Fitchburg State University - Saxifrage Yearbook (Fitchburg, MA)

Page 13 text:

WILLIAM DWIGHT PARKINSON We feel that Mr. Parkinson really belongs to Nineteen Twenty-Two, for he began his work as principal of Fitch- burg Norma] School the same year we were entered at that institute. He received his college education at Dartmouth, graduating with the degree of A. B. in 1878. He also studied law at the National University in Washington, I). ( ' .. receiving from that institution the degree of 1. 1.. I!. He has been engaged as superintendent of schools in Falmouth, Amherst, and Waltham, Massachusetts, serving in the latter city for over twenty years. Since 1918 Mr, Parkinson has been agent of the State Department of Education, coming to us from this position. During the two years that we have known Mr. Parkinson we have found in him an efficient teacher, a aue advisor, and a reliable friend, lie himself says he is besl acquainted with those students in trouble. This is probably true, because he gives gladly and freely his advice and assistance. Not only in our academic pursuits, but also in our 30 ial activities has he maintained a fine interest. We owe a threat deal to him for the success of our school parties. Me members of the class of 1922 leave Fitchburg Normal School feeling that Mr. Parkinson has dune much inward their attaining a broad education. We assure him thai he has our firm supporl in an) step which leads to the progress oi our Alma Mater.

Page 15 text:

JOHN GILBERT THOMPSON John G. Thompson was born in New Bedford, .Massachu- setts, June 23, 1862. He received his preparatory education at Waukegan High School and Lake Forest Academy. Illinois. In 1886 he graduated from Dartmouth College, with a degree of A. Ii., and received his A. M. degree in L889. After his graduation from college he served as superintendent of schools for some years, advancing from this position in 1895 to that of principal of Fitchburg Normal School, where he was engaged in active service For twenty-five years. For the past two years .Mr. Thompson ha- been mi leave of absence from his position as principal of the school, serv- ing as assistant to the president of the Simonds Manufai turing Company in Fitchburg. Ili- duties take him on frequent trips in ew York, Chicago and Montreal. During hi- years of service at the Normal School VIr, Thompson ha- become known to more than three thousand Students as an educator and teacher. The splendid group of buildings comprising the Normal School campus stands a- a memorial to this man, who was at the helm during their construction. To people throughout the land he i- known a- a greal educator and man of letter-. He is co-author of two serit (if reading hook- and two volumes of World War storii In L920, when he had completed twenty-five years ' service al th. Normal School, he published a volume of poems en- i itled. A I luarter of ,i I enl m ol ears ami Poems.