McKendree University - McKendrean Yearbook (Lebanon, IL)

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1920 THE McKENDREAN 23 IL ' Ht B t. i. mwnn

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22 THE McKENDREAN 1920 Sophomores THE modest Sophomores expose their past history to the criticizing gaze of the public with humility and meekness. But all great deeds must be brought to light sooner or later. The first year of their career was unusually eventful and exciting. In numbers of more than a hundred, mainly young men, they came as a mighty horde, sweeping everything before them. Contrary to custom they were received with joy and gladness. Their experiences and deeds of valor were many and inspiring. All peoples adored and admired them. Old traditions were cast to the winds in an enthusiastic endeavor to do them homage : The Great, the Wonderful Freshmen of 18. Truly, so great an ovation was never given before or since, to such as these. The second year has been no less eventful and interesting. Although greatly reduced in numbers, they have more than supplied this deficiency in deeds of greatness. By their high standards and lofty ideals they have created an atmosphere approaching Utopia. True to their training, they have been advocates of peace and order. They have led the Freshmen in paths of righteousness and wisdom and taught them their place in college life. Early in the year the Freshmen, feeling their importance, decided to celebrate their privileges, amid great rejoicing and feasting. The all-compre- hending minds of the Sophomores realized the consequences which would result from fulfillment of such perverted illusions, and undertook to quell this boisterous egotism. The conflict which ensued was long and strenuous. It called forth the utmost shrewdness and Herculean strength of the Freshies. They finally overcame the inferior numbers of their assailants and reached their destination. They, however, were taught that superior powers must be recognized and respected. Fortunate, indeed, were they to come in contact with so mighty a force so early in their career, for it rendered them exceed- ingly docile and obedient ever after, to the wonder and mystification of their professors. The influence upon the upper classmen has been no less beneficial. The all-wise Juniors have ever willingly followed where the Sophs led, but the dignified Seniors, so as not to sink into utter nothingness beside their mighty neighbors, were forced to drink deeply at the fountain of knowledge, which is to their lasting benefit. The Sophomores have been active in social and literary circles and in athletics. They have furnished some of the greatest athletes of the season, who have helped to make the purple and the white famous. With two more years in which to acquire knowledge and exert their influence, McKendree standards will have reached such a pinnacle of perfection as to exceed the wildest dreams of any college faculty, and with such leadership, surely wonders and miracles will follow in the path of the class of ' 22 forever.

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24 THEMcKENDREAN 1920 Freshmen You hear a lot nowadays about class exclusiveness. In our case, how- ever, it is all bunk. We have decided to treat everybody as our equals — Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and even members of the fac- ulty. Of course, this does not mean that we have failed to realize our indis- pensability. Have we not been constantly reminded of that fact? Even before we came to McKendree, we were being sought out by President Mc- Cammon, all the rest of the faculty, and the student body. They plead, they begged, they entreated that we grace the campus of McKendree with our presence. Not only they, but many other colleges beset us on all sides. Looking back over our achievements of the year, we feel that they have been rewarded for their efforts in securing our co-operation. The spirit of the class of 1923 was well shown when one of the girls called a newly elected officer to her and whispered quite audibly, Let ' s do something. And the Freshmen have kept something doing ever since. On that day, everyone knew that there was something in the air, as indeed there was, for the big class wiener roast was held that night. And it was truly a classy one. Though our way was barred by Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, we all assembled in safety at Sayre ' s. En route to Perry ' s pasture, we were foully attacked by a detachment of upper classmen, who, however, were scon forced to retire from the field of action. The next morning, our colors, maroon and silver, were waving triumphantly over the chapel. The same spirit dominated our Freshmen football team, when it won a victory with the Academy. Our activities have extended in many different lines. We have started a teacher ' s reform movement. Realizing how obsessed the minds of the instructors become with their studies, we devote a goodly portion of each recitation period to diverting their minds from the subject in hand. Pete leads in this noble work, ably assisted by Johnston and Van Dyke. Dr. Stearns has received the benefit of most of our reform, in Freshman English class, and we must say that he has responded nobly to our treatment. The Freshman girls have also thrown themselves heart and soul, into the subject of reform. Miss Brooks is the recipient of their special attention. Where can you find the Freshmen? There are just two ways. One is to line UD the student body, and select the finest looking members of both sexes. They ' ll be the Freshmen. Another way is to search in the orchestra, on the athletic field, in the classrooms, and among the organizations. You won ' t have to search long, for first and foremost will be the Freshmen.