Goucher College - Donnybrook Fair Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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DR. DAVID ALLAN ROBERTSON President

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THE 1936 DONNYBROOK FAIR The President N writing of a college president it is diH-icult not to use the old formulasJiwarm friend, splendid executive, excellent guide? And then one might do a bit of re- search and proceed to set down an oHicial record of oHices held, honors bestowed, and works written. Glory heaped upon glory, and still we know nothing of the maneperhaps because oflack of contacts and that peculiar something known as iipersonal interestf, This last, among other things, distinguishes Dr. Robertson sharply from many of his colleagues. It is a democratic spirit, a desire to discuss matters freely, and a brave attitude of tolerance for opposing opinion that have endeared the president to a student body which considers it- self liberal in view and open to any worthwhile innovation. It is this same broad tolerance and sincere desire for progress which have caused Dr. Robertson to introduce, this year on the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Goucher, the New Plan-a radical departure in curriculum, schedules, and methods of work. This,h0wever, is only one of many smaller, more gradual changes which our president has inaugurated during his Five years as director of the college. During these years he has revealed himself as a talented, many-sided person whose in- terests in music, in literature, and in art are wide-spread and well-known. It is not generally known, however, that he himselfis quite talented in the latter field, having been artist on his college paper. tilt was then, he says, ii that I made my first enemieSeby drawing pictures of them? Another side of our president was revealed in those unusual chapel periods during which he read excerpts from Burns and later spoke on Shakespeares London. Students and faculty alike were both pleased and surprised, if one mayjudge from the many comments. Goucher is fortunate in another, and really unique way, in securing Dr. Robertson as president. Through his affiliation with the American Council on Education, as its director, and through his extensive travels with Mrs. Robertson both here and abroad, Dr. Robertson has made lasting and pleasurable acquaintances with some of the worlds most interesting and famous people. Through our presidents good oHices many of these personages have come to lecture at Goucher, bringing honor both to Goucher and to Baltimore. Among these may be numbered Dr. Florence Sabin, the Abbe Ernest Dimnet, Alfred Noyes, Sir VVilmott Lewis, Dr. Lascelles Abercrombie and many others of equal fame. Celebrity has also come to Goucher through Mrs. Robertson, at whose receptions students and faculty have had var- ious opportunities to meet outstanding members of the diplomatic circles of Washington, among whom were the Ambassador from France and Madame de Laboulaye, the Ambassa- dor from Czecho-Slovakia and Madame Veverka, and Ambassador and Madame Troyanov- sky of Russia. One can only repeat again, Goucher is indeed fortunate to be guided by such an one- David Allan Robertson, student, scholar, leader.

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THE 1936 DONNYBROOK FAIR The Dean friends in other institutions mention their Deans with awe and trembling. What a con- trast with our Dr. Stimson who enlivens every interview with wise philosophy and warm sympathy. One almost forgets the latest academic catastrophe in milling the very earliest spring flowers on her desk and in hearing her excited account of how the first robin has paid her a Visit. Invariably we come out With a conviction that sheer brilliance is no more com- mendable than conscientious endeavor, and that a good laugh with the Dean is an experience no undergraduate can afford to miss. gOUCHER College Students always feel a touch of surprise and pity when they hear Dr. Stimson is a vital part Of so many Goucher activities that one could never catalog all the phases of her radiant personality. Both students and faculty have been overheard saying, llBlue Monday or not, I cannot miss the Deatfs chapel. One never has any idea of what subject she will discuss for a better one may suggest itself as she comes to nKaty. We all know, however, that it Will be something in which Gaucher is intensely interested, and that we will be treated at least to one mirthful chuckle. The Dean has made history a living drama for the fortunate students who have her as a Professorll but a mind like hers hardly could confine itself to one subj ect. Whether you are troubled over klPsych, German, or Physics, she can point out the best sources of information and discuss specific questions as well as, and much more vividly than, your textbook. As for her popularity in reading poetry, one has only to remember the Christmas Fireside at which many of us were serenely unaware that we were seated uncomfortably on the floor. Goucher College needs Dr. Stimson as a counselor, speaker, professor, and dean, but every undergraduate student and alumna claims her as a firm and sympathetic friend. In!