Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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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.

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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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22 NORMAL OFFERING V Appropriate words of welcome to our friends were given by Mr. Mc- Creery, after which John J. Lane brought to our minds the various scenes and happenings in the school life at Normal. - More than one anxious sigh was audible as the class prophets rose to tell what Fate had in store for us. Though great were our expectations, still greater were the surprises given us. What astonishment and surprise we did not receive from our class prophets came to us through the class wills. Mr. MacDonnell, Miss Higgins, and Miss Paine deserve credit for their originality and humor. Especially were we glad to have Jerry, whose every feature, crack, and bone we have studied, help in distributing the class gifts. After the singing of the class ode, written by Mr. Churchill, we slowly wended our way back to the dormitories. Thoughtfully, slowly we took our way, realizing that from now on we were no longer a class, but in- dividuals in Life's great class,where responsibility and labor are no idle terms. H. H., '14 Uhr lgrnmvnahv. Who will underestimate the anxiety attending the filling out of Prom. orders! Surely not the ones who were trying to do it. I want a Prom, I want a Prom, Now whom can I Get it from? was the burden of the song during the last few weeks of those who were so soon to graduate. But, at last, it was all satisfactorily arranged-and the evening arrived. It was a fitting ending to a day which had been filled with thoughts of mingled joy and sadness. Just as soon as the music began, and the chattering voices joined it, and the gay colors of the girls' dresses blended into the green of the de- corations, all was happiness. Mrs. and Mrs. A. C. Boyden led the Welcome Prom, and after that followed others of various and unique figures. So the time flew, and, as there is always an end to every good time, the hands of the clock too soon pointed to the closing hour. As we all gathered to sing Alma Mater, a spirit of loyalty and devotion swept over us, and we felt glad-proud to be graduating from such a school.