Clark Atlanta University - Panther Yearbook (Atlanta, GA)

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Opening CLARK COLLEGE . . . a monument Clark College has a rich heritage. The institution was founded in 1869 by the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church as part of a movement to provide education for the four million freedmen immediately following the Civil War. The times were trying indeed and the fact that Clark was founded at all is something of a miracle. But the greater miracie is the spirit and manner of its founding: the high idealism and Christian faith behind its support, the genuine humanitar- ianism which shaped its character. and the true liberalism which motivated those who worked in its crude buildings. The laying of the cornerstone in 18?? of Christman Hall, the first permanent building at old Clark University, as we were then known. was a significant day in the life of the institution and of Atlan- ta, In addition to leaders of the church attending these exercises were the governor of the state and a senator. two ex-gouernors. the school commissioner, and other distinguished guests. 6 May,1983 t THE YEAR 1H REVIEW . . . an institution The records state also that the citizens of Atlanta contributed $1.000, a stupendous sum in those days, toward furnishing the building. This is a clear indication of goodwill and cooperation. This was more than simple good race relations; it was interraciai cooperation. it provided an unusual example of brotherhood and goodwill across racial and sectional lines. It was, without doubt, a balm for the deep wounds of earlier years. As such. it was and is a contribution which the nation still sore- ly needs! Clark, then, is an institution that can and does call for the cooperative work of northern and southern racial groups, I church leaders, and ieaders of state. This is the way the college started and this is primarily the way in which it has developed and continues to move. Clark was named for the first presi- dent of the Freedmenis Aid Society. Bishop D, W. Clark. it was among the first of Negro colleges to be founded.

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For the culture-minded people. Attan- ta offers such places as museums. theaters, concerts, plays, parks. and other special events and places. One of the popular parks located in midtown Atlanta is Piedmont Park. This park is complete with tennis courts. football and baseball fields and Even a beautiful garden. The park also has art exhibits and fairs for art lovers. The Fox Theater is the place where exciting plays and concerts are held. It serves as an historic landmark for the city. If it's culture that the people want Atlanta certainly has it all. But for those casual students who want to relax and take it easy, Atlanta offers recreational sites. Any trip to the Omni International will unite one Clarkite with many others. Perhaps the main attractions are the six Choices of movies for anly a dollar, and the sports arena which hosts a variety of athletic as well as concert entertainment. For those who still aren't satisfied, there's the fun-filled world of Six Flags Over Georgia. complete with ridest showst games. and concerts. Atlanta is truly the city with all types of entertainment for all types of Clarkites. THE YEAR IN REVIEW

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4r. .i-.'- The record clearly outlines for Clark the high destiny it has always had. An early benefactor, Bishop Gilbert Haven, visualized Clark as the university of all the Methodist Episcopal Church pro- viding education for Negro youth. In- deed, it was to reach far beyond the boundaries of sect, or class, or race and become an institution of which this state and nation can be proud. The history and heritage of Clark means that an investment was sincerely made in the upiift of thousands of the nation's newa-made citizens. it is a task which is not yet complete, neither the uplift nor the citizenship. Among the lasting and continuing contributions of this college is the important matter of producing leaders for the church, the state, and the nation. For almost a cen- tury, Clark College has served this pur- pose well. The impact and influence of the work of its graduates have been Felt in America from shore to shore and beyond its borders in foreign lands, par ticularly in Africa. Yes, Clark College has a rich heritage. It is more than poetic fancy to say that the time is now; for Clark has developed and is currently operating several in- novative academic and social programs in such areas as journalism, freshman studies. health professions. mass com- munications, the southern center for public policy studies and general science. which indicate that she is fulfilling the promise of heI past. The general aim of the college is to provide a learning situation which will offer its students, through many types of activitiesi an opportunity to develop into well-balanced men and women who will be affable and refined in manners, keen and critical in intellect, sensitive and appreciative in nature. Christian in character. broad in interest. efficient in work, and useful in society.