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27 May 45 Ems, Austria 359
Dear Sir,
I just recieved your letter of March telling of Stanford's part during the war, and inquiring of Stanford alumni in the Service, their plans or suggestions in regard to post war studies and programs.
First of all, I certainly hope to return to Stanford and take up some course of study, however it is indefinite whether I will continue my pre war plans. I would like to start in some course of concentrated study, which would enable me to engage in my lifes vocation as soon as possible.
To do this I must have help and council from you. Someone to advise me carefully. An expanding of the present advising system to carefully survey each individual should do the trick. Next I would like a full course of study along the lines of prewar classes, however I do not want to take unnecessary courses
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which would not pertain to my desired program. In other words no excess bagage.
In regards to time and method I would like to suggest the system of the Army A.S.T. program. It cut time or length of courses in half, yet with its speed and concentrated studies, thoroughness and complete coverage of the subject was not sacrificed.
Summing it all up the following are my general plans. First to see set up for the returning vet, a screening system to determine his interest, and thus guide him in his course of study. Next, apply the already proven army program that has been used in our Universities. Rid scheduals of unnecessary subjects, and streamline all courses along lines of the new educational ideas and plans that have proven successful. If this is done the vet can throw himself into his work and graduate much sooner than ever before. In addition, have the courses set up on a yearly schedual. This is nothing new,
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but should and will increase summer school enrollment.
As for housing facilities the continuence of the pre-war plan will be excellent. For extra curricular activities I know all want to see the continuance of all Stanford's traditions, and all the special parades, rallies and dances that go along with it.
We are not changed men basically; we have just aged a little more. What we have dreamed and longed for are the things we remember about Stanford. To come back to this is our desire, and to fit right back into our former college days is our wish.
Give us streamlined courses, but leave the vet alone to go on as before. Just mix a little of the new with a bit of the old, and the outcome should be satisfactory to one and all.
My viewpoint is based on the desire to get out on my own as soon
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as possible, but in the desire for speed I do not want to sacrifice the social life that is so typically Stanford. My program will call for the application of good study habits, and taking advantage of ones time. Help could be given to aid the vets in taking advantage of study hours. If worked out properly the weekend should be free to enjoy the athletic schedule and social activities.
Another regard is that special allowance should be made for men engaged in athletics. Thier number of units carried should be less than the required average. Each man should as before be required to engage in athletics. Two hours every other day is an ideal set up.
I hope this letter will be of some assistance in helping you plan for Stanford's future.
Sincerely, Edward W. Burke Sgt. 39295424 G Co., 261st Inf. APO 200, c/o Postmaster New York, New York
