Elms College - Elmata Yearbook (Chicopee, MA)

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tRsdiqion QLcl asia REV. JOSEPH A. BURKE, S.T.L. Chaplain — Religion A little over two years ago a young, newly appointed Religion Professor hurried to class, introduced himself to curious students and began the class hour with a speaker ' s informal joke. But unlike the trite and staid witticisms that most formal speakers use to relax their audiences this professor immedi- ately gained stature and laughs with his indubitable Irish wit and unique impersonations. With an acquired Elms cap, a shattered conveyance and a second love of sports he has unceas- ingly afforded us many delightful and uproarious moments and has, in addi- tion, as moderator of Our Lady ' s Sodality and speaker of our banquets imparted to us words of spiritual and serious import. Equally as professor, speaker, sports enthusiast and spokesman of Our Lady, he has inevitably merited a special niche in our remembrances. 17

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ifcdiqhm and Our chaplain, respected for spiritual dignity and verbal eloquence . . . our religion professor, noted for a subtle appreciation of humor. An unfaltering interest in all Elms events assures him a warm welcome at any activity. Instigator of many enlightening class- room discussions, he has always given us his sincerest opinions. In our own college chapel, at numerous banquets, at Liturgy meetings near and far, and on radio broadcasts, Father Pierce has been a source of deepest pride to all Elmites. REV. THOMAS B. PIERCE, S.T.D. (. ha plain Religion A feature of the Senior Marriage Course, the bread-baking contest was won by Lois MacGregor. Here ' s hop- ing a most domestic future home-maker will really make her tea-kettle sing. With Kathryn Larrow, Father works out plans for promoting the Liturgy on college campuses throughout the country.

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(phiLoAophy Though some may doubt, women are as capable of understanding philosophy as are men — when they set their minds to it. To judge the burden of his some- times nearly impossible task of making St. Thomas comprehensible to fifty-two feminine souls, only a close examination of our professor ' s left shoulder is neces- sary. The philosophical studies of our college days, as presented by this unwavering defendant of Thomist the- ories, have been brightened by his humor and even disposition. With his early morning arrivals, Room 12 often assumed a characteristic appearance of schema-decked blackboards and shades of purple . . . and white. An unperturbed manner has armed him with the patience essential to the successful refutation of many classroom difficulties. A special place has been reserved in our Elms’ memories, for you, Father Stafford. Although we never quite found the words to tell you, although often our actions may have seemed to belie our thoughts, we recog- nized you as a man who did not have to wait for age to bring wisdom. In the young and agile mind which has learned to walk in simplicity all things are apportioned their proper value. Having sat before you these two years, we take with us the inspiration that has been a part of our every contact with you. REV. ROBERT H. STAFFORD, S.T.D. Philosoph v J. Hogan, R. Crowley, Father, L. Stearns, G. Hanley, M. Lynch Seniors, baffled by the in- tricacies of Natural Theology, corner a speedy professor for extra-class questioning before he and his cloud of dust flash off down Springfield Street. 18