A RESPONSIBLE PRINTER
Ryther-man behind the Kansan
Each day it takes scores of photographers, writers, typesetters and printers, press operators and mailroom boys to put the UDK out; but only one man is technically responsible for the total operation, to see that the paper is printed.
This man is Thomas Ryther, director of KU printing service and associate professor of journalism. This year after 26 years of service, Mr. Ryther retires.
Under his supervision, the rolls of paper flow through the presses on schedule before deadline, but in spite of his concern with precision and efficiency, he characteristically finds ways to make allowances for deadlines and page quotas.
MEL ADAMS, associate professor of journalism and UDK business adviser, recalls, "I've heard 'Mickie' (Mr. Ryther) tell me I don't know how many times, shaking his finger, that 'no, no, no,—we're not going to put out a 16 page paper tomorrow,' but after the kids (UDK staff) talk to him awhile, pretty soon he'll come back to me and say, 'well, we've decided to let them have 16 pages — this time.' I couldn't begin to count the number of 'this times' there must have been over the years."
To honor Ryther upon his retirement, employees of the printing service—the composing room, press and bindery—gave a surprise dinner for him Saturday in the Kansas Union. A short program followed the buffet dinner. The Rev. H. M. Mallett of the Presbyterian Church gave the prayer and Raymond Nichols, KU vice chancellor, spoke of Ryther's contributions to KU.
DURING THE program ceremonies, printing service employees presented Ryther with a silver medallion as a memento of his service. Inscribed were the words—“OK—T.C.R.”—These are the initials he uses to “OK” every piece of work done by the press. Employees computed that he must have signed his initials at least
000,000 times through the years. He also received a set of luggage. The KU Endowment Association presented a plaque of appreciation containing the KU medallion of the centennial year.
Presentation of a memory book highlighted the program. The scrapbook contained letters and pictures addressed to Ryther from present and past employees and friends of the press. Committees of employees had been planning the surprise dinner for about five months.
ALTHOUGH HE became printing director in 1940, Ryther had earlier experience in the printing service where he worked while in school. In 1922 upon entering KU, he obtained part-time employment on the press, mostly in production of the Kansan. Ryther left KU after graduation, but returned in 1928 to work full-time as printing plant foreman and to study part-time for an M.A. degree which he received in 1932.
During a brief absence from KU between 1937 and 1940, Ryther went to South Dakota State College to become printing plant superintendent and director of
printing instruction. In September, 1940, he returned to KU as printing plant superintendent and instructor in journalism. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1947. Ryther will continue to teach several journalism courses.
In looking back over the past 26 years many things come to mind. Ryther noted in a recent biographical sketch. "I see a parade of editor's sons and others who have worked in the plant part-time while attending KU—many of whom, like, me, couldn't have attended without part-time employment.
"I ALSO think of the World War II era, when all our printers were called into service, leaving the old men and women behind to operate the plant the best they could. I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for those who came into our plant and worked with me days, evenings, Saturdays and Sundays to help meet the stepped-up demands for printing brought on by the campus war training programs."
It was during his years of printing experience that Ryther received the nickname of "Mickie."
In his words he recalls that "while I was working on the Alton, Kansas Empire in 1918 the editor ran a syndicated series of one-column cartoons in which the one and only character was "Mickie the Printer's Devil." His quips were direct and to the point: "Why don't you subscribe to our paper
instead of reading the neighbor's? We do the best job printing in town" and such.
Ice cold Beer
"The strip was carried in several weekly papers. Needless to say, all youngsters working in such plants, in the printer's devil category, immediately became 'Mickie.'"
At The Bierstube Open all Summer air conditioned 14th and Tenn.
Arthur Plant's garden party was something to behold.
The Bud. was just opening.
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