Elon University - Phi Psi Cli Yearbook (Elon, NC)

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their labor Ijy indiscriminately cutting clown a number of the trees on the southwest side of the campus. Their destructive advance was halted, oddly enough, just before they hewed down a bush whose stem had been wantonly and grotesquely bent. . . . Thanks to some- one ' s foresight, we today have the stately Senior Oak. Thus, the trees on the campus have re- mained as the calm, stalwart sentinels of our college ' s history from its earliest days. The familiar oak symbolizes in every way our work here, for it stands as a model of art. a challenge to science, and philosophically and religiously speaking, as a live embodiment of man ' s upward striving for knowledge. Indeed, it has useful, symbolic application even down to the numerous life experiences. And finally, with a little imagination, it represents the theme of this book — whether you Hnd it traced in the branches of knowledge or an ordinary board fence !

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Contents Administration Student Body Publications Organizations Fraternities Sororities Foreword Elon or The Oak, in Hebrew, was the highly appropriate name ascribed to our college by its founding fathers when, over half a century ago, they conceived of and built this institution. Surveying what was to become, in large part at least, the area to be enclosed by the campus walls, the founders realized that the densely foliaged trees on the proposed site represented its distinguishing feature, and they determined early to leave most of them standing. How- ever, due to some oversight during the course of actual construction, the workmen began

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OUR PRESIDENT To the Class of 1954: Fortune and pro -idcnce have favored you while hundreds and thousands from all parts of the world, about your age, ha e lost their lives on the battlefields of the world. Yet you ha e been spared and privileged to remain in College. Now you are approaching Cominencement when you will be graduated from college, inspired and better fitted for life and its responsibilities. You may do further studying in universities or launch out in business or professional life. Whatever you do, may your efforts meet with the successes you have achieved in college. As you have found friends and companionship on the campus, may you be as fortunate wherever your paths may lead. Alma Mater shall watch your steps with interest and eagerness and follow you with prayers and expectations. L. E. Smith, President