Bryan College - Commoner Yearbook (Dayton, TN)

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The Fifties CHRIST ABOVE ALL 1. The tower of the Administration Building was finally completed in 1955. 2. Homecoming games (football in the fifties) against Tennessee Temple are now traditional activities. 3. The 30,000 volume Ironside library was dedicated during the fall Bible conference of 1956. Shown left to right are John Ironside, A.H. Stewart, and Lillian Ironside Koppin. 4. In 1950, Bryan University honored Dr. Rudd for his nineteen years of service to the school with a Telechron electric mantel clock. 3. Dr. Theodore C. Mer- cer became president of the University in 1956. Dr. Rudd remained as President Emeritus and as Dr. Mercer ' s assistant and adviser. 22 The Fifties

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Bryan Cooperates With Its Nation For the past twelve years Bryan Uni- versity has fought a consistently uphill battle against depression conditions. Yet, during those twelve years definite and far-reaching progress has been made. It has been a test of faith, a test of perseverance, a test of real purposeful building. Now, just when it begins to appear as though the storm has been weathered and smoother sailing is ahead, we come face to face with a world war such as has never been be- fore. But, already we have set our hand to the plow, and, by the Grace of God, we shall not turn back. (Dr. Rudd) Bryan, even in the face of war, never turned back. Despite students going to fight overseas, gas and food rationing, and fear of rampant fascism, the Univer- sity stood by its wartime motto, Vic- tory in Christ, and conquered. God ' s blessings continued in the wake of uncertainty. As money permitted, building improve- ments were made: new water lines for the kitchen; paint for the Octagon, which was made into a women ' s dorm; steam heat for the Administration Building; and landscaping of the entire campus. The Administration expanded classroom space and added a bookstore, darkroom, and laundry room to the facilities. Bryan survived World War II without casualty. In fact, seemingly to honor its veterans, Bryan expanded even further. The school purchased in 1947 an old army chapel for a mere $900. Student; and faculty dismantled the structure and rebuilt it on its present location on Bryan Hill. Dormitory space later occu- pied its basement, now Rader Hall. The government also honored Bryan ' s war involvement with the donation of twelve trailers, known as Vetsville, pro- viding housing for Bryan ' s married vet- eran students. Not only were veterans honored in this decade of unrest. Mr. F.R. Rogers of Dayton presented the University with a portrait of Bryan, a gift to his family from Mr. Bryan ' s widow, to honor the school established for the Great Com- moner. But the undeniable Leader of the University was paid homage to when the famous Chicago artist, Warner Sallman gave the school a larger-than-life portrayal of Christ, done in chalk. No better memorial could serve to remind the University of its of- ficial motto adopted in 1949, Christ Above All. S»»om H«o» Garog«t An ideal plac to tp nd th« night ' i ' li Forties ' '

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Changing Times Motivate Bryan ' s Adaptation The fifties were a decade of motiva- tion-motivation not only in building programs, but also in academic strengths and competitive sports. Under the combined presidencies of Drs. Rudd and Mercer, the campus im- proved and expanded immensely. The administration building, in 1955, held a newly finished third floor, offii es foi a ademit divisions, steel doors, .1 heaven reaching tower, ;i dispensary, ;in l an en d kitchen, noi to mention 2,228 window panes ' I hi finished building firmly Mood, covered with ;i new finish ol bri A. :i lr urn ally, Bryan advam I rranted nition bj ch 1 cnn ssei ' oll ge Assoi iation in 1950 Brj an gr •■■. in en rollmcnt and fa ulty Th u hool w;is given four-year approval from the Ten- nessee state board in 1958, the same year that the University name changed to Bryan College to stress its liberal arts character. Learning materials were ex- panded through the Henning Natural Science museum and growth of the Ironside Library collection. The famous Bryan-Temple rivalry was ;ilso born in the fifties. The first games against Tennessee Temple began in 1953 with intramurals in touch football. In this bi-annual event, during the first year each Kim won ai home. The legacy ol the beloved Bryan Lion, a symbolic donation from Temple, also became history, stimulating Christian com- l ' i mi. hi, si hool spii it , and motivating mayhem. The Fifties ' 3