Aurora University - Pharos Yearbook (Aurora, IL)

Page 16 text:

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

Page 15 text:

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.

Page 17 text:

he labored diligently for the school he loved. It was Dr. Jenks who led in moving the college from Mendota to the larger community of Aurora, and in erecting the college buildings. It was also Dr. Jenks, who through careful planning of the curric- ulum and strengthening of the faculty, laid the foundation for the college to become an accredited liberal arts school. Dr. Theodore Pierson Stephens Dr. Theodore P. Stephens was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and received his grade and high school training in that city. He entered the employ of Tiffany Studios and was a salesman in the ecclesiastical department. Heeding the call to the Christian ministry, he began preaching in 1915 and studied part-time in the National Bible Institute in New York. Later he studied pt Yale Divinity School. In 1926, Dr. Stephens came to Aurora to deliver the bac- calaureate sermon for the senior class. He was promptly called to the pastorate of the Aurora Advent Christian Church where Rev. W. M. Wilson had recently resigned. During his pastorate he pursued studies at McCormick Theological Semi- nary. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1941.