<p>Cue7, if you want to read a very good history of the curriculum at “The University” (I began my tenure at Chicago while Hanna Gray was president; she told us to always refer to Chicago as “The University.”), I would recommend picking up a copy of former Dean of the College, Donald Levine’s book Powers of the Mind. </p>
<p>Also by Levine with commentary is this treatment of the “idea” of The University: [The</a> Idea of the University Colloquium: Donald N. Levine](<a href=“http://iotu.uchicago.edu/levine.html]The”>The Idea of the University Colloquium: Donald N. Levine) </p>
<p>Dean Boyer in a meeting with a group of students that included S1 told them the main criterion for admitting students was, Did they get a sense that the faculty would enjoy them in their classroom? The group was told that they were not admitted to become leaders or successful businessmen, but were admitted for the faculty and they should know that their success at Chicago was largely determined by how they succeeded in that role. This was only a couple of years ago. Perhaps Chicago has changed from years gone by, but I doubt this would be openly said to a group of first year students at many schools.</p>
<p>I understand that Dean Boyer is working on a comprehensive history of the University as well. I look forward to reading it. </p>
<p>John Boyer does indeed deserve a great deal of credit for improving college life at Chicago. Coming up on his list is the replacement of Pierce Hall, but in these economic times, it probably won’t be soon.</p>
<p>A little historical aside. It was quite the struggle to get Ratner built. A friend whose name appears inside the building as a significant seven figure donor, worked for years to get it built. It was continually bumped down the priority list, and many alumni questioned if such a facility was right for the University.</p>