First Annual Conference on College and University Archives, 1968

President of Eastern Michigan University, 1965-1974, Harold Sponberg welcomes all participants in the archives conference to the EMU campus. Sponberg thanks Egbert Isbell for getting him up to speed on EMU history, and acknowledges that college archives are the best way to inject knowledge into an institution.

Harold Sponberg, University Library Dedicatory Address, 1967

Harold E. Sponberg served as President of Eastern Michigan for nine years until his retirement in 1974. In this audio recording, Sponberg praises all parties involved with the planning and execution of the new University Library, remarking that it was no wonder the library was placed in the exact center of campus; learning should be of equal access to all who wish to take advantage of it.

Harold Urey Address, Dedication of Strong Hall, 1958

Dr. Harold Urey was an American physical chemist whose work on isotopes earnd him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1943 for the discovery of deuterium. Here, Urey dedicates the newly-built Strong Hall on the campus of Eastern Michigan University by linking the growth and success of science to the national psyche. Urey explains how the popularity -and unpopularity- of science leads to a decline in science education.

Haydn Morgan, Tribute to Frederick Alexander, 1960

The Frederick Alexander Memorial organ was built and installed in Pease Auditorium in 1960. During the dedication ceremony of the organ, Eastern Michigan University Music Director Haydn Morgan paid tribute to Frederick Alexander, longtime Michigan State Normal College music director, and namesake of the new organ.

Helen Milliken, Address to Eastern Michigan University, Friends of the Library, 1974

Helen Wallbank Milliken (December 4, 1922 – November 16, 2012) was an American women's rights activist, environmentalist, and former First Lady of Michigan. Milliken, the longest serving First Lady in Michigan's history, served from 1969 to 1983 during the tenure of her husband, former Michigan Governor William Milliken. Milliken was known for her activism on behalf of many causes throughout her life. She was one of Michigan's leading proponents of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution during the 1970s. In this address to the Friends of the Eastern Michigan University Library, Millien expresses her sense of value for the arts in Michigan, exemplified by the art project she spearheaded - the Art Train. Art Train was a traveling art exhibit of all mediums, intended to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Henry J. Owens, Induction into Ordre des Palmes Academique, 1968

Head of Foreign Languages Department Henry J. Owens receives an award from the French Cultural Councillor for services rendered to French culture in the United States. With this award, Owens was made Officier of the Ordre des Palmes Academique.

James Brickley, Address to the Fall Faculty Conference, 1976

Brickley served as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 1971 to 1975 and again from 1979 to 1983 under Governor William Milliken. From 1975 until 1978 he was president of Eastern Michigan University. In this annual address to Eastern Michigan University faculty, Brickley outlines the difficulties facing EMU, naming two major areas of concern: continuing fiscal austerity, and continuing problems in enrollment. Brickley speaks on the causes and effects of the present budget crunch, detailing all programs cut, and the stripping down of several other programs. The ability to “move with the market,” Brickley says, is essential to surviving the fiscal difficulties then facing EMU.

James Brickley, Inaugural Address, 1975

Following the resignation of Eastern Michigan University President Harold Sponberg in 1974, the EMU Board of Regents named James Brickley (November 15, 1928 – September 28, 2001) to the office of president. A former FBI Special Agent and future Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Brickley begins by thanking Michigan Governor WIlliam Milliken for attending the day’s activities. Brickley then emphasizes the conundrum that is balancing increasing global interdependence with counteracting increasing “brain drain” amongst American universities. The greatest problem facing EMU and all universities, says Brickley, is how to adequately adjust the needs and demands of constantly changing social and economic patterns. Brickley discusses his plans to alleviate these issues during his tenure as president.

James M. Hare, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955

James Hare was Michigan Secretary of State from 1955-1970. In this address at the dedication of the new Field House, Hare recalls his days playing various sports for Wayne State University in Detroit. Michigan Normal College, he says, was always dear to his heart, and he enjoyed his time competing here because of the lively school spirit. Hare also declares Bowen Field House to be a symbol of the direction the United States must take in the wake of World War II - that of active participant and not spectator.

John Munson, Inauguration of Eugene B. Elliott, 1949

John Munson was President of Michigan State Normal College 1933-1948. In this address, Munson welcomes incoming president Eugene B. Elliott and delivers an inventory of distinguished MSNC alumni. Munson speaks of the evidence of MSNC’s global influence when naming former students and faculty who have gone on to important global positions.

John R. Emens, Centennial Address, 1949

Michigan State Normal College alum, John R. Emens, class of 1926, served as President of Ball State Teachers College, 1945-1968. In this address at Michigan State Normal College, Emens relates the history of MSNC, along with many of the lessons he learned while a student at the college. Emens also explains that the influence of MSNC is felt around the world, as many of the students and faculty of the institution have gone on to do great things globally.

Joseph E. Warner, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955

Joseph E. Warner of Ypsilanti served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1921-1930, and again from 1937-1956. Warner also served on the Ways and Means Committee which appropriated funding for Bowen Field House. Here, he congratulates Michigan State Normal College and Ypsilanti at large for the addition of Bowen Field House to their campus and community.

Lee M. Thurston, Centennial Address, 1949

Lee Thurston serve as Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1948 to 1953. Here he Thurston delivers an address concerning the needs of public institutions, and how to effectively meet those needs. The framework of needs that Thurston discusses range from material, administrative, and structural needs to scientific and interpretive needs.

Lee M. Thurston, Inauguration of Eugene B. Elliott, 1949

Lee M. Thurston served as Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction, 1948-1953. In this address, Thurston speaks of the value of state support for Michigan schools, stating that without state involvement, Michigan schools risk consolidation and centralization of programs by the federal government in Washington D.C. Thurston also stresses the need for a belief in college and university education by common citizens, and notes that Michigan State Normal College is, and will be, an example of a school that bolsters the belief in education.

Lenore Romney, Address to Women's Faculty Club, 1965

Lenore LaFount Romney (November 9, 1908 – July 7, 1998) was an American actress and political figure. The wife of businessman and politician George W. Romney, she was First Lady of Michigan from 1963 to 1969. She was the Republican Party nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1970 from Michigan. In this address to the Eastern Michigan University Faculty Women’s Club, Romney encourages listeners to begin to look inward for the resources to improve their lives, rather than depending on federal government programs to improve them. Romney argues that by being involved and informed on the current political issues, one can then vote responsibly, as well as pass that information down to their children.

Leonard Posey, Inaugural Luncheon Address, 1976

Leonard Posey was elected as the first African American Student Body President of Eastern Michigan University in 1975. During his presidency, Posey caught flack from several minority student groups who charged that he was unfair in allocating the $18,000 in student assessment fees. He drew the fire of administrators who thought he was too critical of the controversial inauguration plans for University President James Brickley. In this address, Posey welcomes newly-elected EMU President James Brickley to his new post, and also sheds light on the late student unrest on campus, and the need for a university president to be adaptable to changing societal norms.

Lloyd Olds, Farewell Address, 1963

Born in Ypsilanti in 1892, Lloyd Olds received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State Normal College, and later a Doctor of Public Health from University of Michigan. He returned to serve for 42 years as coach, athletic director, and head of intramurals. In this informal address at a retirement event honoring Olds and Elton Rynearson, Olds reminisces about past professors and athletes of Eastern Michigan University, and gives suggestions as to the forward direction of the University.

Mildred Beatty Smith, Address at the Dedication of University Library, 1967

Mildred Beatty Smith served on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents for 10 years before leaving to serve as Director of Elementary Education in the Flint public schools. In this dedicatory address for the new University Library, Smith remarks that the strength of libraries is not in the buildings themselves, but rather in the ideas that the buildings contain. When students begin to value libraries for this reason, Smith says, that will be the real return on the investment.

Olga Madar, Address from the Inauguration of President James Brickley, 1975

Olga M. Madar (May 17, 1915 – May 16, 1996) was the first woman to serve on the United Auto Workers (UAW) International Executive Board. In 1938, she graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in physical education. In 1941, she joined the UAW Local 50 while working at Ford’s Willow Run bomber plant. According to Doug Fraser, former UAW president, Madar “was a trailblazer in the struggle for equal rights,” fighting to end racial discrimination and a champion of women’s rights. In this address prior to the inauguration of university president James Brickley, Madar details her attempt to navigate the “confusing” socio-political landscape of the 1970’s, and the role of minorities and women within that landscape. Madar condemns the gender wage gap, and lauds EMU for its placement of value on the education of women. Madar also addresses the possible threat to universities like EMU by a steadily growing number of community colleges, expressing her view that large universities need to begin paying more attention to low-income community members. A Q&A session follows the speech.

Professor John Sattler, Eulogy for John F. Kennedy, 1963

Eastern Michigan University Speech professor John Sattler eulogizes slain president John F. Kennedy. Recalling his professional achievements in this emotional address, and detailing the difficulties of the office of President of the United States, Sattler remarks upon how well suited Kennedy was to the highest office in the world.

Ralph Gilden Address, Announcement of the George Marshall Scholarship, 1967

Ralph Gilden served in virtually every position at Eastern Michigan University in his 40 years at EMU. From organizing a parent’s organization, to faculty member, to administrator and even interim president when Harold Sponberg resigned in 1974, Gilden was a loyal servant to the university and the faculty and students who constituted it. In this audio recording, Gilden pays tribute to George Marshall by announcing the launch of a new scholarship in the former track coach’s name.

Ralph Gilden, Fall Faculty Luncheon Address, 1974

Soon after graduating from Eastern Michigan University (then Michigan State Normal College) with honors in 1942 and lettering in track, he joined the faculty as associate professor in industrial education at Roosevelt Laboratory School, with time out to instruct with the United States Army Specialized Training Corps. Spending his entire 44 year career at EMU, he was the man known as “Dean Gilden”, dean of admissions and financial aid. He worked in 16 offices on campus and in many capacities, including associate registrar, director of Admissions, dean of Student Activities, dean of Admissions and Student Activities, dean of Admissions and Financial Aids, interim vice-president for Student Affairs, and he was one of the handful of men in the history of the University to serve as president. He served as interim president in 1974 during the University’s critical search for a new top administrator. In this address to new and old faculty at EMU, Gilden covers the gamut of institutional concerns, from declining enrollment to projected budgetary issues and physical structures. Gilden also stresses the need for transparency in administration, and suggests strategies to keep low-income students in school.

Robert F. Kennedy, Campaign Rally Speech, 1966

In 1966, Robert F. Kennedy visited Eastern Michigan University and delivered an address from the steps of Pease Auditorium. Kennedy began by rallying support for Congressman Wes Vivian, gubernatorial candidate Zolton Ferency, and G. Mennen Williams, poking fun at Williams’ wardrobe in the process. Kennedy next compares the voting record of Republican United States Congressmen to that of the Democratic vote, pointing out the shortcomings of several Republican voting records on issues such as an federal education act, Medicare, and the draft lottery, which he says should apply equally to everyone regardless of background or economic status. Embedded in Kennedy’s speech are humorous anecdotes and self-defacing quips.

Robert Solow, Address to Eastern Michigan University Honors College, 1973

Robert Solow is an American economist particularly known for his work on the theory of economic growth that culminated in the exogenous growth model named after him. He is currently Emeritus Institute Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he has been a professor since 1949. He was awarded the John Bates Clark Award in 1961, the Nobel Memorial Award in Economic Sciences in 1981, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. In this address to the graduates of the Eastern Michigan Honors College, Solow attempts to answer the question of how to pay forward our debt to the future, and how to ensure a stable and peaceful world for future generations. Following the address, Bruce Nelson presents students with outstanding academic records at EMU.

Ronald Bridge, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955

On the behalf of the students of Michigan State Normal College, student body President Ronald Bridge thanks the parties responsible for the planning and construction of Bowen Field House.

Senator Jerome Hart, Commencement Address, 1963

Jerome T. Hart was a Democratic member of the Michigan Senate from 1965 through 1990. He served on the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee from 1959 through 1963 and was an alternate delegate to the 1964 Democratic National Convention. He was also an executive assistant to the state treasurer. In this commencement address, Hart focuses on the American Civil Rights Movement and the role of graduates in the struggle for racial equality. Hart tells graduates that they cannot afford to simply pay attention to the actions of politicians in regards to Civil Rights; person-to-person interactions must also change if a cultural shift is to take place.

Senator Louis G. Christian, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955

Michigan Senator Louis G. Christian expresses his gratitude for being allowed a part in the building of Bowen Field House, remarking that a sound body is essential to a sound mind. Happy for Michigan State Normal College and the Ypsilanti community, Christian relates an “Arabian proverb:” “He who has health has hope; he who has hope has everything.”

Stephen Nisbet, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955

A member of the Michigan State Board of Education, Stephen Nisbet uses an analogy of Babe Ruth to illustrate the importance of teamwork whether on the baseball diamond or when building a new building on the campus of Michigan State Normal College. State government, the local community, and the college itself are the team players involved in building the new Bowen Field House. Without that group effort, Nisbet says, the porject would not have come to fruition.

Thomas J. Murray, Address at the Dedication of University Library, 1967

Thomas J. Murray served for 33 years at Eastern Michigan University in a variety of roles, most notably as head of the Department of Communication and Theater Arts. In this humorous address from 1967, Murray dedicates the new University Library by reading a fictional agreement to be signed by both faculty members and Librarians. This agreement highlights many of the complaints that faculty and librarians have about each other, and has the room in stitches.

Timothy Dyer, Address at the Dedication of Bowen Field House, 1967

Timothy Dyer served twelve years on the Board of Regents at Eastern Michigan University, and two years as Mayor of Ypsilanti. In this audio recording, Dyer explains the connection between the Ypsilanti community and Eastern Michigan University, stating that both entities coexist and that each must take the other into consideration. He congratulates EMU, on the behalf of the City of Ypsilanti, on the building of the new library.

United States Senator Robert Griffin, Commencement Address, 1969

Robert Paul Griffin (November 6, 1923 – April 16, 2015) was a Republican U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator from the state of Michigan and Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. As a junior United States Senator from Michigan in 1969, Griffin here acknowledges that he is the “last obstacle between the graduates and their diplomas,” and remarks upon the distrust of the establishment felt by many college graduates of the late 1960’s. Rebellion, Griffin says, is essential to moving society forward, and he warns the students of the pitfalls of destructive rebellion. Destructive rebellion only leads to more destruction, while constructive rebellion has the potential to change American society in positive ways.

United States Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Address to NTEC, Somalia, 1968

Hubert Humphrey served as 38th United States Vice President to President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965-1969. This address occurred during Humphrey’s extended tour of Africa in 1968, and was given to the faculty and students of the National Teachers Education Center - an institution which employed many Eastern Michigan University faculty as supervisors and consultants. In this address, Humphrey expounds upon the importance of a well-rounded education, stating that the purpose of education was the emancipation from fear and suspicion.

Vice President Alben Barkley, Centennial Address, 1949

Alben Barkley was United States Vice President under President Harry Truman. In this address, Barkley gives a thorough summary of the role of education in the last 100 years of the nation. Discussing the United States of America from its founding through World War II, Barkley explains that only through education can Americans overcome the fear that has permeated the American psyche in the wake of WWII.

Wes Vivian Introduces Zolton Ferency, 1966

Wes Vivian was a United States Congressman from Michigan from 1965-1967. In this brief recording, Vivian makes a campaign stop in Ypsilanti, on the steps of Pease Auditorium, to introduce gubernatorial candidate Zolton Ferency.

William F. Buckley, Winter Commencement Address, 1971

William F. Buckley Jr. was an American conservative author and television commentator, most notably on his own program, Firing Line, where he became known for his transatlantic accent and wide vocabulary. Regarded as one of the most important conservative intellectuals of his time, Buckley here lays out three concepts that he has taken from his association with the youth of 1971. First, Buckley emphasizes the younger generation’s affinity for new technologies, and explains that with every new technological advance, there are concerns as well as benefits. Second, Buckley has learned from the youth that reason will hold as much influence as romanticism in the decisions made by the graduating generation. Third, Buckley has realized that the youth of 1971 are fully able to determine that the idealism of others is just as valuable as their own idealism, though it may differ greatly. At the end of this recording, 5 honorary degrees are given, including one to Buckley, as well as another honorary degree to Motown Records founder Barry Gordy.

Zolton Ferency Introduces G. Mennen Williams, 1966

Zolton Ferency was a lawyer, political activist, and professor at Central Michigan University. Ferency ran unsuccessfully for governor of the State of Michigan in 1966. In this brief speech from the steps of Pease Auditorium in 1966, Ferency introduces his running mate, G. Mennen Williams, and warms the crowd up for primary speaker, Robert Kennedy.

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