Gettysburg College - Spectrum Yearbook (Gettysburg, PA)

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Henry W. A. Hanson, who-had shown great ability in conducting Red Cross drives, giving excellent service in army camps and as a pastor and church administra- tor, was named president, the inauguration ceremonies taking place in a huge tent on the campus in October. Through building fund drives and large personal gifts sufficient funds were available for the much needed expansion and building problem that confronted President Hanson. During the summer of 1925 Old Dorm and Brue Chapel were reconditioned. In 1927 the new science hall was readytfor occupancy and in the same year the new gymnasium'was ready for use. The science building was named in honor of Prof. E. S. Bridenbaugh, '68, who had taught science since 1874., while the namesake of the gym was Edwards S.'Plank, who had been a prep student and later won fame as a baseball player for the Philadelphia Athletics. The new athletic field had been completed in 1925 and was named Memorial Field in honor of those alumni who served in the World War. In 1929 Glatfelter Hall, for many years a shoddy, battered building, was completely renovated and re- E . kt Al 7 T nu. i WW 7 V WiuuMk Willi!!! hxxxth:xxn , , :x ssxxxh sh -xxx thiQxXxxx N w tKhh h. 3- e h::- vamped. The final accomplishment of the expansion program was the erection of Memorial Library, which was dedicated in 1929, which brought to a close the most extensive building program in the history of the school. In addition to material expansion, Dr. Hanson insti- tuted Orientation and Freshman week, established the unique Mother's and Fathefs days, created the post of Dean of Men to be nlled by Dr. Wilbur E. Tilberg, and improved both the college faculty and curriculum. Today when once again the nation is at war, Gettys- burg is again playing a noble role. Her alumni in the service have established a most creditable record. On the campus the R. O. T. C. unit is rated among the best in the country. College facilities and fraternities have been thrown open to accommodate soldiers. Coeds are studying Red Cross nursing and first aid courses. Fraternities have purchased government bonds. All of these things point to the fact that once again Gettysburg is serving well the government and is doing all it can to maintain and uplift the enviable heritage and prin- ciples established by students of other years.