Chronological History of M Club Actions Nov 1930 - Oct 1940 November 1930 - November 1932 Judge John Gray served as president in fiscal '31 and William Groff served in fiscal '32. Don Adams set up a Scholarship Endowment Fund, using profits from Homecoming, plus $200 transferred from the treasury. Assets totaled $1,083 in fiscal '32. May 1932 - November 1935 James Burns was elected president for fiscal '33 and Lindsey Silvester for the two-year period through 1935. We presented the University with an outdoor board track, using $600 formerly voted for the possible construction of an "M" Club gate at the football stadium. A Baltimore chapter of the Club was sanctioned. Geary Eppley was appointed to organize a College Park chapter. Boxing and rifle were added as the 8th and 9th varsity sports. To increase dues-paying members, Secretary Cory compiled a list of letterwinners for distribution to key members for personal contact. Assets were listed as $1,237 for fiscal '33, $678 for '34 and $659 for '35. Ritchie Coliseum opened in 1934. It became famous for sellout basketball and boxing doubleheaders. November 1935 - October 1937 Louis "Knocky" Thomas served as president during this two-year period. In 1936, profits from the food and drink concessions at football games were awarded to the M Club, with Emanuel F. Zalesak serving as supervisor. Dr. Byrd (who became president of the University in 1936) reported that funds had been made available by the University to remodel the Rossborough Inn. Space was allocated for use by alumni groups, including the M Club. In an effort to increase the Scholarship Fund, members pledged $25 over a three-year period and were designated as Life Members. Present day Board member and former President, Dr. Roy Skipton, is a charter Life Member. An annual scholarship of $200 was awarded in 1936. A second scholarship of $135 was authorized in 1937, with recipients selected by Don Adams' Scholarship Committee. Geary Eppley formed a College Park chapter that met monthly in 1937. They were responsible for securing from the Athletic Association the award of a letter sweater in recognition of athletes earning their first letter. This organization was the forerunner of the student varsity M Club. Assets totaled $1,186 in fiscal '37. October 1937 - October 1939 Dr. Al Parker was elected president for fiscal '38 and Don Adams for '39. Life Member certificates were approved for members paying $25. In '39, there were 25 paid Life Members. The annual dance was renamed the "Halloween Homecoming Dance," and was held in Ritchie Coliseum at a cost of $1.50 per couple. Secretary Cory reported a potential active membership of 734. A resolution was passed favoring the promotion of competitive athletics in Maryland high schools. Assets were reported as $1,186 in '38 and $876 in '39. October 1939 - October 1940 Arthur Kirk Besley was elected president. A spring luncheon was held at Beaver Dam Country Club with several athletes from high schools present as guests. A committee was formed to investigate the possibility of obtaining permanent quarters. Members of the 1915 football team were guests of honor at Homecoming. A committee was appointed to canvas alumni for summer jobs for student-athletes and high school prospects. Life Members showed a steady increase, with funds deposited to the permanent endowment scholarship fund. Assets totaled $1,168.