Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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20 NoRMAL OFFERING Earralaurraiv Hmmvrz. Following the example set by the class of 1913, and in accordance with the vote of the graduating class, the baccalaureate exercises were held in the Assembly Hall of the school, Sunday afternoon. There the class gathered for one of the last times to hear the sweet songs of the Glee Club and listen to words of help and advice from their princi- pal and friend, Mr. Arthur C. Boyden. He spoke of the School of Life into which they, as teachers, were about to enter. The Master Himself is the Teacher in this great school, and His textbooks are Nature and Experience, the two sources upon which all scientists and philosophers have based their great truths. At the close of his talk Mr. Boyden called to mind two pictures. The first was that of the Master blessing the little children: 'Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. The other was of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples and illustrating the motto of the school: Not to be ministered unto, but to minister. M. A. M., '14 Mrahuaiinn. Shall we ever forget the anxiety with which we asked that old mom- entous question, ls it going to rain tomorrow? Surely it seemed that it was, for we awoke on the sixteenth of June, nineteen hundred fourteen, to find a very vigorous shower in progress. ' ' But Nature was kind to us, after all, and simply sent the showers for our refreshment, it would seem. Before the time of the exercises, the sun had appeared and was doing its best to make this day the finest possible. Hosts of friends and relatives were soon arriving from every direction. There were happy reunions with old friends who had come to wish us success in our new walks in life. As we gathered once more in the Assembly Hall, a sudden feeling of sadness crept over us, for never again were we to assemble there as stud- ents. For the last time Mr. Albert G. Boyden, Principal Emeritus, led us in the devotional exercises. After the singing by the Glee Club, Mr. Arthur C. Boyden introduced as our speaker, Dr. Charles A. Prosser of New York. Dr. Prosser gave a very inspiring address on Educational Ideals. We each felt better able to meet our new work with the right spirit after his words.

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NORMAL OFFERING 19 and of Mrs. Isabella W. C. Boyden, given at the Alumni Meetings of 1888 and 1896, and a sonnet which she composed in honor of Mr. Boyden's twenty-five years of service as Principal of the Normal School. She closed her record by reading the verses which she composed for the Al- umni Meeting of the year 1880. r Mrs. Clara T. Guild agreed that one who did not know Bridgewater might well ask why a school which prepares for the specific profession of teaching is represented to-day, not only by teachers and educators but also by the business man and women, the home-maker, the preacher and the poet, the scientist and the journalist, and by those of many other call- ings She believes the answer to this lies in the emphasis that Mr. Boyden places on permanent values. It is this which has extended Bridgewater's influence throughout the country. The influence is a strong one. The responsibility that goes with it pledges every son and daughter to great- est endeavor, and whether one teaches in the schoolroom or in the pulpit, by poem or by prose, the call is always one--the call to service. It was impossible to obtain any account of the interesting speeches given by Miss Sarah Louise Arnold and Reverend Sarah H. Dixon. Ellarultg Qwrvptinn. When, as Freshmen, the Seniors told us about the different events of the year, they always ended with something like this: Then of course there is Faculty Reception-but that is just for graduates. Faculty Reception? What would ours be like, we wondered? But when at last the evening of the class of 1914's reception came, with what mingled feelings of joy and sorrow did we meet our teachers at Groveside! Joy was ours because at last we were ready to go out and iight-to win our place among our fellow men. But we were sorry when we realized that we were to go out from the direction and help of our de- voted teachers. The evening was delightful, and the oak-hung library was a fitting background for the long line of smiling men and women ready to greet us with a hearty handshake. But these are mere details-what we felt and enjoyed most was that spirit of interest in each individual and the desire that each one should Win out, which has always characterized the Faculty of our Alma Mater. E. F. Y. '14,

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NORMAL OFFERING 21 The class gift was presented by Mr. Walter J. lVfcCreery, president of Class A., who spoke a few words of our appreciation of the work of our teachers and the school. Mr. William Orr, with words of commendation and congratulation, presented the diplomas to the largest class ever graduated from the school. The exercises were concluded with the singing of America E. D. B., '14 Zlng ilmarrh. One of the interesting features of our Commencement Exercises was the Ivy March, which took place during the afternoon of that last mem- orable day. The large portals of the school were thrown open, and through them passed, for the last time, the graduating classes 'of 1914. Just outside the doors were two long lines of loyal Juniors, forming an arch with oak boughs under which we passed. Our way led across the Campus, and when we reached the pond, the old familiar strains of our Alma Mater were heard as we sang once more the song which is so dear to us all. The wit of the History and Prophecy brought back memories of days never to be forgotten and it was with sadness in our hearts that we planted our ivy vine and parted-each one leaving the broad highway behind and stepping into her own narrow path in life. R. W. T., '14 Svvrtinn Qvrvptinn, If the members of Class A., Section 1, and Kindergarten Primary were somewhat impatient and anxious throughout the hours of June sixteenth, they may well be pardoned. Their thoughts and interests were centered largely upon their own particular part of the day, the Section Reception at four o'clock. Perhaps our smiles were brighter and our heads held higher when the Seniors escorted us to the Assembly Hall. Here we were once more gathered in that room, dear to us all for its pleasant associations, for the inspiration those simple morning exercises had given us, for the wise and thoughtful words of guidance given. Sure- ly it was altogether fitting that we should meet in this place for our last class gathering.