If you are ever feeling disillusioned about the state of affairs within UIUC politics and the Board of Trustees, just remember that back in 1901 the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution to bring squirrels to campus. Yes, really. Because I guess there wasn’t enough of them in the area already. They approved up to $250 to be spent on the enterprise, which in today’s money is equivalent to about $7,000. Here is a quote from University President Andrew S. Draper’s letter to the Board of Trustees, dated July 5, 1901:
“For some years I had in mind the domestication of squirrels upon the grounds of the University and have made some investigations which lead me to believe that the suggestion is entirely practicable. Conferences with Professor Charles W. Rolfe have led him to ascertain where the animals can be found, and to look into the methods for housing and retaining them. The expense of such an undertaking is uncertain, but would easily be within $250…If successful, the influence upon University life, and upon the feelings of students, would be considerable, and students would carry that influence to all parts of the State. I therefore recommend that Professor Rolfe be asked to initiate and supervise the enterprise, and that $250 or so much as may be necessary be appropriated to meet the expenses.”
All credit to the University of Illinois Archives for uncovering this gem. Here is a link to the original blog post.