Found in the University Archives!

“Failed to Appear in Class”

Even a world-famous architect can’t make it to every class. Shown in the photograph is a picture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s progress report, with a note from the professor that he had “failed to appear in class.” Dated from the 1880s.

Frank Lloyd Wright was admitted to UW (Madison) as a special student in 1886. He joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity, took classes part-time for two semesters, and worked with noted professor of civil engineering and architect, Allan D. Conover.

 In 1887, Wright left UW (Madison) without taking a degree (although he was granted an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University in 1955).

For more information about UW-Madison campus history, contact uwarchiv@library.wisc.edu or visit archive.library.wisc.edu.

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*The UW-Madison Archives does not endorse the practice of “failing to appear in class.” Even in the middle of winter. When it is cold. Bitter, bitter cold. Unless you are sick, in which case you should most certainly not appear in class.