Beloit College - Codex Yearbook (Beloit, WI)

Page 25 text:

COMMENCEMENT To each graduate commencement means something different. For all it is both an ending and a beginning, for all an end of formal education and a beginning of a new life, some in a career, others in marriage. It marks the end of college days, days that passed unbelievably fast. There will be no more NIonday night chapter meetings, beer picnics, roommates, convos. coffee at the Union, eight olclock classes, and college songs. There is a sadness of commencement that comes as a result of the parting of close friends and the realization of the many advantages of Beloit that were never appreciated. Beloit has made the last few years the fullest that Will be livedeso full that it is hard to believe that it is all over, that seniors are about to enter the ranks of the alumni, to return to future commencements and hold class reunions every five vears. But with the sadness there is an expectation. The world is waiting to be conquered. There is a challenge waiting, a threshold to be crossed. The sheltered existence of education is over and a new one beguneone where it is the individualls decision as to what he will do and how well he Will do it; up to him to carve out and fill his own niche in life. Before the actual commencement exercises there is an activity-filled week end. Awards are presented to outstanding seniors, the last fraternity and sorority meetings are held, there is a banquet for all grad- uates and their guests, and there is a play. There is hardly time to consider what an important time this is until it is over. When at last the president hands each graduate his diploma a book is closed forever, and its contents are filed away in memory-Beloit is left behind but never to be forgotten, and there are other books with blank pages waiting to be filled with new experiences. Such is commencement.

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C H A p E L F I R E On the night of December 12, historic Dwight Eaton Chapel was almost com- pletely destroyed by fire; only the walls were left standing. Among the serious losses were the irreplaceable ceiling panels, choir robes, and the personal effects of three professors and Reverend Beittel. The traditional Chrisunas Vespers planned for the following day were held in the Con- gregational Church. The choir sang in borrowed robes. The fire damage Was esti- mated at $250,000. The insurance allow- ance was $186,000, and the Board of Trustees announced that the chapel is being rebuilt for less than this sum. It will be contained in the same walls as before, but added changes within permit the seating of 1283 people. President Croneis stated that if all goes as planned we will have our new chapel by next December.

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Of all songs, the ones that are the most loved by a college student are those of his own group or alum mateix whether sung at dinner, at Big Hill around a uke or around the piano during a quiet evening in the dorm. Singing these songs is an important and unforgettable part of Beloit; they never seem to grow old or tiresome. Perhaps the reason for their continued enjoyment is the large variety of songs: fraternity songs; some appropriate to dinner; some others more rousing and fitting to picnics; songs of victory, for football and basketball games; and songs of alma mater. to be sung at more for- mal occasions. Every one has his own favorites but has no objections to singing others' favorites. Any me can sing these lgs. The words are easily learned and never forgotten. lt doesnlt mat- ter that you ar'erft on tuneefor most college songs volume is the only requirement. Whether they are sung at Big Hill or around the piano, Beloit songs are dear to all students here now and to all alumni. They will be passed on to the next generations to be sung with as much pleasure. They reflect our loyalty and devotion to Beloit and will always be remembered as something wonderful.