DePauw University - Mirage Yearbook (Greencastle, IN)

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akp WITH respect for a custom fixed by preceding classes, with a knowledge of the value of a good annual t0 the University, of the demand of the student body and others, either directly or indirectly, interested in the institution, and with the purpose of leaving to posterity a souvenir of her acts and college career, the class of K36 determined to issue a Mirage. After almost ceaseless toil, many sacrifices and the surmount- ing of serious difiieulties, the editors respectfully submit the present volume as the product of that decision. The book stands on its own merits. It has never been our intention to publish a Mirage that would meet the approval of all. We leave that task to the progress of future ages. But by a long and thoughtful eon- sideration of the problem, the aim was set and to that end we have endeavored to direct our efforts. Of any mistakes, for which critics may attempt to hold us responsible, we will say that they are undoubtedly due more to enthusiasm than tt malice nrforcthmaght.H The Annual, generally speaking, is a portrayal of scenes and events which are an outgrowth of the organism therein represented. These happenings we have drawn from the past and present, with occasional inferences t0 the future. From the past, incidents and hits of bygone days are recalled. Though such references may be of passing interest to the student and tend to make him more appreciative of present opportunities, yet to the cilmimthethose with whom the future of the University rests to a large extenuethey serve as nuclei around which is formed it history replete with all the varying details of a college career. For the present, we have only to cite the reader to our presentation of the college life of to-day. He cannot fail to be impressed with its vitality. A11 industrious student body struggling to direct the habits and methods of this; formative period into proper channels, has demanded the largest share of our attention, for they are more directly concerned in all movements of this nature. As to thefutme, look carefully to inferences here and there throughout the book, by means of which you can draw your own conclusions of what the future will be. Some changes in the character and policy of the University, which may be noted, have occurred recently. The Sunday afternoon lecture is a thing of the past. Methods now in vogue in the elass-room are progressive, :tlfording a student the advantages of thorough individual investigation along all lines of work. In the College of Liberal Arts the old tt grading system is displaced by a new and satisfactory one. The plan of a large increase in amount of work required was tried this year. From zt studentts standpoint, it has been unsatisfactory, inciting much and severe criticism. The utility of a college course is limited if zi mass of book learning is all that is to be obtained. A broad insight 8

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NOE upon a deeertland forlorn, Where beat the noonday Hiya with all their power, And hotter grew the Band at each lone hour, Three pilgrims wandered ; one was old and worn, Bent was his form from burdens bravely borne, And silvery his locks ; he longed for i'estv it But ere I. die, 0 Lord, grant one request, My native home to see. where I was born. Two stalwart youths walked at his side ', the one Had lived of late within that fondest place Toward which, before his final work was done, Once more the old man fain would turn his face. The other youth, on no great object bent Perhaps for pleasure or for profit went. II. Nor farther had they traveled on, when 10 ! J ust toward the east the native city gleams, And from its stately palaces there streams A light far brighter than the sandis white glow. it Lift up thine eyes, and soon to thee I'll show The cherished city of thy childhood days Vi Thus spake the youth ; with wild and eager gaze The old man looks, and in his accents slow Begins: uAh yes, my son, that is the scene Of my fond youth. Now, since my one request Is kindly granted, and at last I7ve seen My dear old, boyhood home, 1711 sweetly l'eBt.H And With his eyes fixed firm upon the place, He slowly sinks mi smile is on his face. QYtiragc. Hit With quickened pace the youths now hasten 0n Wer many a weary mile of burning sand To that bright place that seemed a promised land, SO beautiful it was to look upon Now had they traveled since the early dawn7 And longed to reach that city far away ; But as through vaileys deep they take their way, Alas! it slowly fades and Soon is gone. it Ah, 'twas a vision W now the first youth cries. it The phantom called t Mirage,t that oft appears; But we shall see before the tired day dies The city beautiful that must be near. Ah, if the Vision give us such delight, What will the city itselftB-O glorious sight ! 1v, Beloved Alumnus 0f the years gone by, Thou, who perhaps again shall never see These Alma Mater walls so dear to thee, Look thou upon this phantom ere thou die. Perchance ,twiil rest and please thy gazing eye, 01' serve its place to strengthen and revive Fond recollections of thine early life That long since have escaped thy memory. But know, itis but a vision in the air, A. fading outline of that blessed place Where thou, a tender youth, so young and fair, 0ft looked into thy motheris kindly face. In this wide world where e'er thou chance to he, XVe humbly how and Buy : it All hail to Thee l x1 Y. And t1mn,our feilow-student of to-day ; Thou who hast stood upon this hallowed spot And felt the pleasure of the student's lot, But for n hriei' vacation gone away : XVhen on thy sight this vision falls, 0 may Thy BtepH toward Alma Mater swift be drawn 3 Her beauty glorious as the blushing Dawn When lirr-zt she opera the golden gates of day. For oft within these walls we would forget, Amid our daily toil, her comiiness; But, seen afar, the rapturous sight begets Fond reverence for her grace and loveliness. 0 Alma Mater! may our love for thee Endure, unchanging, throi eternity ! v1. Last, but not least, 0 idly wandeging youth, That yet has never known the true delight, But mere reflected in this vision bright, Come forth, and let the blazing iight of Truth Illume thy countenance ; ,twill quickly smooth Ail ruiHed cares that haunt thy weary mind, And many a treasure in these walls you'll find. 'If thou art tired, let Alma Mam soothe. Led by that elder youth upon the phtin, Enchanted by the city Been afar, Make haate its shining portals to attain, For to thy happy entrance stands 110 bar. Thrice hail, 0 youth! we greet thy Smiling face And hid thee welcome to this cherished place.

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into a subject is well enough, but when the field is enlarged to such an extent that perception fails to grasp the organic relation of principles and details, then is the purpose of a college education defeated. Let us have quality, and not quantity. The idea of the it quiz ,, is a good one. Its advantages are not to be questioned. However, a professor deals most unfairly with his students if, after the course has been thoroughly covered by tt quizzes? he has one Of the ti old-time final examinations in store for them. Changes may be mentioned, also, in the Faculty7 which have added to its strength. The Departments of Political Science and History are now separated, Col. Weaver taking the former chair, while Dr. Stephenson, of Wesleyan, was called to the latter. Dr. DuvalPs work in Philosophy is of a high characteri Instructor Priest is progressing well as a successor to Instructor Wilkerson in Oratory. Dr. Manning resigned the chair of Romance Languages at the close of last year. He was succeeded by Prof. Fairfield, whose conscientious efforts have made the department one of the strongest, in point of excellence, in the University. Instructors Johnson and Baei' have been added to Latin and German. Deans Howe and Mills of Music and Art left for more lucrative fields. The two schools are presided over by Dean Mansiield. Dr. Stephenson teaches Church History in place of Dr. Ourtiss. In Preparatory, Instructors Hanawalt, Ayers and Starr are in charge of the Departments of Mathematics, Latin and English. . During the past yem',eollege spirit has deteriorated. Many enterprises, heretofore loyally and liberally supported, encountered great indifference. This fact is more pronounced this year than last At times, however7 enthusiasm is manifested with all the old-time vigor, when recalled from its lethargy by some event, aptly proving that it is not ti dead, but sleepingfl Conflicts constantly arise between students and Faculty on questions directly touching the former, but controlled largely by the latter. Great dissatisfaction sometimes results. Sharp criticism often falls upon a member 01' members of the Faculty by reason of acts adjudged detrimental by students. An equitable solution of this question would be the institution of a University Senate, composed of representatives of students and Faculty. Let it be a committee where both sides can consider matters of common interest. Other colleges have given this plan a trial, and its practicability and benefit are undisputed facts. A policy that will bring the Faculty and the student body into closer union will do more to hold and attract than any other method that can be employed. The value of the fraternities t0 the University is inestimable. They are the means, in many instances, of retaining a student long after his interest in the University has weakened. Where can so firm a basis for true and lasting friendship be formed? It serves as a bond uniting individuals to one another in an organization wh ose purpose is the ideal of true manhood and womanhood, and the preferment 0f the Alma Mater. The gymnasium movement that began last year was taken up again this year and attended by good results. No form of athletics in the institution has been of so much benefit to the students in general. As a means of preparation for track athletics and base ballists, it is invaluable. Equipment is being added from time to time, and hopes that we will soon have a first-class gymnasium may not be wrongly based. A part of the money expended on other kinds of athletics could with profit go toward defraying the expenses of a director of physical culture, thereby making gymnasium work required and a part of the curriculum. Secure some all-i'ound athlete who can also coach foot-ball and base-ball and we shall have made long strides toward solving the athletic: problem at De Pauw. Our success in the two debate contests with the State University attest the fact that De Pauwls forensic ability is no less pronounced than that shown in oratory. It is hoped that these contests will serve to revive the interest in debate that has long lain dormant. In this new field for the demonstration of thought and speech, the superior training reeeiyed here will doubtless place us foremost in future contests. 9