The University of Miami

I found the University of Miami collection to be the most intriguing. I focused on a particular book that documented the University over time through images and quotes. The growth and image of the University has changed over time just like the city of Miami. Throughout the semester we have been reading about how Miami has been portrayed in a certain light, but how that was not always the case. Before there was the allure of South Beach or flood of diversity and culture, Miami was full of nature and blended in with the rest of the South. It was an All-American way of life. The University of Miami used the outdoors and nature to persuade students to attend the school. In the first edition of The Ibis in 1927 they talk about how the campus is located in the tropical beauty of Coral Gables They even went on to mention the different types of trees around campus. This was the image that Miami created. Just as the city’s image began to change over time, especially in the late 70’s and early 80’s, the University took a different approach as well. All of a sudden images of South Beach and parties were being associated with the University as a way to appeal to students. Without having to read the captions that accompanied several images, you know exactly what time period it was captured in. I think that is something very unique and telling about the city. Through these images you can tell what the University was focused on at that time. For example, in the earlier pictures (1930’s-1940) the images center around the campus, nature, and focused students. As time passes, pictures reveal the importance of sports, parties, and social life. This is very similar to the growth of Miami as a city. This book of images on the University of Miami reveals more about Miami as a city than it does about the University.