Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

Page 31 text:

WE SALUTE OUR MEN IN NATIONAL SERVICE. Without doubt, the single factor which, more than any other, affected the campus this year, was the war and the draft. At the beginning of the year. the summer's toll taken by the draft was evident, but after Pearl Harbor the number being called to the armed forces rose markedly. Lacking definite statistics, the college ofhce estimates conservatively that there has been at least a ten per cent drop in enrollment since school began in September. The drop in enrollment is only one effect of mili- tary training upon the school. In order to allow students just out of high school to complete their college course before entering the service, Hope has adopted an accelerated program which will enable a student to get a normal four years' load in three years. This accelerated program is optional with the student. The machinery of the accelerated course is not complicated. Average students taking it carry two or three hours over the normal load each semes- ter, and can take additional work, up to eight semes- ter hours, during the summer. During the summer session, a ground course in civilian pilot training will be offered. The effect of the war on student life has been very marked. Fraternity and Sorority parties remain, but have been drastically cut in order that Hope College may cooperate in the national effort toward economy. While the campus retains its traditional vitality, there is, underneath, a more serious tone caused by the realization that we all have a job to do. . . . The picture on this page shows Whitey Riemersma, formerly of the class of '43, going through advanced combat training. All students will ultimately participate in some way-some at home, some away from home. They are anxious to do so. 27

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WE MOURN THE LOSS OE A FELLOW STUDENT. On Saturday evening, February 21, Lawrence Kolean, freshman, was fatally injured in an auto- mobile accident. At the age of nineteen, he was denied the years for which he was then preparing. Lawrence was born in Holland on May 12, 1922. He was graduated from Holland High School in 1940. After one year, he entered the college in the fall of 1941. His life stretched out ahead of him, giving all the promise that every life gives. He was one of a world-wide group undergoing training pre- paratory to making its individual contributions to the world. 26 Lawrence Kolean was a quiet boy. His professors noticed a cooperative spirit and sincere nature. All who knew him liked him, because he was one who instinctively inspired a confidence in his good faith. That is a quality too few possess. We don't know why, after only 19 years, a period of some fifty or sixty years was taken from him. But we do know there is a good reason he was made. on February 21, to open his eyes on a new world- a world which, for some reason, needed him more than this one.

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THESE SENIORS LEAVE US IN JUNE AFTER The graduation of a class is invariably accom- panied by regret-both on the part of those who go and those who see them go. That is as it should be. A college whose seniors experience no nostalgia at graduation must be failing utterly in its duty outside the curriculum. But the college is the student. If the college fails it is because the student has failed. If the college has succeeded, it is because the student has given to it unstintingly of his time, talent, and devotion. The graduation of a class which has given itself to the school should be an occasion for joy, for it is the evidence of an addition to the school- an addition which will become part of the school and of the student who is the school. Such a class is the class of '42, Athletes had a high record in sportsmanship and ability. Three men were placed on all-conference teams: Bill Tappan, John Visser, Marty Bekken. In 28 OFFICERS President ....... john Visser Vice President ..... james Baal' Secretary . . . . Jeanne Swart Treasurer . . . Dorothy Bonga all sports it had representatives in the front rank. Forensically the class has been outstanding. It claims Nola Nies, state runner-up and national Pi Kappa Delta champion in oratoryg Jeanette Rylaars- dam, state extempore championg Gordon Girod, who heartily agrees with Prof. Schrier's title for him Star of the debate squad, national Pi Kappa Delta extempore runner-upg john Hains, Provincial Pi Kappa Delta oratory winnerg Blase Levai, state peace oration winner, and three members of the state championship debate team. There were four students with a scholastic average above 2.9. It is impossible to list all who have con- tributed to the class' success. There are musicians, Who's Who members, Blue Key, Alcor, and many others. The school is richer for their stay, and will watch their future progress with pride.