A Narrative By Gary Lowell - Pledged Spring 1964

On May 8, 1932 the U. of D. replacement Engineering Dean is announced.31

At the end of the 1931-1932 school year,

•The economy continues its downward spiral and Detroit’s vital auto production continues to plummet. By the end of 1931, production is at 1.3 million cars, a 75% drop from the 5.3 million produced in 1929.

•U. of D., despite the success of the Minor Executive course and steady Engineering enrollment, sees a decline in overall student enrollment.

•When U of D elects not to renew Dean Lawrence’s contract, he resigns and makes plans to start his own school.

•Engineering students embrace the new Dynamic Club and students protest Dean Lawrence leaving U of D. The Dynamic Club is a large

contributor to the flag pole fund, in a newspaper editorial earns plaudits for its activities, and holds its 2nd dinner-dance.

Summer 1932 and 1932-1933 School Year

Relatives of Russell E. Lawrence file Incorporation papers for Lawrence Institute of Technology with the state on May 12, 1932. On June 1 the L.I.T. trustees meet for the first time.

Cards are sent out to perspective students “relative to the registration and election of temporary officers for students intending to transfer from U. of D.” and an organizational meeting is called for July 12. One hundred thirteen attend, including Russell E. Lawrence and many Dynamic Club (and soon to be Phi Kappa Upsilon) members. One of the first topics of discussion is what to call the organization since it is “inadvisable” to continue using The Dynamic Club name. The next meeting was set for August 16, 1932

Eighty people attended the August 16, 1932 meeting and hear three new organization names proposed: “Acies” (Latin) Power of Vision, “Ciwost” (English abbreviated) Citizens Workers Students, and Phi Kappa Epsilon (Greek) Fraternity and Progress. Discussion follows and they select the Greek option. A constitution for the new organization is discussed, altered, and accepted. A proposed original organization fraternity song is played and adopted. Lawrence outlines plans for the night engineering course (now called Industrial Executive course) and financial plans are announced. Collections amounting to $7.85 are turned over to the Secretary due to the treasure’s absence. The next meeting is September 2, 1932.

Sixty-eight people attend the September 2nd meeting. The name of Phi Kappa Upsilon is suggested because Phi Kappa Epsilon was already in use. Mr. Al Wagener reports on the Industrial Executive courses and the fact that they will be offered for free. Lawrence makes some announcements and names some of the faculty. Registration of charter members of the fraternity is started and a discussion is initiated “regarding the function of the fraternity in connection with

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theater.

•Security and Exchange Commission and Federal Communication Commission are created.

•Alcatraz prison opens.

•Chancellor Dollfuss of

Austria is assassinated by

Nazis.

•King Alexander of

Yugoslavia assassinated in

Marseilles, France.

•Adolph Hitler becomes Führer when chancellorship and presidency are united.

•Adolph Hitler eliminates embarrassing friends and foes: 77 people executed.

•Wayne State University is organized, absorbs Detroit City College.

•George Richards (owner of WJR) buys the Portsmouth Spartans and moves them to Detroit. He renames the team the Detroit Lions as a nod to the Detroit Tigers.

•US Unemployment rate is 21.7%

1935:

•Nazis repudiate Versailles Treaty, introduce compulsory military service.

•Mussolini invades Ethiopia; League of Nations invokes sanctions.

•Nazi government revokes German citizenship of Jews. Heinrich Himmler starts breeding program to produce "Aryan super race."

•Senator Huey Long is assassinated in Louisiana.