Clyde Helm (1912-2008) was a member of the Class of 1937. He earned a State Legislative Scholarship and took a degree in General Business. Clyde worked as a janitor at night, and attended to President Willard and his wife. In addition, Clyde was a student during the Great Depression, and he worked for the Computer Science department.
George Miller attended from 1970 to 1974, and lived in Unit One at Allen Hall in its first year of existence, 1971-72. He joined Neely Bruce’s American Music Group, and later taught high school business. In this interview, he discusses the beginning of Unit One, in loco parentis period, student life, and the Library.
Mary Anne Reifsteck Barnfield (1912-2006) studied Business and graduated in 1934. She lived on her family's farm during college and found rides to campus. Mary Anne did not notice the Great Depression because her family always had enough to eat.
Merle Boren (1912-2004) grew up in Champaign in the boarding house that his family operated and lived in. He studied Business, graduated in 1937, and pursued graduate studies at the University. Merle said that he did not especially feel the pains of the Great Depression.
William O'Dell (1909-2009) graduated in 1931. He joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and studied Commerce and Business. William said his choice of major made him aware of the stock market crash and the Great Depression. He said he felt a pinch during the Depression, but he was not seriously impoverished.
