Birmingham Southern College - Southern Accent Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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OkL ' Iceks of Alujixi Associaiiox

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THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY. LtJ 111-; Alumni Association of Soutliern University was incorporated under tlie laws of Alabama in 1907, witli tlie following trustees; T. E. Knight, H. Trawick, E. W. Berry, C. P. Atkinson, and R. F. Monette. Up to tlie time of incorporation tlie society of alumni liad adopted no clear- cut, definite program of action for accomplishing material results in the way of endow- ment or physical equipment of the college. In order to have a definite goal to work to- ward, the idea of endowing an alumni chair of History was conceived. This movement was inaugurated about eight years ago, and since tliat time lias served as a more effective means of rallying the interest of the alumni and stimulating a spirit of cooperation and loyalty among them than any other agency. For the purposs of raising the proposed endowment funds the following committee was appointed: D. P. Christenberry, F. M. Peterson, L. P. Gidden, A. L. Andrews, E. A. Dannelly, E. L. Craw- ford, and E. K. Turner. As a result of the energetic efforts of this committee, over ?4,000 has been collected on the proposed amount of $25,000, though considerably more has been subscribed. It is fitting to mention just here the indefatigable energy displayed by the late Prof. D. P. Christenberry in connection with this work. His interest never wavered to the day of his death. Aside from his efforts in behalf of the alumni chair of History, one of his most valuable contributions to the life of the institution was the semicentennial history of Southern University, which will ever remain as an enduring monument to his unselfish devotion and loyalty to his Alma Mater. On page 102 of the history Professor Christenberry writes; The object of the society of alumni is to unile the graduates in a common bond of fellowship and to foster their love for their Alma Mater and their interest in her welfare. Unfortunately, this worthy object, of the society has not been keenly recognized by all of the graduates of Southern University. In fact, a spirit of apathy and indifference has, in the past, characterized a large part of the body of alumni. Enthusiasm for our Alma Mater has been displayed by us as individuals, but not as a strong, united body, working with forceful purpose for a common end. Certainly no institution in the State deserves loyal support from its alumni more than old Southern University. No college can boast of a more honorable roll of graduates. They have gone out from the college as radiating lines of infiuence, not bounded by State or sectional lines, but affecting the larger affairs of the nation. This influence can never die; but, as loyal sons, we should see to it that the powers of our common mother for spreading unchecked her beneficent influence shall be enlarged, not curtailed or hampered. In the first glow of exultation on graduation day, how warm our devotion to the old college seems to be! The memory of joys and sorrows shared together in her halls and classrooms, of friendships formed to last, is still fresh. We are ready to pledge undying loyalty and promise unstinted service to our dear old Alma Mater. But through the gathering years, how strangely cool that devotion becomes too often 1 How- easily for- gotten the promises we once made in good faitlil Let us, then, who know the great past of Southern University, and who call ourselves her loyal sons, make possible for her a still greater future. Ali-rep P. H. :mii.tox.

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J. H. McCOY Bishop J. H. McCoy was born in Blount County, Ala., on August 6, 1S68. He received the A.B. degree from Southern University in ISSS; A.il., lSiS9; D.D., 1906. He entered the North Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1889. For a num- ber of years lie was a leader in that conference. In 1906 he was elected President of Birmingham College, in which position he remained tour years. He was elected bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1910. • ■ ■• W. B. MURRAH Bishop W. B. Alurrah was born at Picliensville, Ala., in May, 1852. He received tlie A.B. degree from Southern University in 1 874. He entered the North Mississippi Con- ference, Methodist Episcopal Church, Soutli, in 1876, and served various pastorates until elected Vice President of Whitworth College, Brookhaven, Miss., in 1886, where he re- mained four years. In 1892 he was elected President of Millsaps College, Jackson, Miss. Here he remained until 1910, when lie w-as elected bishop of the ilethodist Episcopal Church, South. FliANK SEAY Prof. Frank Seay was born at New Orleans on December 17, 1881. He received the A.M. degree at Southern University in 1899. He was at Vanderbilt University, 1900-01 and 1901-02; at Harvard University, 1902-03, and received the A.M. degree there in 1903. He attended the University of Berlin in 1906; was an unmatriculate student at Oxford, England, in the fall of 1906. He was ordained in tlie Alabama Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1903. He was called to Southwestern University, George- town, Texas, as Professor of New Testament Greek, in 1909. At present he is Professor of Philosophy in the same university While a member of tlie Alabama Conference, he was considered one of the most promising young leaders of that body. Mr. Seay is the author of The Gist of the Old Testament, 1905; The Story of the Old Testament, 1912; also many public addresses on commencement, historical and religious topics. ■ . ' ■ ' W. E. MARTIN Dr. William E. Martin was born on February 21, 1874. He received the degree of A.M. at Soutliern University, 1896; Ph.D. from .Tohns Hopkins University, 1901; Professor of History, Emory and Henry College, Virginia, 1901-04; President, Sullins College, Bristol, Va., 1904-10; Woman ' s College of Alabama. 1310; author of History of Internal Im- provements in Alabama, 1901. S. M. HOSMER Dr. S. M. Hosmer was born on July 22, 1846. He received the degree of B.P. from Southern University, 1S74; D.D., 1893; joined North Alabama Conference, Jlethodist Episcopal Church, South, 1874; elected President of Southern University, February, 1899; resigned, June, 1910. During his presidency there were one hundred and sixty grad- uates, ten of whom received the A.M. degree. About $50,000 was added to the productive endowment during his incumbency. A gymnasium was also built, and other valuable improvements were made.