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I was the manager of the U of I Galesburg basketball team. We played U of I Navy Pier in 1948-49 and lost. The Galesburg branch was closed in 1949 and I went to U of I Navy Pier for my sophomore year in college. I was on the debate team and my debate partner was the “Queen" of Navy Pier. We sure had fun.

I remember Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis visiting the school and putting on a performance. They were great but not well known at the time. I remember sitting in the cafeteria one cold winter morning watching someone pull a dead body out of the lake.

In the spring of '50, I was asked to help a handicapped girl. I picked her up in my car and drove her to the Pier. As a reward I was allowed to park on the Pier. That was quite a privilege.

It seemed that when I had a class in the gym my next class was in the auditorium for a lecture. I had all of 10 minutes to go the length of the Pier. That really was all the exercise I needed. I had a class with young women training to be nurses. It was Bacteriology. After drawing the “dust” on the microscope, the girls gave me some needed help. The school was great, the teachers were great and I enjoyed my experience very much. I even took a summer class in 1951.

Raymond Garcia '52 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

A particularly interesting class was the challenging economics course. The lady professor was brilliant and kept us (students) eager to do our best in study.

And although it was a very long time ago, you just can't forget the frigid winter with howling winds sitting in classes on Navy Pier.

Louis C. Lembesis '47 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

As an engineering student our class rooms were at the far east end of the Pier. I don't believe the heat ever got to that end because we had to wear coats and jackets in class. The wind would come off the lake, through the steel frame windows and cause ice build-up on the glass. At the Engineering Open House in 1950 a fellow student by the name of Joe Rush and I put together a miniature layout of a small city showing how electricity was generated at a power plant, transmitted by wire and towers to the homes and factories. We won first prize for the exhibit that year. There must be a picture of the exhibit someone in the files.

Engineering students with slide rules hanging on their belts would have a hard time going through the one and only hallway from the entrance pass the LAS classes to get to the remote far end. Oh for the good old days when we were young.

Jim M. Venetucci, Sr. '54 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

The commute – from Harrison and Cicero Avenues via reconstructed Congress elevated CTA train on grade during construction of Eisenhower Expressway (train stopped at every intersection) – to State Street subway – to Grand Avenue – then Grand bus to Navy Pier – and finally the full length walk to the architecture department at the end of the Pier; two to three hours round-trip. The setting of the school of architecture at the second floor on the far east end was magnificent and something I will always treasure.

Ottavio Finaldi '61 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

Why oh why did I always wind up with an 8 a.m. gym class! I remember racing the "twp miles" to gym class in the auditorium at the far end of the Pier!

Lila Davis Bondy '53 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I have a vivid recollection of the fall term of '46. Having been recently discharged from the army I purchased a '31 Pontiac coup with mustering-out pay. It got me from my home to where Michigan Avenue crosses the river okay. but conked out right about there on the Outer Drive. My buddy, Aaron Aronson, also enrolled in the Electrical Engineering curriculum at Navy Pier, set out with me to get it back to 6600 south near Kedzie Avenue. Having an updraft carburetor, one guy would throw gas into the carburetor while the other guy hit the starter. It would go for about a block or so and then we would push it a ways. This went on in a pouring Chicago type rainstorm for all 15 or so miles till we got it home. Looking back on my ignorance at that age, it truly is a wonder that I made it through the 4 years at U of I.

Elliot Bell '51 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I remember commuting sometimes three hours each way from the northwest part of the city in slushy snow

I remember the insulation (ceiling) fall during a history lecture – the whole ceiling came crashing down.

I remember the ships docking on the Pier and watching the workers unloading the goods on breaks between classes.

I remember not being able to avoid anybody, especially a professor whose class I had cut because the school was basically one long hallway and invariably I would run into that person.

I remember the friendly atmosphere between instructors, professors and students as we all began our day in the front (cafeteria?) of the building.

I remember the wonderful friendships I made.

I remember the Pre-Med students changing the placement of the pins in the specimens during lab practicals in order to try to gain an advantage.

Paula Brockstein Adams '64, MS '65 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

In 1951 I became a Physical Education instructor at Navy Pier. This was my first teaching job after my June 1951 graduation from the University of Illinois at Urbana. My teaching area was P.E. for women; square-dancing co-ed; canoeing; fly fishing; and sponsor of after-school co-ed volleyball.

It was my pleasure to teach square dancing to the staff one evening! Also, our girls' canoeing class had the pleasure of rescuing one of the boys' cane canoes after they disobeyed the instructor's directions to not go out in the lake beyond the end of the Pier. Talk about an embarrassing moment for the men!!

Friday nights were enjoyable at what we called Giant Gym Nights in the men's Quonset hut. All P.E. equipment was used by everyone. The staff sponsored and supervised this activity weekly. Hundreds came to this free night of fun.

I taught 2 1/2 years at the Pier, even taught trampoline (and demonstrated) until my pregnancy!

My husband, Paul, and I were married June 12, 1948. He also graduated in June '51 from the College of Commerce in Urbana. We have been married 57 years and still love our Alma Mater. Now we live on Lake George in central Florida.

Thank you for remembering me. Both of our daughters attended the U of I in Urbana; Barbara has a BS in PE, Nancy a BA in music!

Juanita M. Meunier '51 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I recall with fondness attending Navy Pier during the mid 1950's. Who could forget the largest campus in the USA – Lake Michigan. ROTC classes were a hoot. The coeds were beautiful. Ah yes – classes; they were of the highest caliber providing a sound foundation for our final years downstate in Urbana. Certainly a superior education.

As a commuter, I recall my early morning walks from the South Shore train station on Michigan and Randolph Streets. Especially in the winter – brrr. On many occasions, it was necessary to stop and warm ourselves at the Kraft Manufacturing Co. It was a welcome relief to stand on their outside venting system grate and absorbing the welcome warm air and the smell of "mayonnaise." Thoughts never to be forgotten. God Bless Everyone.

John Ciesko '58 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

The run from the gym to history or rhetoric at the end of the Pier.

Dr. B. J. Babler in quantitative analysis with his slide rule hanging form his belt.

Sitting at the end of the Pier after classes during summer school.

The energetic smile and helpful attitude of Ms. K. Smith.

The parking problems.

Warren F. Sopher
Navy Pier Attendee

Most spectacular was an electrician's lower half coming through the ceiling in the midst of the chemistry lecture. The whole 1946-47 experience seemed like a frantic blend of a collapsing antique and the creation of a small universe of cinder block classroom boxes. Anyhow, it worked. The "emergency" faculty whom I encountered all did their jobs – even the rare weird one taught well. My friends and I all got what we came for and more than that. I learned to swim that summer in Lake Michigan, discovered gymnastics (as an observer) and experienced handball. Also, along the way, I obtained a very good pre-medical education. Something in me is still stuck; I'll never see this online – I'm not only lo-tech, I'm no-tech. Very best wishes to all of you survivors and you vivid ghosts.

Joseph B. Ruffin '49 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

My wife and I have very fond memories of our years at Navy Pier – the long mile and mad dashes to get to classes on time, the long breaks between classes, the fine teachers and professors, the friendly down-to-earth students, the watching of the infamous McCarthy hearings and the protests against signing the "loyalty oath" for student employees and the fine education without many frills. My future wife and I managed to take one class together where we just passed notes to one another. Dr. Carley was our professor and didn't seem to mind.

Dr. Lee Malmed '57, MD '59 UIC
Navy Pier Attendee &
Bonnie Malmed
Navy Pier Attendee

As an officer of the Letterman's Club, I was asked to represent all athletes at a ceremony. The ceremony turned out to laying the foundation block for the new UIC campus. Two weeks later in a show, we saw a documentary before the feature film. There I was on the theater screen with "His Honor" Richard Daly and many more dignitaries at the ground-breaking ceremony.

Great friendships developed between teammates as we traveled to and from practices at Lincoln Park (baseball) and Grant Park (football). The away games provided even more opportunities for friendships between coaches and players. These relationships laid a foundation for not only knowledge but how I should conduct myself for the rest of my life.

A few personal experiences: I broke my lower leg in football and trying to make it to class became very difficult. The gym was 50 yards from the Pier entrance and trying to get to the next class located near the other end of the Pier in 10 minutes (on crutches with a book bag) was next to impossible.

In my debut as a pitcher against the University of Chicago, I was so nervous that I beamed the first batter with my first pitch. We played Lewis College and we got Ed Spezio (St. Louis Cardinals) to line out to center field at every at-bat situation.

Taking a dip in the lake with my teammates between double sessions in football during August was fantastic.

Canoe class right next to the Pier (north side) was a total riot – there was no one that did not get thoroughly drenched. Gymnastic class with my fellow P.E. majors including several overweight linemen like myself trying to do the required "tricks" on the rings, parallel bars, high bar, the ever-popular pummel horse. Dance class was equally amusing as we would have to learn, demonstrate, and teach the rest of the class dances of different themes, origins and countries. However, the class had no girls enrolled.

Who can forget "the 4500 club" which became the social weekend outlet for all the athletes and friends who chose to enjoy each other's company.

I also remember some of the great people who taught and coached us – Les Miller, Hal Nemoto, George Strnad and Walt Versen are just a few.

There are many fellow athletes and students that I'll always remember; Tony and Gene Moriarty, Chuck Lawson, Larry Derengowski, Martha Briggs, Pauline Peterson, Pete Golden, John Rutkowski, George and Judy Skirha, John Engeman and Joel Jonas. Life-long friends: Jim Parisi and Dan Lukensmayer.

Chuck Chilvers '66, EDM '67 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

Retired mortgage banker. I remember arriving in the dark and leaving in the dark, killing flies in the second floor class rooms, Mrs. Oleksy's speech class, economics with Mr. Williams, gym, ROTC, rhetoric class with Mr. Atwood. The quality of the instructors was exceptional and very tough, but a very rewarding experience. Many, many fond memories.

Robert L. Holzer '60 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I attended the undergraduate division of the U of I at Navy Pier in Chicago from September 1949 to February 1952. I was discharged from military service on May 29, 1946 and attempted to enroll in one of several universities immediately, but enrollments were over-subscribed due to the huge influx of discharged military personnel. I was compelled to wait until space became available. Since I did not know when this would occur, I decided to accept what I considered a reasonable alternative, so I enrolled in a two year television engineering program at the American Television Institute. I attended that institution from June 1946 to June 1948 and received a "degree in Television Engineering" upon completion. I knew this degree was "inadequate.

After working at the Halicrafter Co. for one year, I was finally accepted at the U of I where I "served" for five semesters from September 1949 to February 1952. I was doing very well until the fall semester of 1951 when my GI Bill benefits ran out and was unable to sustain life. I was forced to reduce my course schedule to improve my diminishing economics. I dropped two subjects without knowing that I was required to withdraw officially. I assumed the university staff and administration would recognize my absence and automatically drop me from the rolls. Instead I received failing grades and was placed on probation when returning to complete at Urbana. This was a hard lesson, which put me in some jeopardy with associated threats of denying re-entry, probation, suspension or expulsion. Nevertheless, I completed the un-dropped courses of that difficult semester and was forced to (temporarily) discontinue my education to earn enough money to return and continue until completing a baccalaureate degree and potentially an advanced degree.

While working, I continued my education at the Illinois Institute of Technology evening school. I made up the dropped courses completing them with the highest grades. I worked for 18 months earning and saved enough money to continue and complete an electrical engineering curriculum and received a baccalaureate degree at the graduate division of the University of Illinois in Urbana.

When I entered the U of I at Navy Pier, I was totally unfamiliar with procedures, administration, course and curriculum structures, how to seek and use assistance or guidance, etc. However, I managed to squeak by until becoming somewhat familiar with these "nuances" by the time I completed most of the undergraduate division requirements. The experience of having the privilege to attend the U of I was encouraging and instilled confidence in my ability to achieve. Navy Pier was not just a dock. It was a launch pad for the beginning of a brighter future and an institution that turned darkness into light. I am aware of and appreciate its value and contributions.

Paul A. Contos '56 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

The Grand Avenue street cars stopped practically at the "front door." In the fall and spring, the walk to the Loop via the Outer Drive was wonderful.

The great Navy Quonset hut gym was cold in the winter, hot in the summer. (In 1948 there were still servicemen stationed there.) P.E. classes there were an adventure! Things got better! P.E. moved to the ballroom floor at the east end of the Pier. Locker room showers ran hot or cold – sometimes not at all.

Ten people around the west end coffee shop tables was a regular occurrence. The soda man made the best chocolate/lime ice cream sodas. The cafeteria and lounge at the east end were great places to study.

The science labs were amazing. That they could be completed and operative in so short a time – well equipped and staffed – way out there "on" the lake.

Sitting outdoors, whether studying or just watching the passing scene was an experience that could never ever be duplicated. Great faculty, wonderful friends, challenging classes – what a trip along Memory Lane. And last but not least, we did a lot of walking before walking or exercise ever became popular.

Barbara Schleichert Merica '52, MS '53 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I attended Navy Pier from 1949 to 1951 and the main campus at Champaign Urbana from 1951-1953 when I received my Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering.

While attending Navy Pier, I lived at home in Forest Park. I commuted riding the Garfield Park "L" to downtown Chicago and then transferring twice to the street cars before arriving at Navy Pier. Riding public transportation allowed me time to study, do homework or catch up on sleep.

The classes at Navy Pier were small in the Engineering Department, which allowed more access to the professors, which was a definite plus for the students.

After graduation, I accepted a position with Pittsburgh Des-Moines Steel Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I ended up staying there my entire 40 year career.

I worked on many very interesting projects both in the United States and various parts of the world. Travel became an essential part of my engineering career as a representative of my company. I was involved in projects such as wind tunnels for aerodynamic testing, thermal vacuum chambers for simulating launch and orbital environments and other test related projects.

I also was involved in storage systems for liquefied gases; such as, LNG, oxygen, nitrogen, etc. This included peak shaving plants, import and export terminals for LNG. The engineering education I received at the University of Illinois, beginning at Navy Pier, allowed me to pursue a career that was rewarding and very interesting.

Harold Honath '53 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

My first college experience was at the University of Illinois at the Pier in the spring semester of 1959. I didn't know what to expect. It took me 1.5 hours commute each way to get there from the South Side. I loved it. The classes were stimulating and the professors excellent. I spent time between classes in the lounge in the large leather armchairs studying and looking out over the lake. The sound of the waves against the building and the great views were nice stress busters on a nontraditional campus. (Attended the Pier 1959 and 1961-63; graduated from U of I Champaign-Urbana, June 1965, BA Teaching of French.)

Shirley Reiger Rodnitzky '65 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

In 1948 the Architectural Department decided to publish a bimonthly newsletter, selected a student editor who then asked me to do a column. Agreement was reached based on the promise that my name was not going to be made public until we transferred to Champaign, and so "BEHIND POST 95," was launched 5/8th of a mile into Lake Michigan. Post 95 was the west line of the architect-taught courses.

The column was written in the style of Kupcinet and Ask Amy and contained some interesting tidbits that contained several personal matters of various students. The class had some 500 students, the majority were WWII veterans, many were married and all were on the GI Bill. Couple that with the youngsters, right out of high school and the happenings were never dull. One of the stories related to the history class taught by Professor DeFilips, twice a week and right after lunch. 200 plus students, sitting and seeing well over 50 slides of historical content being flashed on the screen. Nap time until the six waker-uppers decided to keep the class alert. We sat in different parts of the lecture hall and at around 20 minutes into the class one of us burped, the next popped the cork with the last one providing a hiccup. The responsibility changed among us for each class and despite the professor stationing people at light switches when the noises were made, we were never caught, the class stayed awake and DeFilips eventually became grateful. The names of the participants were printed in the last column. A second story was the football game on the concrete pier east of the ballroom. No injuries were ever reported and those who suffered were somehow taken care of both physically as well as academically. The injury list was noted in the column when they occurred, since bandages could not be hidden from view.

When the last column was printed, several friends came to the street car stop at the west end of the pier and suggested that I not come to class and disappear for a few days. I found it to be good advice, had my locker cleared out by others and never went back behind Post 95 until the Public Building Commission selected my firm, Bernheim & Kahn, Architects, to rehabilitate the east end of Navy Pier in 1984.

Fred L. Bernheim '51 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I am an 80-year-old retired physician. I entered Navy Pier after serving 39 months in WWII. I was a Chicago resident and appreciated the local school. I have fond memories of Navy Pier. I had a family practice in a small town for 40 years.

Phillip G. Avalon '51, MD '53 UIC
Navy Pier Attendee

My life at Navy Pier began in January 1950 as a student and really didn't end until I retired from UIC in 1989. During my years as a student I remember being primarily connected to the black students but not to the faculty or other students. I owe much to Agnes Tandberg who awarded me a four-year scholarship and facilitated my transfer to UIUC. Upon graduation I obtained my first full time position as a psychometrics in Student Counseling Services (1956) at Navy Pier!!!

During that time I became very familiar with faculty such as Allen Howard and Eli Lipman because I proctored exams for them. I left the Pier for a few years and returned to the university at the new campus. (As an aside, I have a picture of my mother signing a petition for the new campus). So I guess I can conclude that Navy Pier played a very important role in my life and for that I will always be indebted to it!

Marie L. Johnson '54, MS '58 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I was one of the first enrolled students at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in the fall of 1946. I continued to matriculate there until June 1949, when I was admitted to the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

I was in my senior in high school when a decision had to be made as to what college I would attend. My preference was the University of Illinois, especially since I wanted to attend the U of I Medical School. However, this was an era when there was an explosion of student enrollees with the veterans of World War II and the high school graduates. The main campus of the U of I in Champaign-Urbana was extremely over crowded with this massive influx of students. Housing was at a premium, if at all available. The result was that the new student enrollees would live in the gymnasium. It was one massive room filled with bunks and people. This was not what I had wanted and did not look forward to this phase of my education. Fortunately, the university and the powers in the state Capitol were able to develop a "branch" of the U of I at Navy Pier.

As a child my family and I visited Navy Pier in the summer. It was a cool place to relax, enjoy the city view and partake in the available amusement rides and snacks. During World War II the US Navy took over Navy Pier as a training area, thus it was ripe for a "temporary" institution of learning when U of I took over in 1946. All of the vestiges of the Navy remained, especially all of the grey painted walls.

As new students in a new institution, we adjusted without complaint to any deficiencies in the physical plant. Sure it was cold in the winter, but not too bad in the summer. The furnishings left by the Navy, though sparse, were more than adequate for learning.

We had a highly motivated and capable faculty. Though crowded, there was no lack of adequate teaching space, supplies or laboratory equipment. The "school" was small, but intimate. You got to know many more people in a shorter period of time as compared to a larger campus. No one ever felt short-changed in their matriculation, and I can really say I had a great educational foundation for my desired intent to matriculate at the U of I Medical School.

There were minimal deficiencies or inconveniences such as the long walk in the cold winter from classes at one end of the Pier to the other, running outside in the sub-zero weather around the gymnasium at the entrance area to the Pier, then still sweating to change clothes and DASH to the most distant far end upstairs lecture hall, all in the space of what appeared to be less than 10 minutes.

Alas, this U of I branch was only to be a two-year school with the intent to continue downstate at the main campus. Those of us who were premedical students needed courses only available at the third year level, specifically advanced biology and physics classes, in particular. This meant we would have to transfer downstate or other colleges. A group of us petitioned the university through channels at the on-site vice president's office. With the faculties and university administration's help we were able to secure the additional premedical classes to the U of I Medical School upon my completion of my third year at Navy Pier.

I am most grateful for my experience and education received at the Navy Pier Branch of the University of Illinois. This was indeed a most unique and probably never to be again experienced by future students. We had a camaraderie and loyalty that was unsurpassed. I still thank the University of Illinois for this most unique educational opportunity.

Paul Hirsch '51, MD '53 UIC
Navy Pier Attendee

I remember the long walks down the hallway like a never ending tunnel with classrooms on both sides and the fine professor of Theatrical and Applied mechanics who said the human brain works most efficiently at 40 degrees.

Jack C. Lynn
Navy Pier Attendee

I remember:

• Orchesis and performing "Man is an Individual" with Pat Dare.

• Dr. Nicholson and his marvelous Ancient History lectures about excavating in Egypt with Carl Breasted.

• The beautiful Christmas balls at the Edgewater Beach Hotel

• Having class outside on the mini beach (before Olive Park and the Filtration Plant were built)

Marcella Comer-Gillie
Navy Pier '50-'53, Champaign '54 BA
Navy Pier Attendee

The front cafeteria had the best chocolate phosphates in the history of the world (no hyperbole!) for just a nickel (a dime for a large drink for the wealthy elite). My great memory is going there after gym class and downing it.

Martin Moltz
Navy Pier Attendee

• I only spent 2 semesters and a summer at the pier '49-'50 and summer of '49.

• Painting of the hallways many times

• Have few memories of fellow classmates, the best one is "Kip" Kelley from the Lyrics.

Martin Glotzer
Navy Pier Attendee

Since I attended the Pier as a Business Major- the econ courses were held in the front classrooms. During heavy storms water would flood the classroom and we would either have to find another room or huddle together in the front of the classroom.

Also since the girls gym was at the far end of the pier. It was a challenge to go from the front of the pier to the back, change into gym clothes and still make the class on time. It was a good thing we were young.

Carolyn Swienton Engblom
Navy Pier Attendee

I remember: The long hallway with fondness. Gym class on a cement floor in the ballroom. The first arrival of a ship in May with fireworks. Lunch outside with the lake on 3 sides waiting for the Grand Ave. bus at State Street. Walking downtown between classes.

Patricia Padgett Ross
Navy Pier Attendee

I have many memories of the tow years that I attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier or as we often referred to it as the "floating educational warehouse at the end of Grand Avenue", 1960-1962.

The three recollections that I think of from time to time include the following: 1. The parking lot to the north and slightly west of The Pier. This is now the site of the Jardine Water Filtration Plant and visible from my Lake Shore Drive condominium. The man who collected our daily parking fees would play "head or tails" with us. If we called "heads" and he flipped a quarter that landed on its "head" we parked for free. If we called "heads" but he flipped "tails" we paid double the going rate. My guesstimate is that over four semesters we had a 50/50 success ratio!

2. As we entered the Pier building there was a small cafeteria. Several of my friends occupied most of their time playing bridge or hearts in the cafeteria often to the detriment of their academic achievement.

3. My fondest memory is of history professors Gordon Goodman and Shirley Bill. The former taught English History and the latter U.S. constitutional History. Both inspired me to major in history and as I prepared to leave the Pier for the Champaign/Urbana campus I me with both of them individually. They offered me the same advice. Their thoughts followed the same line of discussion. "Mr. Mazur, you can always pick up a volume or two or three and gain knowledge of a subject matter. But select professor who will have the ability to excite and challenge you and make you a better educated historian."

I followed their advice and earned my B.A. and M.A. in American History at the University of Illinois and my Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. Between 1965-1969, I was privileged to return to the new "Navy Pier" on the new far West Side to teach in the American History Program.

Dr. Edward H. Mazur B.A. 1964, M.A. 1965, Univ. of Illinois
Ph.D., 1973 University of Chicago
Navy Pier Attendee

Running the length of the pier, from architecture studio (at the east end auditorium) to the west end (but outside entry) in 10 minutes.

Kenneth Schroeder
Navy Pier Attendee

When I first enrolled at UIC-Navy Pier in 1959, I did not like the facility at all. My High School was one of the largest and best maintained in the country. Now, I was going to school in a building that wouldn't be acceptable as a basement boiler room. Regular classrooms were cold and drafty in the winter, warm and noisy in the fall and spring. As an architecture student, my time was spent mostly at the East end of the building a good 5/8ths of a mile from the front entrance and the gym. There was no "short cut" to get to the front faster, no water taxis either. Sounds just horrid and it was. However, as one spent more and more time there, it became the best place to school there ever was. Why? Well we all had to eat and meet in one lunch room, all the students, no matter their major, got to meet each other. In the spring and fall we got to meet sailor from all over the world visit their ships too. As both a architecture student and as a student, I had never felt more like I was in a an atmosphere that demanded and paved the way for circuitry. Not before nor since has it been that way in my education- with the rule no longer moves us to continue, I hated to leave, I was in love with the place. Perhaps the most treasured moment in my years at Navy Pier was the year a play boy magazine centerfold attended the school. When she walked down the corridor, no male student would hurry past her, the line formed to the rear, with man males headed the other turning around and forsaking class to follow her to her next class or out the building.

Edwin H. Lugowski Jr.
Navy Pier Attendee

Where do I begin! I attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier between September 1949 and February 1952, completing my degree at Champaign in February 1953.

While at Navy Pier I was a reporter on the Pier Illini and became Sports Editor in 1952. I had my own column, on the War path with fox. I was also elected to the Student Council and I was the one who first started the Blood Bank program.

I was to later meet my first wife, Shirley Appel who attended the Pier in 1954

Ira E. Sax
Navy Pier Attendee

World War II was over and large number of veterans were returning to continue their education so that the availability for admission to colleges and universities were limited. I had applied to the University of Chicago; the phoned me. I was told space was not available in the Spring, but I could register next Monday for the Fall semester. However, I wanted to graduate from Steinmetz High School in Chicago with my class in January '47. Other choices were not available so that I ended up taking the Grand Avenue streetcar to the Chicago Undergraduate Division of the University of Illinois, known with affection as the "Pier". Since everyone marched up and down the long corridor, one got to recognize a lot of other students. I remember a P.E. class when I froze during a "swim" in Lake Michigan and the long walk to the Ball room for Dr. Eskine's hygiene class.

I recall many of the teachers: Dr. Hopkins of the Biology Department, who said, "The notchicord is right chere"; beautiful Alice Bynes, who taught comparative anatomy; Peter Siegel's exciting Psychology course. I happened to audit a couple for physiology classes taught by Dr. Hackett; when he was describing the process of the transfer of fluids and nutrients across the capillary wall. This must have had a lasting impression, as eventually I became a cardiovascular/respiratory physiologist.

I belonged to a pre-med group, Omega Beta Pi. At one of their outings, I thought a demonstration of hypnotism was a staged "show", but it was done to me and I became a believer. I was involved in an organization of Jewish students and recall trying to get a room at a downtown hotel and a band. The big problem was to get the band to play traditional music to which one could dance. I was an elected member of the student government, The Student Congress. In that capacity, I attempted to organize a yearbook with the help of other interested students. We were not successful, but next year a yearbook was published and our effects were recognized.

A lasting contribution was the friendships that I developed running up and down the Pier. Coming to mind, my list includes: Sherman Rosen, Jerry Nerenbergh, Al Fishman, Harvey Berman, Melving Goldzband, Marilyn Miller, Aaron Nerevsky, Eleanor Nathan, Earl Cole, Joseph Lassman, Marvin Bogdanof, Melvin Nidetz, Howard Haft, Saoul Borash and the name of Jewel Feldman just popped up. I had no romances at the Pier, but at the time met a wonderful girl from ___ at Northwestern University, which unfortunately I didn't pursue.

After I accumulated 90 credit hours, I went downstate and received a B.S. from the University of Illinois in Biology and Chemistry in June 1950; and M.S. in Physiology in 1952. I received a Ph.D. in Physiology from Ohio State University in 1957. My first teaching positions, lecturer and later Assistant Professor were at McGill University in Montreal Canada '58-'71. As an Associate Professor, I was in charge of the Physiology Program at Indiana University's Center For Medical Education in Terre Haute, Indian '71-'76. The wonderful foundation of my education at the Pier served me well. I retired in 1986 and moved to Southeast Florida. In retirement I audited classes at Florida International University; In 1991 I organized and still serve as the Chairman of the Classic/Foreign Film Discussion Group, Inc., a Florida Non Profit, Corp. I look forward to the Gala in February 2006 of Pier alumni.

Dr. Edward J. Reininger
Navy Pier Attendee

I attended summer school in 1953 at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier. One of the classes I had was a class in statistics. The class was located in the North wing of the pier. Somehow or other I had a seat in the back row of the class. The students faced north. In my seat my back was to the south. There was no air conditioning and the windows along he south wing of Navy Pier continued to be a warehouse with trucks coming and going all day. Sitting the back row against the south was I could barely hear the professor because of the noisy trucks. Bit I still passed the class.

Senator Arthur L. Berman
Navy Pier Attendee

I can remember that the Pier was 5/8 of a mile long. Most of the architecture classes were at the extreme end of the east old navy armory and have to make it to the opposite side during the 10min passing time between classes. I don't know how we ever did it.

Some of the most memorable time of the U of I was at Navy Pier. It was one of the best times. No regrets. Thanks to the University of Illinois for a good life.

Jack Cappozzo Jr.
Navy Pier Attendee

I attended navy Pier from 1961 to 1964. Nancy Tomasek was a French instructor who gave my life direction. She convinced me that I had talent in foreign languages. After I transferred to Champaign and earned my teaching degree in French, I taught high school French and Spanish until May of 2005.

The most memorable parts of my navy Pier experience include walking down the long main corridor to the cafeteria near the girls' gym. It was very easy to meet people and o make new friends. I did a lot of growing up at Navy Pier both socially and academically. Finally, before going downstate I recall seeing the model of the new circle campus in the library. I missed the close and friendly atmosphere of the Pier when I transferred. I teas a wonderful place with first rate professors. I am proud to be an "Alumnus" of Navy Pier.

Gregory Pawlowski '66 AB UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

It was damp, always damp. Sometimes we had to lift our feet off the floor to keep our shoes dry. Reminded me of my trips to and from the south pacific on army troop ships in WW2, just a few months earlier.

Merrill E. (Mel) Holden '49 Urbana
Retired Advertising Executive
Navy Pier Attendee

Picture this – A huge arch. Design class room, at the Pier. End-large open windows allowing sound and sight of Lake Michigan-with 30 or so students at their drawing tables rowing with their T squares to the strains of Ravel's Belero-building up to its crescendo, even our professor seemed amused.

Trade show memories- the best was the annual restaurant show-being in a three hour art class, a few of the students would excuse ourselves-procure I.D. show badges-sample participating vendors good and bring shopping bags full for the rest of the class.

BATS! We would climb the stairs in the North Tower at the Piers end for architecture history class. The class would start with a slide presentation. When the lights dimmed several friendly bats would fly down form above, punctuating a sometimes rather dull lecture.

Richard G. Radke
Navy Pier Attendee

I enrolled at the University of Illinois/Navy Pier in the fall of 1947 and spent two years there after which I transferred to the Urban Campus. Navy Pier a the time was a bustling place with many veterans going to school on the GI bill.

My friends and I used the library as the gathering place to meet. Since the distance between the entrance and the end of the Pier was so great, we didn't to go back and forth too much except to attend classes. The other place I spent time at the Quonset hut which served as the gym. I was a member of the Women's Athletic Association and played volleyball and basketball.

The Pier served as a transition place where we became acclimated to college life before being thrust into the largeness of downstate campus. Those were fun days.

In 1952, I went back to the Pier as part of the School of Social Work which was the only graduate school meeting there at the time.. The second time was a different experience. We were several years older than the undergraduates; the library did not have all the books we needed, etc. We completed our two year Master's program and received our degree at commencement downstate. Several years after, the School of Social Work transferred to the newly built Chicago Circle Campus.

Lillian Kimura BA'51, MSW '54
Navy Pier Attendee

I started at the Pier in September of 1951 after graduating from Sullivan High School.

• My first memory was that the front lounge was exactly like the lunchroom in High School with greasy burgers, fries and lot of socializing going on it was a happy place!

• Walking down the hall, looking at the girls and bumping into the columns running down the center of the main hallway!

• Leaving love notes in the locker for my girlfriend. Sleeping overnight in the architectural studies at the east end of the pier under our drawing desks.

• Winning numerous awards at the architectural Ecole de Beaua Arts competitions over larger and better known architectural schools.

• Running down the open center of the pier from 8:00am weightlifting PE class in the winter the 5/8 mile to the east end classrooms.

• Walt Verson's swimming class in the lake during summer session just north of the pier.

• The world class architectural teaching staff unmatched anywhere in the country.

• John Mchee, a terrific art teacher and a great influence in my career.

Morton S. Balaban '57 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

During my years (59-61) at Navy Pier, I heard seemingly hundreds of complaints about the long walk required between some classrooms. I remember feeling proud that it (the long and fast walks between classes) didn't bother me; I had walked 5 miles every day for 5 years doing newspaper delivery.

I also enjoyed the water vistas so much so that when I heard there were plans to move the campus inland, I thought, "what a loss"!

Thoms Scygiel '63 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

In the early 60's we had the best big bonds come to our socials. I have fond memories of not only attending the dances but servicing on the dance committee.

Norma Jean Starankovic '60 UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I remember how the lounge took water from storms on the lake. I remember operating the amateur radio station at the Pier. We had reports of a "Tal King" waste basket not far from the antenna. My call sign W9OES since 1951. I remember being assigned pleasant tasks of inviting student nurses to a pershing rifles dance.

I remember enjoying riding public transportation to the pier. I live near Jacskon Blvd. and Karlov. I remember the beautiful Chicago skyline seen from the pier.

I remember the very inexpensive tuition of U of I when I was there. I was able to live at home for the first two years because of the pier. I was able to cover most of my collage expenses by summer work, wages were lower then but so were expenses.

Vincent Conrad Berkman, Urbana '51-'53
Navy Pier Attendee '51-'53

I would come in on the South Shore train to the Randolph street station and on nice days walk to Navy Pier past the sweet smelly Curtis(?) candy factory at navy Pier continue for almost a mile to the end of the pier and upstairs to the architectural classes/studios surrounded by the promenade; where we tried marching in a straight line as member of ROTC. This was nothing like the archetypal "ivy tower" campus of lawns and tree-This was an "aqua tower" with a billion dollar view of Chicago skyline and South Shore Drive. I recall the water freezing in the round pizza like discs with a rusty edge-a diameter of 10'-15', a phenomenon that was never explained to me. Eating lunch on the "promenade" was memorable delight and also the one time demonstration of a man with a rocket strapped on his back-a real "rocket-man" and we had all this for just a few hundred dollars per year, so I stretched it into 3 great years.

Vaidota (Vaida) Daukahtas '63 FAA UIUC
Navy Pier Attendee

I remember being a student congress representative with the action paty. Tony Podesa was president of the student body at the time. I remember political science class with Dr. Rakov. I remember being chairperson of the Illini Union music committee, and arraying for Rudolph Gauz to perform at U of I.

Amelia Vasiliki Dres
Navy Pier Attendee

I was a freshman and sophomore at Navy Pier- Feb. 1952-Feb. 1954 and made some life-ling friends there who shared club activities like Newman club, inter-varsity Christian Fellowship, and the University Choir where at one pint I was their vice-president. I love pitching softball in the gym (Grand Ballroom) and motor fitness class where I was easily able to do all the various postures. For Choir, I crated the set used for "amahl and the night visitors." I remember what an enjoyable experience it was to do that! I remember what an enjoyable experience it was to do that! I remember choir octet dressing in Old English costumes singing Carols at a hospital. I was an Alto. Lunchtime with my friends outside east of library was enjoyable. I remember getting an "A" in Art Greenwald's English Rhetoril class as I was very motivated to excel having had a crush on him! There I discovered Dostoyevski's Crime and Punishment- a favorite book. Met one of my best friends Fran Berg, there who also live in San Francisco and we reminisce about walking to downtown from Navy Pier and the love of nature we shared, the best Halloween party at an Old Church was put on by IVCF where a person was in a coffin, a reader read Poe's "The tell Tale Heart" to the accompaniment of a drumbeat! Very spooky! I treasure all the life-long friendships made in the halls of Navy Pier.

Mary Liz Harris (Mangaoang)
Navy Pier Attendee

The University of Illinois was not my Alma Mater, but from 1956 through the summer of 1959 I was a German Instructor at Navy Pier. Dr. Hazel Vardaman was the able head of the German department. She encouraged teaching first and foremost. Language classes were held four days a week. German, French, Spanish and English Dept. Offices were in a large room where each instructor had a desk. We all got to know each other-collegial and socially.

The walk out to the far end of Navy Pier where our classes and the office were located was a unique campus experience. Lake Michigan was beautiful in all seasons. There was a great horned owl in a cage outside the Biology Department. It seemed it could turn its head almost 360 degrees.

I look back to the time I spend at Navy Pier with many fond memories. I remember the mostly serious students, commuters who often had outside jobs, but kept the grades up. Marriage (I wed to be Liora Macdonald), children and moving away from Chicago ended my teaching stint at Navy Pier. I hope to be back to commemorate the 60 year celebration.

Livia R. Rosman
Navy Pier Attendee

My days at the Pier were marked with joy and sorrow. As a newly wed, I started at the Pier with a remedial speed-reading course at the far east end of the Pier. I began my U of I education late (27yrs old) and I was apprehensive as to whether or not I could make the grade. My joy began when I passed the course and began my enrollment in the fall of '53.

I was in Prof. Parker's machine shop class that fall, and realized that my wedding ring wasn't on my left hand. We looked and looked, but didn't find it. My new wife bought me a second ring, which I treasured. Weeks, or maybe as much as a year later, we found the original ring at the base of one of the columns holding the roof up in the machine shop. My original sorrow at loosing my ring turned into joy and I still have that second ring, just in case I loose the original one.

I have been in construction since I graduated, so construction of the water treatment plant directly north of the Pier was of great interest to me. Huge stone blocks were barged in and stacked to form a "box" in the water at the lakeshore. They pumped the water out of the "box" and filled it with clay to form the land for the plant. That was my first exposure to a large construction project, and gave me a taste of what I would be doing the rest of y career.

Robert F. Stanley
Navy Pier Attendee

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