Aurora University - Pharos Yearbook (Aurora, IL)

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Willard F. Preslar, clergyman, Hickory, N. C.; Dr. Curtis R. Single- terry, research chemist, U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, Wash- ington, D. C.; and C. C. Magoon, insurance executive, Seattle, Wash. President Stephens is also an ex-officio member of the board. These men have given sacrificiully of their time and money in order to help the college. We appreciate their devotion and loyalty. The Dream Leads On As important as this history is, Aurora meens much more to us than historical data. It means the spirit of friendliness which pervades the cam- pus. Aurora gives opportunities for friendship which will last through the years. It means the Christian spirit as exemplified by the faculty in the classroom and in outside activities, and by the students we mingle with each day. It means a deepened sense of the values of life. Aurora means the spirit of learning and knowledge, also. Those who are studying at the college have definite plans for 15

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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

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their lives. They are eager to learn, and for this reason the level of scholarship is high. As our teams play in competitive sports we see that Aurora means a spirit of co-operation, teamwork and good sportsman- ship-all qualities which will prove indispensable in later life. All these ingredients are integral parts of a whole which we Aurora people call the Aurora spirit. It's this elusive spirit which will keep a corner of our hearts for the college, even though we may be miles away, and may not be abie to return for many years. It is this same spirit which makes the singing of Aurora such a thrilling experience. But the history of the college can never be completely severed from its spirit; for it is this combination which makes the college what it is today, what it means to us now, and what it can do for future generations. 16