Eastern Michigan University - Aurora Yearbook (Ypsilanti, MI)

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PRESIDENT JONES

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ganized leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Edn- cation. The phenomenal progress of the institution in promi- nence and induence must be attributed in part to the wise supervision of its principals and presidents. Each has con- tributed his best edorts to the building up of the institu- tion. The hrst principal, Adonijah S. XVelch. was followed by David P. Mayhew, 1865-715 Joseph Estabrook, 1871-811. and Dr. Malcolm MacYicar, 1880-81. During the interreg- num which followed the resignation of Dr. MacVicar, Pro- fessor Daniel Putnam served as acting principal for two years. In 18823 Edwin XYillits became principal. At his resignation in 1885, Professor Putnam again resumed the duties of acting-principal until the appointment of John M. B. Sill in 1886. Principal Sill was succeeded in 1893 by Richard G. Boone, who, at the adoption of the new Normal System in 1898, became the first president of the Michigan State Normal Schools. Professor E. A. Lyman has the honor of being the nrst principal under the new regime t1899j. President Boone was followed by Albert Leonard in 1900. After two years of service President Leonard re- signed. and Lewis H. .Tones assumed the duties of presi- dent of the Michigan State Normal College. Qt all these leaders none has rendered it greater service, or has added more to its fame, by sheer force of his own Worth, than he who was last named, President Jones. Thus the pioneer normal school of the West has become the Michigan State Normal College of national reputation. Is not the prophecy uttered by Father', Pierce in his ded- icatory address,- The fruits of this institution must ap- pear in after times, -being realized? Is not the petition of Reverend Reed on that same occasion, that- streams of knowledge may How out from this institution. till they reach all parts of our state and bless every school, every family, and every childi'-being answered? May its fu- ture be crowned with still greater power and fame!

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igrvaihnnt Finney- Au Apprrriatinii Readers of the Aurora are already familiar with the chief events which have marked the career of our revered and honored President, and it is not necessary for me to repeat their narration. It is rather my purpose to call atten- tion to some of the qualities of mind and heart that have made possible his distinguished success as an educator and administrator. I-Iis educational opportunities were by no means exceptional. In fact, measured by the standards of today, they were quite meagre. And yet, after only four years of teaching, we Hnd him Principal of the Indianapolis Normal School C1876-18842, next Superintendent of the Indianapolis schools C1884-18945, then Superintendent of the Cleveland schools C1894-19l'l'2D, and finally with us. where a kind fate brought him to preside over the destinies of our State Normal College. Early in my acquaintance with President jones I found myself, in my own mind, applying to him the char- acteristics immortalized by I-Iorace, the poet laureate of the Augustan age, in the words: Iustum et tenacem propositi virum Non civium ardor prava iubentium Non voltus instantis tyranni Mente quatit solidaf, And a more intimate friendship has served to establish the truth of the characterization, For our President is just and right-minded. He sees things as they are, has clear vision and good sense. Then, having exercised this unusual faculty, he makes up his mind what to do and does it. I-Ie becomes the very embodiment of firmness and decision, like the one whom I-Iorace calls 'tenacem pvfoposiri -zf17rzi111,' whom nothing can shake from his steadfast purpose. This quality, which seems to me our Presidentls chief characteristic, was admirably shown during his administration of affairs at Cleveland where he took the management of the school system out of the hands of the politicians in the face of ceaseless opposition of misguided citizens Q,C'Z.'Z!Ill11l LTVUIO7' jvrarlu Z.7ll7C llfI-117115 and the threats of the angry political boss Czfolfus I'lISftl7'lfI5 'fj'7'U7HZ1'D. VVe gratefully acknowledge that the phenomenal prosperity of our College since 1902 is primarily due to the ster- ling qualities of our President. May he long continue with us! -Benjamin I.. Iitlogt- 23