College of New Rochelle - Annales Yearbook (New Rochelle, NY)

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Language Maximilian von der Porten Berlin, Lausanne, Heidelberg, 1887-1901; Ph.D., Heidelberg, 1902; Romance Languages and Philology, University of Paris, 1902-05; Oriental Languages and Literature, Vienna and Budapest, 1906-07. Professor of Romance Languages Those who have not the good fortune of being in Professor von der Porten’s classes are inclined to stand rather in awe of him, while they admire from a distance his aristocratic bearing and his distinguished manner. It is, however, the students who come in contact with his cultured intellect who truly realize what it means to have a man of such versatile ability on the lists of their Faculty. Professor von der Porten is intensely interested in the progress and welfare of each individual student. His un- tiring efforts to make his classes pleasant as well as in- structive are a source of encouragement to all those who appreciate the course that it is a delight to attend. Prof. Henri Barzun University of Paris, B. es L., 1897, M.A., 1909; Research, Lehigh Uni- versity, 1920-23; Author of Works on Drama, Literature and Econom- ics; Contributor on French Affairs to “Current History,” “Review of Reviews,” etc. Professor of French Literature Professor Barzun owns the world! That may sound extravagant, but someone has said that the world belongs to him who has seen it. When we lost our beloved Pro- fessor DeFrance, last year, we were almost inconsolable, and it seemed to many of us that the new French professor would have to be well-nigh the acme of perfection to win us away from our old allegiance. We were agreeably sur- prised, then, when Professor Barzun met our class for the first time and drew us immediately with his inimitable re- counts in French of his visits through strange lands. We listened in amazement to his recital of aeroplane trips to distant Africa, and the wonders of Asia and Indo-China. We shall miss our imaginary flights to Africa and the Pacific Isles more than we can say, for even if Fortune should provide that we visit these places some day, we can never hope to have another guide as brilliant, as en- thusiastic, as keenly alive to the world around him as Professor Barzun. Fourteen CT f VrrSrKrRTr

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Miss Miriam Little Simons F. F. Mackay, National Conservatory of Dramatic Art, 1 895-1905; Columbia University, 1919-20. Professor of Oral English Miss Simons is a teacher with whom it is a pleasure to work. She makes it so by working with us, and her en- thusiasm is really contagious. Almost without realizing it, we are interested. It makes no difference whether it be a practice lesson in breathing or rehearsing a Shakespearian scene, her interest, puts vitality in the work. Following her example, we get into the spirit of it and forget it is only a class. Her pet hobby is to have our speech, our enunciation, perfect. She is the one who has the task of ridding us of our colloquialisms. Miss Simons is very active in the promotion of any out- side activities concerning Oral English. As one who is always helpful, interested and encouraging in our dramatic efforts, much credit is due her for their success. Miss Nancy Huff Powell B.S., Teachers College and Latin Diploma, 1911; M.A., English, Uni- versity of South Carolina, 1915; M.A., Latin, Columbia University, 19x5; Graduate Student, Columbia University, 1917-21. Professor of Gree Those of us who had the good fortune to elect Miss Powell’s course, realize what a valuable addition she is to our Faculty. Her course is a cultural as well as a practical one, for Miss Powell brings into the classroom all her wealth of wisdom and experience. Her lively interest in classical ci vihzation and archaeology arouses the enthu- siasm of all who come within the spell of her low, musical voice. A woman of charm, intellect and wisdom, Miss Powell is acknowledged by all, a true daughter of the Old South. Thirteen

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Aj t v y vy iy WJ u vy M vM iy M G y U- VU U 1 Ui vy U- 1 iy MJ iy y vy My Language Sister Marie de Lourdes A.B., New Rochelle, 1924. Instructor in French Sister Marie de Lourdes is enveloped in an essential dignity which is both real and wholesome, and at the same time she has a very human and sympathetic understanding. As an earnest teacher she has gained the admiration of her pupils and added to the Faculty of New Roc helle a sincere and ardent factor in its success. Sister’s efficient and un- selfish devotion to any branch of work has made her in- valuable and represents to all of us a model of sincerity. Sister Marie de Lourdes has not been long with us at New Rochelle, but we hope she will remain with us both as friend and inspiration. August Steitz A.B., New York University, 1905; A.M., Yale University, 1906; Columbia University, 1906-10; Research Scholar, Germany, 1912-13; Ph.D., New York University, 1914. Professor of German After studying with Professor Steitz we are forced to admit (though of course we do it in an undertone and only in a 100% American gathering) that we can never approach the culture and poise of the continent. But we do think that perhaps we have managed to electroplate ourselves with at least a passing amount through our association with him. Even in those horrible “off-days,” following the holidays or before Retreat, when a feeling of unrest stirred in the air and we came to class bent on murdering poor William Tell, Dr. Steitz would maintain the same calm exterior and would look upon us with the same kindly smile, so that somehow our imaginary worries melted away, and we found ourselves imitating him and smiling with him at ourselves. May those of us who intend to teach, keep on imitating him and may we have the good fortune to have our teaching efforts meet with the same success as his. Fifteen