James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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ULarrLsonbiircf Strioes Cfkeao When we cast a backward glance over the history of the college, some years stand out as marked examples of progress. Achievements of these red letter years form the chapter headings of the college annals, such as the establishment of the Normal and Industrial School for Women by an act of the General Assem- bly in 1908, the laying of the cornerstone and the formal opening of the college to students in 1909, the inauguration of Student Government in 1915, the elab- orate Shakespearean pageant in 1916, the awarding of the first degrees in 1919, the change of administrators in 1920, the dedication of Wilson Hall in 1931. the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary in 1933, the securing of the right to grant the Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1935. Thus we point out the years of achievement. Perhaps it is the proximity of the session of 1935-36 that makes us want to rank it with those other years of special interest. During this past session, Har- risonburg has made a number of definite improvements. Work was begun on a new residence hall for juniors, which was made pos- sible by a PWA appropriation of $150,909, around the first of November, 1935. This dormitory, built on a plan similar to Senior Hall, contains forty-eight bed- rooms with adjoining baths, a parlor, a radio room, a chaperon ' s suite, and a kitchenette on each floor. Other improvements in the physical plant included the re-finishing and furnishing of Harrison Hall lobby, and the re-modelling of Jack- son and Ashby Halls at a cost of $5,459.55. In order to facilitate the means of transportation for students having off- campus engagements, the college purchased a new bus. built to accommodate thirty passengers. During the current session the college has served as hostess to the Virginia Intercollegiate Press Convention and the District Convention of Federated Music Clubs. The joint meeting of the Virginia Music Teachers Association with the State Federation of Music Clubs was entertained on campus April 15-18. Dr. Amos M. Showalter, an associate professor of biology, and Dr. Argus Tresidder, instructor in dramatics and spoken English, were added to the faculty this year. Realizing the need for instructing prospective teachers in the state policies and industries, the president of the college arranged for a series of lectures which were given during the Wednesday assembly period. Noted authorities who spoke on state problems included Dr. R. B. Truitt, University of Maryland; Dr. W. H. Stauffer, member of the State Department of Taxation; Judge Rose MacDonald, member of the State Board of Education; Mr. Wilbur C. Hall, Chairman of the Virginia State Commission of Conservation and Development ; and Dr. S. C. Mitchell, University of Richmond.