Story 53 - Campus Life in 1949

What was it like to be a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln 75 years ago in 1949? The post-war period was a time of significant investment in higher education and research across the United States. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was experiencing growth in its academic programs and infrastructure through an increase in student enrollment and a push for expanding educational facilities. Story 74 described the early locations of our program’s locations on campus.

Eight decades have passed since the dream of Nebraska's pioneers became a reality. In 1869 a humble university was established on the barren prairie. In eighty years it has grown into an influential educational institution, numbering its graduates in the tens of thousands. We look to the future with proud reflections of the past-to a greater university-to a mightier Nebraska. (Forward in the 1949 Cornhusker Yearbook)

Chancellor Ruben Gustavson 

With the influx of older students generated by the G.I. Bill, Gustavson had his hands full in a half-decade marked by pranks, drinking, riots, and discontent on campus. Older students, who were allowed the chance to attend college after serving in the military felt above the rules and largely ignored them. Bonfires occurred on campus as well as a full-out riot over lack of parking. Widespread irritation occurred over the cramped, crowded city campus with stuffed freshmen dormitories. While students let out their frustration in wild hijinks, letters from concerned parents flooded in. Gustavson chose to regard the pranks as tomfoolery, and the students got a slap on the wrist, which of course only served to make him more popular, in spite of his intense disapproval of the football cult that developed on the university's campus. He instead focused on expanding the university’s research to counter the community’s attacks on UNL’s reputation. This played directly into the reason the university was founded under the Morrill Act: as a place of research and practical learning.  His renewed interest in improving agriculture for the state was applauded, as Nebraska was, and still is, an agricultural state. He was beloved by the student population, who referred to him affectionately as “Gus,” for his gentle but firm rule, and while parents had mixed opinions, the advances that the university’s college of agriculture made under his direction smoothed over any conflicts. UNL, for the first time, began to appear on the national stage as a research institution. Gustavson served as Chancellor from 1946-1953. 

Source: UNL Archives

Academics and Research 

The University was actively engaging in research and development in line with national priorities and post-war growth. With its strong focus on agriculture, UNL was actively involved in agricultural research. The University's Agricultural Experiment Station worked on improving crop yields, soil management, and pest control, which were crucial for Nebraska's farming community.

Athletics 

Athletic events were popular, with football games being a major highlight. The university’s sports teams were a source of pride and community spirit, drawing significant student and local support. 

The Cornhuskers finished the 1949 season with an impressive record of 8 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie. Their only loss came against the University of Oklahoma, a significant game that marked the end of an otherwise successful season. Led by Head Coach Bill Glassford, who was in his fifth year of coaching at Nebraska.

Nebraska was a member of the Big Seven Conference (now known as the Big 12 Conference). The Cornhuskers finished the season with a 4-5 record and 3-3 conference after eight consecutive losing seasons. They say history repeats itself; 75 years later, the Cornhuskers are once again fighting to bring the football program to prominence once again.

Campus Life

Students typically adhered to formal dress codes. Men often wore suits or sport coats, while women wore dresses or skirts and blouses, reflecting the more formal social norms of the time.

Greek life was an important part of campus culture. These organizations were involved in a variety of social and philanthropic activities, contributing to the vibrant social life on campus.

Entertainment and television icon Johnny Carson received his bachelor of arts degree in radio and speech (with a minor in physics) in 1949 from the University of Nebraska. While at Nebraska, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and served as master of ceremonies for the Kosmet Klub, a male dramatic society.

Before completing his bachelor of arts degree, Carson did a senior thesis for his broad-casting professor, William Dempsey. His 1949 senior thesis was entitled “How to Write Comedy for Radio,” which he recorded on a reel-to-reel tape. You can read more here. 

Source: Theatre and Film, Johnny Carson School,  DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

We look forward to welcoming our alumni and friends back to campus November 8-9.

On Saturday morning, our NHRI New Student Enrollment Leaders (current and alumni!) are giving special “NHRI” curated campus tours to showcase our program’s influence on campus over the years. Visit www.75yearsnhri.com for more details!

Mueller Tower Celebrating 75 Years

In June 2024, NHRI alumni enjoyed a private tour of campus led by Lincoln’s very own local historic preservation planner, Edward Zimmer. During the tour, we discovered our campus bell tower, Mueller Tower, was dedicated in 1949.  

Ralph Mueller, graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1898, and enjoyed a successful career in electronics related manufacturing for over 50 years. Mueller founded the Mueller Electric Company in Cleveland in 1908. He is recognized as the inventor of the Alligator Clip, which Mueller Electric Co. continues to manufacture today. To read more visit here.