Case Western Reserve University - Lux / Differential Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

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WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY VV HEN Connecticut cedwl her western lands to the Federal government she ' » reserved for herself that part of her territory which extended one hundred and twenty miles west of the western houndary of Pennsylvania. This terrri- tory was known hy any of the following names: The Comiecticut Western Reserve; the Western Reserve of Connecticut; or as New Connecticut. In 1817 the Presbytery of Grand River, which embraced nearly all the Presbyterian and Congregational ministers and churches of the Western Reserve of Connecticut, formed a society for the education of young men for the ministry within the limits of the Presbytery. When the new Presbyteries of Portage and Huron were created by a subdivision of Grand River Presbytery, similar educational societies were formed. At first they confined their efiforts to assist- ing worthy students studying privately with ministers or attending the Erie Literary Society ' s School, which had been opened at Burton in 1820, but in 1824, becoming dissatisfied with the conditions at Burton, they appointed com- missioners to establish a literary and theological institution which could better carry out their purposes. In choosing a location the commissioners were instruc- ted to take into view all circumstances of situation, and health . Cleveland was at that time an insignificant and imhealthy river town, and Hudson seemed to be the best location for a country college. It was a day nearer Pittsburgh and the East by the main thoroughfare of the period and presented stronger claims for a college than the other town considered. A board of trustees, composed of seven clergymen and seven laymen, was organized in 1825, and a charter secured from the State of Ohio. February 1. 1826. This was the fifth college chartered in the state. At the same time a preparatory school was also established in connection with the college. The first principal was Mr. David L. Coe. .Ml the western colleges found it necessary to maintain such a school on account of the lack of endowed academies and classical schools in this part of the country. The prepa- ratory school was always under the supervision of the College Faculty and was for the most part taught by the younger graduates of the college. The Theological Department began operations when Mr. Green came as Professor of Biblical Literature in 18,30, and continued until 1852. It was aban- doned because there were not funds enough to support the professors. The necessity for a Seminary had also ceased, when two others were founded in the field which this was intended to occupy. During the Hudson period, the endowment, student bodv and faculty grew very slowly. The absence of regular, stable, and adequate channels of support and the proximity of numerous other colleges stood in the way of rapid develop- ment. Cleveland had developed into a thriving city and some of its citizens were also hoping to make it an educational center. In view of this situation, in March 1880. Amasa Stone of Cleveland offered the College five hundred thousand dollars upon the following conditions; that it be removed to Cleveland, that it occupy a suitable site to be given by citizens, and that its name be changed to Adelbert College of W ' estern Reserve University . The offer was accepted, and in Sep- tember, 1882, Adelbert College opened its doors on a new campus of twenty-two acres. The co-educational plan of education was abandoned and a separate Col- lege for Women was founded in 1888. The professional schools of Law, 1892; Dentistry, 1892; Library School, 1904; Pharmacy. 1882; Applied and Social Sciences, 1915; and Nursing, 1923; have since been organized and a University chair of Religious Education established. 12

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crsily ot I lliL ' wide re t-xas to aclics of TWO RESERVE PRESIDENTS ROBERT ERNEST VINSON President of Western Reserve University (1924 — ) |u t I wo vears ayo Dr. Robert Vinson resigned as head of the L niv liecoine the new President of Western Reserve. He l)rou!;hl willi him from the far southwest a dynamic presence and an enviable record as an ethicator and leader of men. The rajjidity with which he had achieved a place of prominence amoni; the leading educators of the country was remarkalde. ] )Ut from reports, the educational field was not the only jihase of American life which had felt his influence. He waged and won a fearless fight to give Texas clean government. So there is nothing mysterious in the manner in which the University has responded to the touch of her new i)ilol ' s hand. Cleveland is awaking from her lethargy in matters educational. Miat seemed a faint gUmmering of ])ossibility is transmuted overnight into the thing ex- pected. Working amid the civic ideals and the altars of community enterprise, ovir President has gone into the highways and byways to preach the gospel of a Greater University. More — he has instilled his indomitable spirit into the student body, and they, too, believe in him and in the successful materialization of his plans. The President is making good. CH. ' Rf.ES FRANKLIN THWING President of Western Reserve University (iSqu-i()ji ) With the resignation of l)v. ' I ' hwing in 1921, Western Reserve University lost active association with the man who has undoubtedly given more of himself to make Reserve the institution it is today than any other person. He devoted the best years of his life to her needs, and as long as there is a Reserve or any institu- tion which may grow upon it, his personality will be felt. In 1890 Dr. Thwing brought his broad educational con- ceptions to the ])residency of a small university. Thirty- one years later, he left it with a well established and con- stantly increasing national reputation. During his tenure the teaching staff increased from fourteen to four hun- dred and twenty-five instructors. The number of students increased from 276 to 2700, an eloquent testimonial in itself. The Pharmacy School, the Dental School, the School of Ai)plied and Social Sciences, the Nursing School and Library School all were developed during his administration, and as the result of his untlagging endea- vors. Although the College for Women had lieen in existence three years when he came into office, he must be given nuich of the credit for its present slatu- in educational circles. Charles I ' Tanklin Thwing has graved his name in the imperishable memory of all those who care for W ' estern Reserve and who envision the promise of her future. 14