Aurora University - Pharos Yearbook (Aurora, IL)

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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.

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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

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Dr. Stephens first became associated with Aurora College as the pastor of the college church. In 1930 he was invited to become chairman of the college accrediting committee, was elected vice president in 1932, and became president in 1933. At that time the nation was in the depths of depression, and the college's very existence like many other schools was in jeopardy. With the sacrificial co-openation of a loyal staff, 'Dri Stephens guided the school safely through these dangerous days. In the 20 years of his official connection with the cellege, assets have more than doubled, enrollment has increased four times'and gains have been made in the service offered to the student body and the community. Boa rd 0F Directors The operation of Aurora College is directly controlled by a board of ten people. This year's board is as follows: William B. Greene, president of Barber-Greene Co.; Judge Olney C. Allen, Aurora; Malcolm L. Jones, Richard-Wilcox executive, Aurora; Roger A. Watkins, managing operator of the Strath- emore Co., Aurora; Fred Kudlata, attorney, Cicero, Illinois; Gerald C. Cooper, production manager, H. L. Judd Co., Walling- ford, Conn.; Chester W. Parmley, clergyman, Bristol, Conn.; 14