Boston College - Sub Turri Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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f a g p 2 5 Previous to 1877 no degrees were conferred, for the course was in- complete until that year. But in June of that year degrees were con- ferred for the first time upon the graduates. In September, 1879, the original classical course was some- what extended and was made to include English, Sciences, and Mod- ern Languages. It seems hardly credible that forty years ago tlie combined attendance at the High School and College was less than 150. The youth of those days were just as anxious for holidays as their children, for the records show thai when the student body reached tlie 150 mark a holiday was sought from the Reverend President. When Father Fulton ended his term as President in 1881, until his return in 1888, the college had dur- ing the interval four ditterent lead- ers. Fathers O ' Connor, Broussard, Stack, and Russo. During the terms of these presidents many activities were initiated. The true life of no school is bounded by the chart- hung walls of its class-rooms. Mu- sic, Literature, and Athletics re- ceived a special cultivation. The football and baseball teams of the 80 ' s won many games on gridiron and diamond from the colleges and universities of the East. Societies of many kinds, rooted in the spon- taneous enthusiasm of the pupils, sprang into existence under the prudent encouragement of the fac- ulty. Parliamentary discussion and the drama found many votaries. The Stylus, which was founded by The Baltimore Window, Library, New Boston College

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:•••••••• ••••••• ••••••• ••••••••■ »•••• • ••••••••••«• 5 a S r 2 4 for some special employment or profession, but to give him a gen- eral, vigorous, and rounded devel- opment as will enable him to cope successfully even with the unfore- seen emergencies of life. The lay- ing of a solid sub-structure in the mind for any super-structure of science, professional or special, also for the molding of correct moral, civil, and religious principles, is in short the purpose of all Jesuit teaching. To this end a prescribed course was offered. The curriculum included instruction in the classical languages, poetry, rhetoric, and a tiiorough training in philosophy. Since that time, the course has been somewhat varied. Father Bapst, the famous victim of the Knownothing outbreaks in Maine, assumed charge in 1862 and remained as the head of Boston College until 1869. He was suc- ceeded by Father Fulton, who is probably the best known Jesuit Boston College has ever had as its President. Famous for his spark- ling wit and his ability as an organ- izer, his name is still upon the lips of many Boston Catholics. During his long term of office he founded the Young Men ' s Catholic Associa- tion, which has since become a worthy adjunct of the college. Although the attendance at the College in the early days was very small, we find that the students were very active in athletics and dramatics. The Shakespearean dramas, as well as farce comedies, were frequently presented by the students. The Georgetown Window, Library, New Boston College

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giubuturri 3 agf2fi the class of 1884, reflected the general culture and work of the students. Father Fulton returned as President in 1888. The following year an addition was put on the old building to meet the growing needs of the college. Attracted by the thorough intellectual and moral training received in this institution, the number of scholars was steadily increasing. In 1890 there were 290 students in both schools. The Boys ' Debating Society became known as the Fulton in 1890 and at this time inaugurated the practice of public debates. Among the list of prize winners we read the names of many men who have become a prominent phase of the college life. The dramas produced under Professor Willis have received the highest praise from the dramatic critics. These years were fruitful in other honors for the college. The athletic contests of the 90 ' s ring with nothing but victories for Maroon and Gold. Holy Cross and Boston University were no match for the sturdy athletes from Boston College, who like Caesar cut through forest and impassable ways and chronicled nothing but victories in their contests. Father Fulton was succeeded by Father Devitt who held the office of President from 1891 to 1894. His successor was Father Brosnahan. The steady growth of the college made it necessary in 1898 for the Young Men ' s Catholic Association to seek new quarters. In that year the combined attendance had swelled to 450. During the period from 1898 to 1906, under the leadership of Fathers Mullan and Gannon, the college was expanding steadily. In 1905 the attendance was proxi- mitely 600. On the 6th of January, 1907, when Father Gasson assumed the presidency of Boston College the new era of expansion began. In the past the growth while a healthy and a virile one was at the same time a slow one. But the new President, a tireless educator, whose existence, energy, and talents are given entirely to the training of youth, inaugur- ated new ideas and new methods in the College. Assisted by a brilliant corps of professors, every department began to show evidence of remarkable growth. In 1909 the Freshman class numbered nearly 100, which is in striking contrast to 150 in the four classes in 1900. The energetic efforts of Mr. Cox, S. J., contributed to the molding of the Marquette Debating Society into an excellent club, whose teams have won two decisions from outside colleges. Much credit is due the same man for the formation of the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament. In this society several students are enrolled, and it has for its end increased devotion to Christ in Holy Communion. In 1910 the first home night was held and it has resulted in forming a closer connec- tion between the Alumni and Undergraduates. Intercollegiate debating