Community

Constant improvements were being made to the campus’s physical aspects in the 60s. New dormitories were built to improve the housing situation. Additionally, a Lincoln gem was opened in 1963—the Sheldon Art Gallery. Built in memory of Mary Frances Sheldon, the museum continues to exist as the art center of campus and draws much of our community of today down to the University. 
 
Unfortunately, as the University continued to expand, taxes continued to rise for citizens. Apparently, “some failed to understand the role that the University could play in raising the quality of life within the state.” (Sawyer 216). To make matters with the citizens’ support worse, taxes further increased after the 1968 merger with the University in Omaha. “(...) It seems doubtful that many Nebraskans fully realized either the financial consequences or educational promise inherent in the merger” (Sawyer 230). Despite citizens being angered at the financial repercussions of having a University, “the increased interest of the public in higher education and the expanded role of the federal government in providing financial assistance for campus construction and research made [the most dynamic decade in history of the University] possible” (Saywer 230).

Abel/Sandoz

Because of vandalism committee shortly after Abel was completed, students were sorted by floor in an attempt to counteract their impersonality. Helen Snyder, associate dean of students at the time of Abel’s completion, had warned that the high-rise dorms (Abel and Sandoz) would breed destructiveness.

As baby boomers began to attend college in the 60s, more and more housing was needed to support the massive number of students. By 1968, enrollment was at an all time high of 19,000. The University was continually behind in its housing, even having to rent 4 floors of the Capital Hotel in 1963 in downtown for male students needing housing. Thus, with the building of the high-rise dormitories Abel and Sandoz, Hardin was attempting to get ahead of the curve. This is a painting of Sandoz Hall during its completion in 1966. Sandoz Hall was the women’s dormitory.

Fearful of overbuilding, Hardin and the rest of the University housing was ill prepared for the growth of enrollment in the 1960s. By 1963, the student population rose above 10,000 as baby boomers turned college aged, and new residence halls were necessary. Abel hall was nearly finished by 1965 when it was first vandalized from a trash shoot and elevator fire.

Abel and Sandoz Halls were dedicated on February 19th, 1967. Abel, named after George Abel was thirteen stories tall when it was completed. Sandoz, named for a writer, Mari Sandoz, was half as large as Abel.

Sheldon Art Gallery

Sheldon Art Gallery was formally dedicated on May 16th, 1963. It was built in as a memorial to Mary Frances Sheldon who left funds following her death to build an on-campus art museum. Her brother Adams Bromley Sheldon added to this donation upon his death, increasing his sister’s gift by 40%.

Architect Philip Johnson talks about the wonderful job he did on the Sheldon Art Gallery.

As part of the dedication of the Sheldon Art Gallery, an engravement is made in honor of its founders. Board of Regents and Mrs. A. B. Sheldon looks on as the engravement is being made in the cornerstone.

“Grand Openers” at the event last May included: Mrs. Clifford Hardin, wife of the University Chancellor, Sheldon Director Norman Geske, “Princess X,” Chancellor Hardin, Mrs. A. Bromely Sheldon and Architect Philip Johnson of New York.

 

 

 

Campus Expansion

The article refers to plans for the expansion of the agriculture campus. The College had received about 8,900 acres of land to be used as a lab. Also the agriculture library was being built during this time.

The College of Dentistry will be expanded on East Campus, about $4.4 million plan to do this. The plan was approved by the Board of Regents.

 

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