Drexel University - Spartan Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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directed by Mr. Howard Pyle, a leading artist of the time, was proud to have as students many who have attained recognition in recent years, among whom are Jessie Wilcox Smith and Elizabeth Shippen Green. At the opening of any institution of learning it is always the endeavor to obtain the best representatives in each department of work which the institute offers, and Drexel was surely second to none in her choice of faculty. For twenty years, Drexel pursued its usual course, changing only as the changes in the community made neces- sary slight readjustments, until the year 1913, when Dr. Hollis Godfrey was made President, the second President of the Institute. With Dr. Godfrey came a great progressive spirit which has done so much for Drexel in the past few years. While Dr. Godfrey did not have the opportunity of knowing Mr. Drexel, he knew many of his friends and his close asso- ciates, and from them he has learned much of Mr. Dre-xel's ideals and has made them a part of himself. To these he has added a progressive spirit, a wise initiative, and a wide experi- ence in educational matters, and Drexel is already feeling the results of his readiness to make any changes which will improve the welfare of the Institute as a whole. There are two changes whose importance in Drexel's history warrants their mention. From an educational standpoint the curricula have been greatly improved. Both in the Engineering and Domestic Science and Arts Schools the courses have been extended to four years, making possible the conferring of a degree. Student activities have been encouraged more than ever before by the addition of Runnymede and the smaller athletic fields near the Institute, one of which includes a practice house for the Domestic Science classes. Dr. Godfrey has also made it possible for the students to offer any sug- gestions that they think might better conditions at the In- stitute. He has repeatedly invited both constructive and destructive criticism and these suggestions are given due consideration, and if found practical, are adopted as soon as possible. In this way the students are made to feel that they and their ideas are a live part of the Institute structure and their interest becomes that intrinsic interest for which we strive, that interest which is the basic element of true community and school spirit. A noble past is the best foundation for success in the future, so that we have great hopes, positive hopes of what Drexel's future cannot but be. Twenty-five years are con- sidered young in the life of an institution, but these years have been enough to warrant a future that shall surpass anything done in the past,.a future that will make Drexel, and the memory of Mr. Drexel, an inspiration of service to the educational world. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way ofjudging of the future save by the past. Page fourteen

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i- TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF DREXEL INSTITUTE N celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of, Drexel Institute, our thoughts naturally travel back to the beginning--the beginning that has meant so much to so many-and it is impossible to do this without knowing some- thing of Anthony Drexel, the founder of the Institute. A Simple, honest citizen, intent on service to the community, interested in his family, his work, and his associates, he eagerly put forth his time and his energy to leave behind him some effective means to aid the common good. Often linked with his name was the name of Mr. George W. Childs of the Publi: Ledger, and the picture of their daily walk together has become 21 part of the city's history. Such constant contact of two powerful minds could not but produce remarkable effects upon Philadelphia, and on the community in general. Among the greatest of these is Drexel Institute. This monument left behind by a great citizen, brought into being through the constant thought and discussion of two friends, shows much Of the spirit of its founder. Mr. Drexel had comparatively slight social interests. His direct interests were largely con- fined to his home circle, to his business, and to his associates and employees, but his indirect interests went out to the whole community. Deeply interested in art and music, he believed in technical education with a cultural background, and included in the plans for a technical school, a great organ, 21 picture gallery, and a museum. Mr. Childs, always in- terested in the broadest aspects of education, added his Splendid gifts ofmanuscripts, ivories, prints and curios. Above all was Mr. Drexel's spirit of friendliness, and many an anec- dote could be told of the people whom he has helped and encouraged. Thus a great man's work lives after him and a true man's friendliness outlasts the passing of time. That kindliness of spirit flowered into the desire to create a founda- tion. Gradually the discussions of the friends crystallized into fln interest in educational matters and the two began to make trips of inspection themselves and to send others on such trips. Finally, Drexel Institute was conceived, the land bought, the plans for the building approved, and the work of construction begun. With the beginning of actual construc- tion began the habit of almost daily visits to the Institute which lasted the rest of Mr. Drexel's life, and, when the build- ing was completed, he could be seen standing in the Great Court watching the students as they came into the completed building of his dream, and saying, I want them to lead happy as well as useful lives. Thus was Drexel Institute founded in the year 1891. The dedication ceremonies were held on December 17, 1891, at which James MacAlister, the first President of the In- stitute, presided. The auditorium was filled to its utmost capacity by a representative audience from commercial, professional and scientific circles. The first classes were held in February 1892, and it is interesting to know that Mrs. Hall, Mr. I-Ienwood, and Mr. Ryder were the first ap- pointments on the first Faculty of Drexel Institute with James MacAlister as their adviser and guide. James MacAlister was born in Scotland in 1840. He came to this country about ten years later. Here he received his A.B. from Brown University and later his LI..D. from the Albany Law School. Previous to his afiiliation with Drexel Institute, he was, for several years, Superintendent of Public Schools of Milwaukee, and later the first Superin- tendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia. There are others, too, here only in spirit now, whose influence has been so imprinted upon Drexel's foundation that we shall always feel their presence. Miss Ball, first Sec- retary and Registrar, who had been a power in establishing Pratt'Institute directed this power toward the building up of Drexel, not only as a Registrar, but through her interest in educational matters as well. Miss Kroeger, the first Librarian and Director of the Library School, to whose memory the Faculty dedicated a tablet, which hangs in the Library at the present time, will always be remembered by many who received help and inspiration from her. The Art Department, Page lhirleen

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