One of the major features of EMU, or EMC in years past, has been the opportunuty for campus-wide discussion. Since its advent in 1939, students and faculty have used The Weather Vane as a medium for communication across campus.
Homecoming serves as a time for contemplation of the campus’ past, present, and future. One way to reflect on past dialogues is to look back and see where these discussions fall in with today’s campus climate.
The following are current concerns of EMU, but after some digging, past Weather Vane issues proved that these concerns were shared by students of the past as well.
Campus Commons
Last spring, the university announced various cuts due to budget concerns. Despite cuts, the university continued renovation on the Science Center, with other spending plans like a new track. Various conversations were held debating the necessity of the spending, the reasoning, and the funds.
In 1998, the campus faced a similar dilemma. Over Homecoming weekend, the school unveiled details for its building plans of Campus Commons as reported in the Oct. 15, 1998 WeatherVane. This created excitement and controversy.
Tuition costs had been inflating and the project had a high price tag. Those concerned argued that the project aligned the campus with large universities and went against the grain of Mennonite values. Students stood with signs stating “Is EMU Becoming Elitist?” and “Learn Simply So That Others May Simply Learn.”
Chapel Requirements
This year’s Sept. 13 issue highlighted the mixed feelings surrounding Convocation. First-years are now required to attend 80 Convocation credits. Students reported mixed feelings on the new requirements.
In 1978, chapel requirements were already being debated. Titus Bender, a professor at the time, wrote an article in the April 14 issue outlining his perspective. Bender proposed a decrease in religiosity and requiring one Convocation a week centered on pertinent issues. “It is counter-productive to handicap worship related experiences with the millstone of coercion,” Bender said.
On April 22, 1983, the newspaper reported a successful change in the chapel requirements. Though still required, students recorded attendance through self-reporting attendance cards. However, faculty administered no penalties for not turning in the card.
On the necessity of chapel requirements, Joseph Shenk, campus pastor at the time, said “We will always need to have required chapel attendance.”
EMU and the Solar Age
The April 28, 1978 issue of the Weather Vane covered the celebration of Sun Day. The main focus of the day was to “encourage students and teachers to explore the possibilities of solar energy. Various events were organized such as Earthkeeper’s “Celebrate the Sun Work Projects.”
Forty years later, Earthkeepers continues the tradition of solar projects. Two weeks ago, the club organized a successful solar barn-raising. This project fulfilled campus dreams of increased solar energy in small institutions.
The Weather Vane’s reporting gives glimpses into similarities and differences through the timeline of the school.
Though the school has undergone great change, the student and faculty voices still carry similar messages, just in different climates.
Weather Vane archives can be accessed through the Historical Library or on the Sadie Hartzler Library website.
