Cumberland University - Phoenix Yearbook (Lebanon, TN)

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Auditorium, Caruthers Hall

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HE year 1842 was remarkable not only for its preser- vation of the continuity of time, but for its being the natal year of Cumberland University. Up to this year the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Bonn, Heidelberg, Gottingen, The Sarbonne and some others were attempting to do all the stunts of higher education for the world. They were too few, they were too weak. The cause of learning and progress were suffering. The dark ages were about to return. Cumberland University was born. And Lo, what a change. Before the birth of Cumberland University, one in order to be heard by his best girl, had to sit down close to her, on the same sofa and perhaps in the same chair with her. But thanks be to the felicity of the times inaugurated after 1842, one can talk to his lovely Glycera a hundred, 3 ea, a thousand miles away. Note the dull, gloomy gas lights before 1842, and the brilliant, magnificent electric lights of today, or rather of tonight. The few pjTamids of Egypt were about the only objects the whole past could point to with pride as to height, but behold the many sk3 ' scrapers to be seen in our cities since 1842. To look down from their dizzy heights would give even Icarus or Daedalus vertigo. Croesus and Solomon have occupied the center of the stage in the past on account of their great wealth, but one of our millionaires could put both of these gentlemen, with all of their money, in his vest pocket and then have plenty of room left for his watch. Without specializing further, if the pictures of the world could be taken before and after 1842, there would be a veritable before and after taking. Post hoc ergo propter hoe. The vaiscn d ' etre of Cumberland University can not, therefore, be doubted. Like the majority of great things, however, she had a hum- ble origin. She existed in an embryonic or potential state for sixteen years as Cumberland College at Princeton, Ky. Conspicuous among her many virtues has been her povert} ' . She has never been the favorite dumping ground for the stocks and bonds of multi-millionaires. To no alarming ex- tent has tainted money found its way to her sacred vaults. Her endowment has consisted, in the main, of radiant opti- mism, salubrious atmosphere, and of the glory and learning of her numerous Alumni. The present assets are buildings and endowment am.ount- ing to $300,000; five departments, Literary, Law, Engineer- ing, Theological and Music; three Libraries; chemical, bio- logical and physical laboratories; two victorious ball teams, a strong Faculty, a glorious past, an encouraging present, and a bright future. 11