Defiance College - Oraculum Yearbook (Defiance, OH)

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Consultation After the show Immediately before -and during President Eisenhow- er's administration, Dr. McCann was called to Wash- ington several times. During these periods, Mrs. Mc- Cann was appointed Acting President of the Col- lege. Dr. McCann states, Those days, we were still a very small school, .almost a family sized college. A woman who had seen a great deal of the world, who possessed a strong concern for academic excel- lence, and still had a soft heart and a tremendous sense of humor, was probably the ideal person to manage the college. The present high campus spirit and morale in faculty and student body alike, l think, is largely rooted in her work. The McCanns have worked as a team in their interest and concern for The Defiance College, -and as a result many of their goals and high hopes have been realized, In a period of twelve years, the progress of a small struggling college has been remarkable. Ten new buildings have been built, including men's and wom- en's dormitories, a library, -a student union, and a new academic building with faculty offices and a lec- ture hall auditorium. The enrollment from 1951-1963

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DEDICATED . . . Any day of the week, at any hour, and in any kind of weath- er, you may see a lone figure, with head slightly bent in contemplation, striding slowly but deliberately about the cam- pus. Contemplation, deliberation and a delightful sense of humor characterizes President McCann. As former assistant to President Eisenhower and as spokesman for The Defiance Col- lege, Dr. McCann needs no introduction. A man with a vision, deep convictions, and ability to get things done, he has re- alized a dream-come-true in little more than a decade. ln August, 'l95l, when Dr. McCann arrived to assume his du- ties as President, The Defiance College, struggling for survival both financially and academically, consisted of four main buildings, a muddy campus, and an enrollment of 180 full- time students. Deeply concerned for the future of small church-related colleges in the United States, Dr. and Mrs. Mc- Cann investigated The Defiance College. They discovered possibilities and potential in the devotion of the students, fac- ulty, and alumni who were attempting to face and overcome a crucial period in the history of the College. The McCanns gambled on large plans at rather great odds based on their convictions that The Defiance College was worthy of effort and sacrifice. President McCann says of his first semester here: The spirit of the students was terrific. Most of them had to work their way. I never realized before that people could be so desperately short of cash, nor had I ever realized so sharply the meaning of 'poor and proud.' And we had a lot of fun. 11

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About dorms has risen from 180 to 750 students. A maximum en- rollment of 950 is planned for 1970 with additional campus housing. Also, during this time, the academic standing of the College has risen to the level of na- tional accreditation. On the immediate agenda for the building program are an additional wing to the library and a physical education building. President McCann's dream for the future includes a field house and a church. President and Mrs. McCann are pleased with the present progress and status of the College, although they never lose sight of their ultimate goals for im- provement. Administration, faculty, alumni, and stu- dents who are acquainted with D.C. 1963, and who have contributed the spirit and devotion to which the McCanns refer, can truly be proud of the purple and gold. They can be proud of the two people who have given their leadership and a faith that knew it could be done. The Senior Class of 1963 offers this dedication of indebtedness and appreciation to President and Mrs. Kevin McCann. .IFC - Leaving the big top