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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LEON D urns S'raA'1'roN LEON DUPRE STRATTON We makefricndx by being rzfricndf' Thefriend.sl1ip belwven you ana' me I will nor compare lo Il chaing for that the rain: might rusl or the falling free might break. HE 1917 Class of Domestic Science deem it a privilege to give to Mr. Stratton this page of appreciation for all he has done for us. He has given unceas- ingly of his time, his energy, his sympathy, his enthusiasm-has made ' himself a very part of the Institute and of our life here. As a teacher he has succeeded in infusing life and interest even into such a subject as Chemistry, that grim ogre which haunts us day and night. As Freshmen, we found him a marvel in explaining those unfathomable problems that came to us, as Seniors, he helped us safely over the rough places in Organic Chemistry, never lacking in kindness, courtesy, consideration. He interests, arouses, informs us. And not along the beaten paths of Chemistry alone has he led us, but he has shown us the bigger and finer things-things we will remember long after the ruts in our gray matter, worn deep by the passage of unnumerable carbon atoms, each linked in its own peculiar way to its fellow atoms, have drifted full of other matter and finally disappeared. As he drills us untiringly, day after day, week after week, we realize more fully that the path of a Chemistry teacher is not without its thorns and we only wonder that he does not more often give expression to his amazement at our colossal stupidity and cxclaim It's strange how little some girls know about Chemistry anyway! He is never too busy to help us in our troubles, to listen to our woes, to share our triumphs, and through it all he is big enough to keep his broad tolerance, his fine patience and keen understanding. Mr. Stratton is genial, hearty and inspiring. His cheerful smile constantly radiates sunshine and his very activity awakens the sleepy. Our class has not been alone in recognizing the excellent ability of Mr. Stratton as a teacher. Beginning with this last school year, his position on the Faculty has advanced to that of Senior Instructor. He took his degree of Bachelor of Science from the University of Pennsylvania in june, 1909, coming to Drexel in September of the same year. Beside teaching both day and night classes, he has time left to enjoy a cozy home and a fine young son, Bruce. This seems quite enough for onenman to do, but Mr. Stratton has also been furthering his scientific education, and lh February last received the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry from his Alma Mater, for which we heartily congratulate him. We count it an honor to have had Mr. Stratton for our teacher and friend and long will we remember him for His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and of love. Pag: sixteen