Denison University - Adytum Yearbook (Granville, OH)

Page 29 text:

An Appreciation WHENEVER, in the future, the history of Shepardson College is reviewed by those who have known and loved the institution, no name in her annals Adll ever hold, we are sure, a dearer place than that of Miss Harriet M. Barker. In the ten years of her administration here as dean, all that was truest and noblest in the nature of a true and noble woman was given freely and lovingly to the highest interests of the College where she 1 .d been a former pupil and teacher. It could not bLit follow that one with so marked a personality as hers would leave an impress on the lives of those who knew her, never to be effaced ; and, likewise, would give to the administrative side of Shepardson a progressive impulse never to be lost. She was singularly happy, Ave think, in uniting the function of executive and friend, for alwa.ys a clear-sighted, wise and catholic judgment was combined with that more natural and personal touch of heart interest. Her oiitlook was the broadest and she stood for personal development through individual responsibility rather than by arbitrary restraint. Under her wise ruling Student Government was introduced and given a dignity and strength among the student body that has made it an undoubted cultural force in college life. Her desire was ever to lessen rules and develop in their stead sentiment, though she never made the mistake of doing away with non-essentials till essentials had been grasped. Freedom she promoted in every way but never for a moment countenanced a tendency to license. Religion to her was a life — a life that should develop height and breadth and depth ; that should constantly irradiate the sweet influence of an ever- growing consciousness of divine ' worship. No one who ever had the privilege of hearing her speak could help feeling that she brought a message simply and spontaneously from lier own heart experience rather than a body of advice based on mere observation of the life about her. She did much, too, during her administration here to draw college and townspeople into closer association. All who knew her loved her and her personal friendships in Granville were many. No social function was quite complete without her and as a hostess her charm and grace was acknowledged by all. No one could more easily and happily let fall the toga from her shoulders, whenever she was called upon to do so, and no words can more truly interpret her than to say she was, above all else, a natural and sweetly - womanly woman. Cornelia A. IMontgomery. 23