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8 June 1945
Dear President Tressider: Your letter of March to Stanford alumni in the service reached me only recently as I have been changing addresses rapidly. Stanford occupies a prominent place in my past experience, and I always enjoy hearing of president activities or future plans.
In answering the questions you ask, I can't be too definite at present. If it is possible for me to return to Stanford, I planned to enter law school. My knowledge of law school before the war wouldn't warrant any constructive criticism of courses or methods.
On the housing score, I have some definite ideas. In the first place. and I think others will agree, Stanford's present facilities don't compare with those of Eastern schools on the same educational level. Most of the servicemen in this war will want privacy, after a long exposure to "group living." Stanford's dormitories [crossed-out text] bear a marked similarity to barracks and the fraternity in general are
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little better. The graduate student has the freedom of choosing his own residence, but the undergraduate who does not join a fraternity has only the halls. A smaller unit similar to the Hacienda would be much better. If it were possible, the construction of some smaller living units and the remodelling of the present residences would be a great improvement.
As for extra-curricular activities, I think Stanford's social program has always been adequate, and I don't think most returning service men will want any special attention. There is one thing however, which you will probably not approve, but I would suggest. That is to have a tavern on campus selling beer. There are going to be a lot of thirst ex-G.I.'s from the Pacific theater, anyway, and beer on the campus might stop too much trouble with hard liquor off campus.
Having got all that off I can't add anything else. Thank you again for your letter.
Sincerely,
Donald [H.] Shannon
P.S. For the Records Bureau's benefit, it's Lt. D.H. Shannon, [Btry] A, 64th F.A. Bn, APO 25, c/o PM, S.[F.]
