Merrimack College - Merrimackan Yearbook (North Andover, MA)

Page 19 text:

The past academic year witnessed a mushroom growth of clubs and activities. The presidential cam- paign combined with classroom lectures to furnish im- petus for organizing the Young Republicans and the Young Democrats. These two organizations fostered a lively interest in political affairs, and were instrumental in arranging the very popular Public Forums. The principles of Catholic Action were implemented by the Sociology Club which set up a four-year scholarship for a worthy state ward. And the English majors flexed their intellectual muscles in a series of informal dis- cussions about various poets and playwrights.

Page 18 text:

The autumn of 1952 witnessed the completion of our third permanent building, the three-story faculty house, and the laying down of broad, paved roadways pre- paratory to dedication. On September 29, Archbishop Cushing formally dedicated the three structures. The Science Building became Cushing Hall, in honor of the Archbishop whose support made possible the col- lege’s phenomenal growth; the Arts Building was named Sullivan Hall in memory of the late Very Rev- erend Mortimer A. Sullivan, O.S.A., Provincial and founder of Merrimack; the faculty building was dub- bed Austin Hall, Austin being a traditional contraction for Augustinian. But a college is much more than just a collection of imposing buildings. It should be an active organ- ization of teachers and students, professional men and trainees. Not all the knowledge desirable for college graduates can be acquired in the classroom; for to learn is not enough; one must also acquire the tech- nique of translating knowledge into social skills and services. Thus, the intellectual discipline of the class- room and laboratory is enhanced and enlarged by ac- tivities utilizing this academic training. Extracurricular activities play a vital role in the development of per- sonality in the students. •ara

Page 20 text:

In addition to the new organizations the previously formed groups continued to improve and expand their activities. The Austin debaters locked forensic horns with other colleges in the area; the Choral Society per- formed at numerous functions; and the Dramatic Club branched out with an original musical comedy pro- duction. On the athletic side, the basketball team showed steady improvement which has been reflected in in- creased game attendance; the tennis and sailing clubs have developed plans for intercollegiate competition in their respective fields. These and all other activities of the professional clubs and of the oflicial co-curricular organizations favorably reflect the sure and steady growth of Merri- mack. THE MAIN ALTAR in the Upper Chapel of Austin Hall. THE NEW College Library — store- house of knowledge and indispensable instrument of research.