Aurora University - Pharos Yearbook (Aurora, IL)

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In 1932, an important academic milestone was reached when the University of Illinois recognized the college as a four year institution. The citizens' advisory board was formed in 1933, and the first city campaign was conducted by these leading citizens in 1934. This board which now consists of 21 outstanding Aurora citizens counsels the president. Two important dates in the academic history of the college were in 1938 and 1940. The former date marked the accredita- tion by the North Central Association of Colleges and Second- ary Schools. The latter date commemorates the recognition by the Regents of the State of New York. Complete freedom from the financial indebtedness which had handicapped and harassed the college for many years was achieved in 1944. In 1947, the lounge, gymnasium, South Hall and the tem- porary housing, all of which have meant so much to the service of the college, were completed. a- u- a- During its four decades in Aurora, the college has been served by two devoted Christian men as presidents, Dr. Orrin Roe Jenks, from 1911 to 1933, and Dr. Theodore Pierson Stephens, from 1933 on.

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the Mendota College at Mendota, lllihois, in 1893. The school was small, but the foundations were laid for the development of the larger educational program which took place in Aurora. The Fulfillment Begun On Marchn27, 1912, the last classes in Mendota met and a special chapel service was held to bid farewell to the old surroundings. For several days the work of packing, loading, transporting and unpacking was carried on vigorously. On the third of April the moving was completed and a dedication service of the campus was held in Lowry Chapel. Speeches of welcome were made by the mayor and other prominent businessmen of the city. One of the next important dates was that of the first Aurora commencement, June 13, 1912. In the fall of 1914, the first college student from Aurora was enrolled. At the end of the first full year in Aurora, the college reported 13 students. Among these were included Clarence R. Smith, now head of the physics department, and Stanley H. Perry, for 20 years dean of the college and now a professor of humanities. In 1925, Wilkinson Hall was completed and in 1927, the music practice hall was erected. 10

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Dr. Orrin Roe Jenks Dr. Jenks, who passed away June 17, 1951, had been associated with the college since its founding. He was born of pioneer settlers in Minnesota, Jan. 1, 1868. Dr. Jenks' early life followed a pattern 'familiar to many successful Americans. Reared in poverty with only meager schooling, he fought his way upward the hard way. Despite the scanty educational opportunities, young Jenks was eager for knowledge and grasped every chance to learn. At 17 he was teaching in rural schools of Minnesota while at the same time doing advanced study on the side. He ob- tained his high school work in St. Charles, Illinois; Litchfield, Minnesota, and Minneapolis Academy. Higher education was sought in the University of Minnesota, Mendota College and Chicago Theological Seminary where he received the advanced degree of bachelor of divinity. Aurora College later bestowed the honorary degree of doctor of divinity upon him. Dr. Jenks' career as a college educator began in 1904 when he became head of Mendota College Biblical department. In 1910 he was elected chairman of the finance committee in charge of raising $100,000 for new buildings. He was inaugurated president of the college in 1911, and for 22 years 12