Alma College - Scotsman Yearbook (Alma, MI)

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PRESIDENT IOHN WIRT DUNNING, D. D, ADMIN ISTRATICN SEPTEMBER, l938, saw the doors of Alma College open to an unprecedented number of students. Not only was the increase of the student body an un- usual feature of registration day but the physical improvements around the campus were of such great moment that it was as a new college. All of this was an indication of the new and greater Alma College that was promised with the advent of former student Dr. fohn Wirt Dunning to the presidents chair. Although Dr. Dunning came to our campus often last spring the real work of reconstruction was carried on during the summer months with the result that every building on the campus presented a new face to students of the fall. Changes that should have been made years before were brought about, additions were made and the general physical character of the insti- tution was improved under the tireless supervision of the new president. Most notable of the improvements came to the two dormitories where new floors were laid, new lavatories constructed, recreation rooms built, and rooms refinished throughout. The kitchen at Wright Hall came under new management and with the change came new equipment until the cooking facilities were equal to those found in the best of hotels and institutions. Upstairs the Dining Room was redecorated in cream and green in addition to new and better seating arrangements. ' Hood museum, unused for so many years, was converted into the most modern and scientifically equipped Biology Department, which heretofore had been housed in the Administration building. To the public eye the biggest change came to Bahllce Field where giant floodlights converted the gridiron for night football. A fence completely en- circling the field was built as was a new bleacher seating l,2OU, a modern lU

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press box and a refreshment stand. With its addi- tions Alma's athletic field ranks as one of the best in the M. l. A. A. ln the Administration Building the Chapel came in for the greatest amount of change with the addition of new seats, a new floor and an acoustical ceiling. The Physics Laboratory found a new home in the basement while the Education and Sociology departments moved to the third floor. The new and popular Art department was located in the location of the old Biology Labora- f tory. Walls were done over and new stairs were f installed throughout the building. In line with the physical changes were the faculty additions with five new members being added. To assist with Chemistry came Dr. B. B. Seifert from the University of Illinois. ln the His- tory department Henry W. Howe was added while Miss Mae Nelson, Alma graduate of 1936, returned to assist with French and Music. MH. WM. ELLIS Business Manager Two new departments were created with Miss Katherine Ardis heading the Art division and C. Carney Smith, formerly of Flint Northern High School, heading the newly formed Speech department. S. Byron Straw of the University of lllinois filled in the first semester of this year for Assistant Professor Seaman who was at the University of Illinois for his Ph. D. Mr. Seaman returned in February of this year. K THE PREsiDENT's HoUsE ll