Butler University - Carillon / Drift Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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opens Centennial Celebration In the afternoon, an open house was held at the Observatory which enabled students and the public to see, for the first time, the 38-inch telescope, the planetarium and lecture room, and the beautiful interior of the building. At the dedication dinner, the 400 invited guests listened to Mr. Kettering and saw a beautiful table centerpiece model of the Observa- tory. Dean J. Flartt Walsh took color pictures (above) of the dinner showing the model and the speakers ' table with A4r. Holcomb, Hilton U. Brown, Mayor Alex Clark, and other guests. The day was completed with the traditional freshmen pole and tug-of-war battles and the colorful homecoming parade and bonfire. [23]

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Holcomh Observatory Dedication The official observance of Butler University ' s Centennial began on November 5, 1954, with the convocation in the Fieldhouse and the dedi- cation of the James Irving Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium. The ceremonies of the busy homecoming weekend opened with the Fieldhouse convoca- tion on Friday morning with Governor George Craig (left) giving the main address concerning the growth of Butler during her first one hun- dred years. The Governor also paid tribute to Mr. Holcomb for his many contributions to the University. The convocation honored Charles F. Kettering of the General Alotors Corporation who was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Science. i Ir. Kettering was also the principal speaker at the dedication dinner which was held in Atherton Center in the evening. [22]

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Four Honored at Founder s Day Program The second official observance of the Centen- nial took place on Founder ' s Day, February 7, 1955. At the convocation held in the Fieldhouse, four honorary degrees were presented to men who are outstanding in their respective fields, two of whom •ere Butler graduates. The principal speaker for the occasion was Indiana ' s United States Senator Homer E. Cape- hart who spoke on The American System of Government— Our Greatest Asset. Evan B. Walker of the Board of Directors spoke on the significance of Founder ' s Day which was followed by Senator Capehart ' s address. Follo ■ing the address, the honorary degrees were presented. Senator Capehart received the degree of Doctor of Laws which was presented by Dean Paul A. Cundiff of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In the science field, the degree of Doctor of Science as presented to Dr. Arthur Clay Cope by Dr. Keith Seymour of the Chemistry Depart- ment. Dr. Cope, a 1929 Butler graduate, is prominent in the field of medicinal chemistry. Dr. Donald A. A ' lcGavran, missionary of the United Christian Misionary Society in India, and a world leader in religious education, received a Doctor of Divinity Degree which was presented by Dean O. L. Shelton of the School of Religion. Dr. McGavran received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Butler in 1920. Dr. Fabien Sevitzky, v ho has been conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra since 1937 and is one of the country ' s outstanding musical figures, received the degree of Doctor of Music. Dean J. K. Ehlert presented the cita- tion to Dr. Sevitzky. In the principal address. Senator Capehart stated, Our greatest asset in America is the American system of government, a system that permits individual initiative, personal oppor- tunity, a form of government that permits a poor boy to become a rich man. The Senator concluded by saying, Thanks to an institution such as Butler, e are carrying on a great tradition, a great system of govern- ment. Continuino- our Centennial celebration, a tre- mendous musical festival was held in the Field- house on April 16. Dr. Sevitzky conceived the idea for the program which included a chorus of 700 voices and a 300 piece orche.stra. [24]