St Josephs College - Footprints Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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The winter of 1923 brought us again into the darkness of death. Sister Celestine, one of the founders of the College and its Dean for almost seven years, went to her reward in January of that year. Once again the College was faced with the serious problem of finding a successor to fill a gap. Shortly after. Sister Sacred Heart was chosen as Dean. How delighted we were, when we returned in tin- fall of 1923, to find that the long-promised annex in the rear of 245 was actually under construction ! Delight was augmented by pride in the growth and progress which had made the new building absolutely necessary for the College. A Greater St. Joseph ' s was the goal toward which we were all working, and this was the first definite step in that direction. Of course. ' 26 then in Sophomore Year, felt all the thrill of active co-operators in the great work. On St. Joseph ' s Day, 1924, the College Chapel, made possible by the larger quarters, was dedicated by Bishop Molloy, and the room where once we had danced and made merry became the Shrine of the Divine Presence. We were grateful indeed for this blessing and privilege which was to be a source of solace and inspiration to us all. The growing numbers in the student body now made it imperative that the Faculty be correspondingly increased. Heretofore, some provision had been made but it was inadequate for the demand and so the situation had not been greatly relieved. It was not until the fall of 1925, when the teaching staff was practically trebled that conditions were bettered. Sister Sacred Heart ' s position as Dean was taken over by Sister Angeline. Numerous additions throughout the various departments made possible the carrying on of the work of education in a suitable manner. On this, its tenth birthday, the College can rightfully boast of many things accomplished. It has triumphantly passed the formative stage and is now functioning as a recognized Catholic College. Expansion in every direction has taken place. Gradually but definitely, student government is superseding faculty management, while the students themselves are proving worthy of this great trust. Besides, the purchase of our newest building on Clinton Avenue gives evidence of still further growth and betterment. Its occupation by the students at the beginning of the new semester was indeed a milestone in our history. In that mass of stone and wood lie the fulfillment of dreams, the consummation of hopes, the inspiration for future glory and achievement. In addition, the student register now numbers two hundred and forty-live, despite the fact that many applicants have been denied admission. The standard of scholarship has also been raised so that under the new regulations, admission to and graduation from St. Joseph ' s College have come to mean more than mediocre ability and earnestness. Beyond a doubt, much has been accomplished. St. Joseph ' s girls are representing her in almost every field, as the religious, the mothers, doctors, teachers and lawyers of the race. This speaks well indeed for the past. But the task does not end there; much still remains to be done. What the future will bring rests, to a great extent, in the hands of us of the present. The road is still long and wearisome, but, spurred on by the accomplishments of our predecessors, we cannot fail. We must continue onward toward the realization of the ideal which gave birth to St. Joseph ' s, our Alma Mater. GENEVIEVE D ' ALBORA, ' 26. ■4 8 } -

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A Decade — in Retrospect TEN years have passed since St. Joseph ' s College first saw. through the mist of uncertainty, its rising star, its raison d ' etre — the moulding of Catholic womanhood for the greater glory of God. With this end in view, the College was formally dedicated on October first, with its founder, Bishop McDonnell, as its first president and Sister Celestine as its first Dean. In those early days, the College Buildings were the little wooden house on Washington Avenue. It was not until 1918, when the College was to prepare for the matriculation of its third class that our present home on Clinton Avenue was purchased. The evolution of this building from one of the gorgeous mansions of Brooklyn to the diocesan Catholic College, is one of the most marvelous accomplishments of the first Faculty. The struggle for existence during those earl) years was unquestionably uphill work. Those in charge, always conscious that each new step was only an experiment to he carried on against overpowering odds, neverthe- less managed by a series of checks and balances to reduce chaos to order and system in government, lint the many moments of failure and disap- pointment must have been discouraging and depressing. However, in June, 1920, when the members of the pioneer class — the twelve Apostles of St. Joseph ' s — were ready to receive their degrees, the toil and hardship of tin- past were completely forgotten in present joy and gladness. The happiness occasioned by that first Commencement is one of the sweetest pages in the College history, for then only did St. Joseph ' s compel diocesan recognition and make secure its place as an educational institution. The Facultj at that time consisted of eleven members. How interesting a com- parison between that and the present number, which shows an increase almost in proportion to that of graduates. Equally interesting is the fact that of the pioneer group there still remain five as professors in the St. Joseph ' s of today. The first great change in the Faculty took place in the summer of 1920 when Doctor Molloy of the Philosoph) Department was made Auxiliary Bishop i Brooklyn. While the College rejoiced at the distinction conferred upon its beloved professor, it regretted that the new duties necessitated his resignation from the Faculty. Father Dillon was then appointed by Bishop .McDonnell to succeed Bishop Molloy. In 1921, thi ' entire College was saddened by the death of its President. That this was truly a great loss everyone understood. For five years, the Bishop had labored hard and well that the College might reach the posi- tion which it occupied at his death. It was consoling, however, to know- that he had lived to see the fulfillment, in great measure, of his dreams an d the fruition of his labors. With Bishop Molloy ' s appointment as Bishop McDonnell ' s successor, came his subsequent assumption of the office of I ' resident of St. Ji iseph ' s I olli Meanwhile, the College was steadily progressing, as was proved by the increasing numbers in each successive Freshman class. When the present Seniors entered, the college register numbered one hundred. How gratified . sister Sacred Heart, then our Registrar, was when she announced this fact! And how gratifying the contrast in numbers brought about in three short years. From all indications, one hundred will very soon mean not the college but the Freshman register. Scholastically, too. the College was proving successful, for each year St. Joseph ' s girls were leaving in steadily growing numbers to take their places in the world ' s professions. At the same time, they were bringing glory to their Alma Mater by their exemplary li .

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Fatl ier SLOWLY, almost imperceptibly, there has been developing within us an understanding of one to whom we arc- immeasurably indebted; but even yet we do not fully know him, our Father. That knowledge with its accompanying joys awaits future years. lie is like some golden hunk, some rare, great lunik whose pages breathe of noble sentiments, whose every chapter speak- some tale of unselfish denial, some valiant deed. In childhood the cover attracted us, its pictures fascinated our beauty-loving eyes. Dumbly we felt their sympathy, their kindliness. Somehow, in an incomplete way we knew that he comforted us. We sensed that his was a protecting influence, but the reason for our eon- tented feeling of security within his loving arms we could not know, we could not understand, we did not even suspect. With the later years we learned to read intelligently this golden volume. We supplemented our childhood impressions with the storj its pages told. We read between the lines and stood amazed at the revelations made to us. The sun of understanding shed its gleam over the hidden mysteries, and under its guiding light we came to an appreciation of the magnanimity of his character. For the first time we realized the extent of his wisdom. For the first time we forgave him for his seeming severity. We now knew that he did all things that our happiness might not know the shadows of youthful error. Stirred by the heroism unsung, yes, even concealed by the modest hero, we found his life the more beautiful because- of its seeming mediocricity. And we see with each succeeding year some new work, some deeper meaning in this hook, this man whom we call Father. We how our heads in awe as we discover his calm mastery of stupendous problems, his quiet acceptance of mighty responsibilities, ami his brave renunciation of what he holds most dear. Our minds applaud his competence, our heart- worship his courageous dauntlessness. Never despite his grave cares or serious worries, do we find him lacking in sympathy, lie is always read) with a comforting smile, overlooking our weaknesses, soothing our petty troubles with consoling optimism. Nothing that we cherish is too trivial for his careful attention. lie it is who walks cheerily into the bustling throng to withstand the affronts, the snubs, the coldness of associates. All these does he endure gladly that those most dear to him may enjoy the comfort which such sacrifices purchase. He faces the world and builds therein a name — the name by which the woman whom he loves is called; the name that for his chil- dren ' s sake must remain untarnished. He is always the valiant protector, tin- steadfast tower of love, ever seeking that which may increase the happiness of his loved ones. The filial love between father and daughter is a world-wide theme in soiiy and story. Were it never recorded, it is written deep in the hearts oi the daughters whose expression of filial devotion is feebly uttered in the dedication of this volume. Father — what tender memories that word evokes! What strength, what sacrifice, what pride, that word connotes! And as it is expressed now in heartfelt gratitude and filial devotion, it stirs the heart with a love that is all its own. Father. May that name ever be filled with the memories oi tin tenderness of the years that have gone — and may it be glorified with the inexpressive yearnings of the years to come. P.I RN DKTTK GARVEY, ' 26. « q t