Miami history and tradition

55 years ago, a joint project from Miami University and Ohio State started what would eventually become its own university in Dayton.

January: Greased blackboards, Bill Mallory named head football coach, and another Snowball Rebellion.

December: Miami’s first football game, a new golf course, the Red Cap Revue, a fire at Sigma Nu, and the best semester in Miami Athletics’ history?

November: Miami becomes alma mater of a U.S. President, a parade to remember, Millett Hall set for “unofficial” opening, and Yager Stadium welcomes ESPN and a nationally ranked foe.

October: Old Main gets a new wing, Miami takes over Oxford College, Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein speaks on campus and an Oxford ghost rides again.

September: New class puts men in the kitchen, Luxembourg Study Center a reality, visits by the Doobie Brothers and H. Ross Perot, and RedHawks stun Tar Heels.

World War II brings changes to Miami and Oxford, a new president begins his “freshman” year and an Oxford icon comes down.

A new exhibit in the Walter Havighurst Special Collections & University Archives focuses on a turbulent time in Miami and world history.

A look through past editions of the Miami Student that relives the college experience of the Class of 1968, from fall 1964 to spring 1968.

May: Raymond M. Hughes honored as Class of 1893 valedictorian, a pioneering coed pilot and students don’t like their vegetables.

April: Great Flood of 1913 results in delayed spring vacation, star athlete alumnus mourned, sophomore declared missing and “no wheels” rule proposed.

March: Sociology department to offer courses in marriage, Oxford ordinance to keep village dry despite repeal of prohibition and Charlie Coles stable after courtside heart attack.

February: A Miami president recalls his encounters with Abraham Lincoln, no Sunday afternoon dating, and a peaceful sit-in makes Miami safer for women.

January: Miami's first WWII flying ace, the end of the trimester experiment, a grading controversy and lessons learned from a Reid Hall fire.

December: From the Heritage Collections looks back on Miami’s history through the lens of The Miami Student.

November: A look back on Miami’s history through the lens of The Miami Student.

As the world recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, did you know that Miami University is home to a world-class collection of Russian history, literature and art?

A look at the remarkable life and legacy of Coach Ara Parseghian ’49.

For the incoming Class of 1921, move-in day came with no guarantees about what the next four years would bring.

Among the numerous examples of valor from Miami's servicemen and women, the story of Col. William Richard Higgins '67 is unforgettable.

Do you remember your commencement speaker and the message that ushered you into the “real world”?

Among the many generous gifts contributed by Miami's alumni and friends, one stands out as a true treasure for the generations.

In 1947, Miami students went to the polls to vote on an athletics non-discrimination policy – the first such policy at any university in the Midwest.

Charter Day was not always known by its current name and its celebration has evolved considerably since the early 1920s.

Last October, Dean and University Librarian Jerome Conley, in partnership with the Miami University Alumni Association, put out a call for your Miami Libraries reflections.

There is nothing quite like a fresh coat of snow to beautify Miami University’s already magnificent campus...

Almost from Miami University’s beginning, The Miami Student has told the stories of Miami and the world from the unique perspective of students living out their generation’s Miami Experience.

As King Library celebrates 50 years this month, take a look back through nearly 200 years of Miami Libraries history.

From Bishop to Hodge, these 10 echoes from Miami inaugurations past tell of leadership, trials and hopes for what Miami would become.

Five decades of Miami student broadcasting history captured within special collections exhibit and digital online archive.

Since 1861, when Miami University classmates marched side-by-side to Oxford’s Elm Street train station to fight on opposing sides of a civil war, Miami men and women have carried on an exemplary military tradition that has given rise to admirals, generals, heroes and those who simply did their part because their country asked. Please enjoy stories, compiled by Miami students as part of a history practicum course.

Stories from the archives including discussion of the events surrounding the Ron Tammen Disappearance narrated by Dr. Shriver.

With the challenging days of World War II behind them, hundreds of Miami University alumni flocked back to campus for Homecoming in October 1945. For most, it was their first trip back to Oxford since 1941, and the atmosphere – like that of the nation – was filled with promise.

With Miami University’s Alumni Association on the cusp of bigger and better things, a tumultuous time in American history intervened and stalled the organization’s momentum.

The “Roaring 20s” brought with them huge bouts of unsuppressed enthusiasm and interests were once again peaked with regard to the reorganization efforts of the Alumni Association. Although initial fundraising efforts proved to be ineffective; alumni tenacity proved steadfast as they set their sights on other projects.  The first of these ventures began during Alumni Day in June 1921.

The effects of World War I were felt throughout the nation, and this was especially true for local universities like Miami. The war greatly impacted the alumni campaign for reorganization and was especially troubling to a university that had recently reopened its doors. While the war raged overseas, the needs of Miami University were felt closer to home.

Forced to close its doors in 1873, the hallowed halls of Old Miami lay dormant for 12 long years, but even a vacant campus could not deter Miami’s alumni.

The end of the Civil War brought with it the initial attempts to organize Miami University alumni. The overwhelming impact of the war had left the university in an undesirable state. Armed with the knowledge that their alma mater was in distress, Cincinnati alumni called for action. On February 5, 1867, their rally cry was answered.

Over the past year, the History and Traditions section has provided readers with fascinating information about the history surrounding Miami University. This year we have decided to focus primarily on Alumni Association history. The Alumni Association has a colorful and rich history that makes for a variety of interesting traditions and tales. I invite you to explore our unique past. After all, it is only when we know where we came from that we begin to understand where we are going.