Central Washington University - Hyakem / Kooltuo Yearbook (Ellensburg, WA)

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‘President Geo. H. {Black. Page 6

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President Black’s Message This year is a transitional year In the history of the Ellensburg Normal school. For the first time wc have first year, second year, and third year students so designated instead of the old names of Juniors and Seniors for the first and second year, respectively. Next year we shall have the fourth year as well and the full four-year course of collegiate grade. In all probability before this shall have been published the definite announcement of the granting of the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in education, will have made officially. This means a new era in all teacher-training Institutions in the Pacific Northwest and in a very short lime the old name will have passed and the more specific and descriptive name of Teachers ' College will have been officially approved for all Normal Schools. With all other professions—law, medicine, dentistry, even veterinary science, on a four year basis and with degrees granted to all who prepare themselves for such professions by finishing a collegiate course Is it not strange that our profes¬ sion of teaching should have lingered so long and so far behind? As in the case of all inventions when they have been achieved and are new we ask—why did we not think of this years ago? So in this case we again accept the new and wonder why it did not happen a decade or more ago. As the enrollment of the school steadily Increases, the difficulty of maintain¬ ing “all-school ’ activities also steadily Increases, and “all-schoor’ participation in all activities semis well-nigh Impossible. In the past two years we have seen the formation of several new clubs or societies, some literary, some academic, some social. Which way are we drifting? Are we approaching the day when fraternities end sororities will soon enter our school life? If we are, let us bo well prepared in advance and let us see to it that the fine “all-school morale and friendliness in students and faculty is perpetuated as a major aim of all new organizations. Thus safe-guarded in their aims the formation of new clubs and societies will al¬ ways be constructive. Might it not be well to begin with an all-school honorary scholarship society? What are we going to do about the housing and the boarding problem? The new project that is farthest along is another large dormitory with a capacity of at least 120 students. The Question is shall we foster such large units, or shall we have more of them and build them for smaller groups, say, 50 to 60 in a unit? Thlg Is another milestone in our transition toward college life. Let us be thinking of this. All two year graduates will be planning to continue toward their degree and will be coming back as soon as they have had some teaching experience. Why not have Junior and Senior Halls for smaller units and have them built for the more conservative life of our older and upper class students. This is something to be thinking about as you plan for your future and for ourB. GEORGE H. BLACK. Page 7