Change characterizes KU-Y history
By JUDY JARRELL Kansan Staff Writer
The recurring theme since the KU-Y first organized at the University of Kansas has been change.
Tom Moore, executive director for the KU-Y, described the organization's basic approach as considering the needs of the students and the University community, then deciding how those needs might be served.
"Since I began working with the KU-Y in September 1960, there has been a shift in emphasis," Moore said.
"As the University has grown larger, all the student organizations have grown smaller, changing with circumstances and needs," he said. "It's just harder for an organization to get a grasp on things when it is big."
Began in 1883
The YMCA began at KU in 1883, and the YWCA was founded two years later.
From the first, they emphasized application of the spirit and teachings of the Christian faith to the needs of students and the University as a whole.
All of these services are now carried on by the University, chiefly through personnel deans.
Bible study and discussions of issues of the day were matched by such practical projects as new student housing, freshmen orientation, a loan fund, employment services and counseling services. Out of its concern for the welfare of foreign students the Y developed a Cosmopolitan Club, forerunner of today's International Club, Moore said.
Students in the Y organized courses on marriage and the family which demonstrated a need later met by courses in the sociology department and the
present day human development and family life department, he said.
End of silence
The Model United Nations, organized in 1959-1960, has been credited by Jackson E. Baur, professor of sociology, with bringing to an end the era of the "silent generation" on the campus by providing an acceptable vehicle for the expression of student concern about world problems.
The finances of the Y come partly from membership dues,partly from student fund raising efforts,partly from endowment and partly from Advisory Board fund raising.
In the early 1920's the YWCA was given a house at 1230 Oread St. which was sold in 1960. This was the first racially integrated house in Lawrence.
In 1959-1960, acting on the recommendation of a special planning committee chaired by Robert Ellsworth, the KU-Y formed a committee to study the needs of handicapped children in Lawrence.
The direct lineal descendant of that committee is the Special Activities program of educational and recreational experiences for retarded children in special education classes of the Lawrence public schools. Each year the children and KU students participate in field trips, bowling, modern dance, roller skating and swimming.
In 1961 a study by two students followed up a suggestion from the Council of Social Agencies for a big brother and big sister program. The Youth Friendship program was launched that year with the cooperation of the schools, juvenile court officials, the mental health clinic and students.
Launched program
Within the past ten years the KU-Y has concentrated more on community service programs, Moore said.
The School Resource Volunteers program was
developed to help public school teachers in the classroom with the routine tasks, while gaining insight into the teaching process.
Originated as a part of Lawrence's war on poverty, the Children's Hour provides students to help in the nursery school and tutor older children.
The race relations committee was organized last year to study the mounting racial problems in Lawrence and perhaps come up with some suggestions and answers.
Continues to serve
But the KU-Y continues its service to the University as well as the Lawrence community.
The Operation Tutor Match program is designed to help students gain tutoring experience while helping other undergraduates who are struggling with some courses, Moore said.
Also, the KU-Y sponsors the annual Rock Chalk Revue, proving its versatility and ability to provide campus entertainment.
Clayton M. Crosier, professor of civil engineering, worked with the KU-Y from 1922 to 1925. He commented that the most radical change in the Y since then has been the manner of financing the organization.
"Where the KU-Y used to operate through student support, it now is financed mostly by the Rock Chalk Revue," he said.
Eldon Fields, professor of political science, also worked in the Y in the early 1930s.
He said the two influencing factors on the KU-Y then were the social-economic problems caused by the depression, and the international worries caused by the rising importance of Hitler and Mussolini.
"There used to be different troubles in the world and in the immediate community than there are now. Even though the focus of the Y has changed, there has never been a lack of troubles for it to focus upon," Fields said.
Family activities fill dean's time
By SARAH DALE Kansan Staff Writer
Family and home occupy much of the time Gilbert Ulmer, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has away from the Hill.
The Ulmer family resides in a big, white house on Vermont Street.
"We bought the house when we moved here because we needed the space." Ulmer remarked. "The location solved our transportation problems and with six children you definitely have this problem." It also was a convenient gathering place for neighborhood children, he said.
When a neighbor's child would visit for lunch or dinner, the child was always "amazed at the sight and activity a family of six children creates," Ulmer said.
"In the summer of 1967, we rented a big beach house on Savannah Beach, Ga. The whole family was there except for Nancy who was working for an oil corporation," he said.
"My children insisted my wife and I take a trip by ourselves," Ulmer said. "I have known Palmerlee since 1931. He was like a brother to me. I am quite thankful we were able to spend such an enjoyable time together that summer."
The Ulmer family relationship is quite close, Ulmer said, adding that his family goes on many outings together.
Traveling is part of the agenda for the Ulmer family. In the summer of 1968, for one month, Ulmer and his wife went to Norway. They were accompanied by Albert S. Palmerlee, past director for the School of Engineering, and his wife.
Ulmer said his major duties are talking with students, mainly juniors and seniors, about their personal problems and their futures.
Ulmer, who will retire at the end of the fiscal year, came to KU from Butier University, Indianapolis, in 1931.
6 KANSAN Apr.16 1969
"I started in engineering at Purdue University, working nights in a newspaper office. After two years of school I worked as a draftsman in an automobile factory. If it
Becoming an assistant dean in 1941 didn't interfere with Ulmer's teaching.
wouldn't have been for the depression, I would have stayed in engineering." Ulmer said.
After graduating from Butler with a B.A. in math and physics, Ulmer was offered a graduate
"This brought me into the
In 1933, Ulmer received his M.A. in math and in 1935, he began teaching at the University High School on the Hill.
teaching field. In 1939, I received my Ph.D. and became an assistant professor
assistantship in math at KU.
23rd & Louisiana St.
Enjoy fine food and warm hospitality during your stay in Lawrence by dining in one of Carriage Lamp's tastefully decorated dining rooms. Featuring a complete menu to serve all tastes and budgets.
Steaks Sea Foods Chicken
Lasagne Spaghetti Sandwiches
Dining Rooms Open 11:30-9:30 Sandwiches Available Until Midnight
Open Sunday 11:30-8:00
Located in The Malls Shopping Center