Muhlenberg College - Ciarla Yearbook (Allentown, PA)

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The Collegiate Year Rev. John A. W. Haas, D.D. E very year of collegiate life may appear to be the same, but in fact it has its own char- acter and its own distinctive features. Were every year alike, there would be no pro- gress, for progress implies change and change for the better. It is a story of steady progress which we can relate, not progress without arrest, or progress without difficulty, but still progress. In the teaching of the college there has been a greater uniform excellence and quality of efficiency than ever before. More earnestness of purpose and application have been evident. Courses previously offered were enriched with new material and given with better methods. Among new work undertaken, two courses deserve special mention. One is the full year’s course in sociology in its theoretical foundation and practical application, which attracted the largest class in elective studies because of its present interest and value. The other new course is a general course in the elements of biology for the student who cannot take the detail work of biological study and laboratory practice. The attention given to writing of themes in the lower classes has been more careful, and more constant writing has been introduced. A lecture by Henry VanDyke, of Princeton, and a course in aesthetics by Prof. Shaw, of New York Uni- versity, were of the highest type. The Saturday courses for public school teachers were better patronized than ever before. In the response which the student body gave to the teaching, life and fellowship of the col- lege, there were evidences of appreciation despite the usual critical attitude of the college man. “The Muhlenberg” showed the influence and in this whole year advanced very decidedly in excellence of material. The usual literary contests took place and pleasant social receptions were features of the life of the literary societies. The Classical Club continued its rambles in classic fields, while the Philosophical Club discussed modern historical and political questions. The work of the individual students who prepared papers and reports for class-room or entered upon prize essays was commendable. The general student atmosphere was wholesome and student government continued. The Student Council entered diligently upon some difficult problems of student life. The Glee Club had a most well-balanced group of voices, and the Dramatic Association added to its former good reputation. Page Eight

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Most marked was the new era in athletics. With the constant services of our new Physi- cal Director, Mr. Kelly, not only were the best results attained in football and other athletic sports, but the required gynasium work produced excellent effects. The strenuous Swedish move- ments and the German gymnastic exercises developed the Freshmen very well. With this ad- vance came a stronger and more consistent discipline which has toned up the student body. In the religious work among the students the M. C. A. had its first year of activity. It carried forward the banner of religious ideals, and through its personal work and its weekly Bible classes, devotional meetings and monthly public addresses it rendered real service. But this brief record of the year, which mentions only outstanding features and does not emphasize the quiet, steady advance is merely the prelude to greater things to be expected. It is not wise to dwell on attainments very long; but to plan for prospects is true wisdom. What has been accomplished only furnishes the foundation for what should be done. In looking into the future some expectations may be disappointed and some hopes deferred, nevertheless let us hope for more rather than for less achievement. It seems assured that next year shall see the new refectory open and ready for use. It is planned to begin modestly and erect a building in character like the chemical laboratory but architecturally improved. Its seating capacity in the dining room is to be 150, and the culinary arrangements are to be of the best modern type. Through the refectory a new impetus will be given to the unity of student life by providing a common center of daily association. Another improvement contemplated is a concrete fence around the football field, and the friends of the Athletic Association aroused by the enthusiasm of this year’s success, are aiding in this work. It is very creditable to the Athletic Association, that it is willing to assume not only this work, but also the burden of carrying the financial obligations of the new refectory. While these improve- ments are imminent, the authorities are also working for the new building of the Preparatory School. They are planning for a financial campaign which shall meet not only this demand, but also liquidate the existing college debt and add to the endowment fund. In the curriculum of the college a fuller course in philosophy will be developed through the addition of aesthetics. The old course in theism will be reconstructed to meet and include the problems of the psychology of religion and of comparative religion. More Latin will be re- quired for admission, and the German entrance requirements advanced. This will offer larger Page Nine