Howard University - Bison Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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H. U. BISON = = 192S = Sketch of {he University «♦ 3WARD UNIVERSI’I V had its inception in a Prayer Meeting November. 186b. and it was founded by General O. O Howard lor tlx purpose of liberating the mind of youths from ignorance and superstition, and of developing in them the physical and moral strength necessaiy for a useful life. With this idea in mind. Rev Benjamin A. Morris proposed tlx foundation of an institution of learning to tlx little group assembled for prayer. He felt that the desired results could be best accomplished by placing trained men in the churches: therefore, he suggested that the proposed institution take the form of a School of Theology This idea was not carried out. but a teachers' training school was first established, and finally, the doors were opened to all students, regardless of race or color Since this time Howard has held a unique place in American Education, for it has continued its liberal policy, and even today any man or woman having the required academic work and a reasonable recommendation is given an opportunity to prove his worth at 1 loward. I his democratic policy is evident in the Act of Incorporation, granted March 2. 1867. Section 1 of tin Act reads as follows: Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United Stales in Congress assembled that there be established, and is hereby established, in the District of Columbia a University for ihc Education of youth in the liberal arts and sciences, under the name, style and title of ’The Howard University. “ Section 4 of the Act places the government of the University in the hands of a Board of Trustees This prevents outside interference, and leaves the Board free to direct the policies of the University. This freedom has meant much to Howard: without it. the institution could never have attained the position it now occupies. Because of the predominance of Negro students, many leaders would have Howard an industrial institution, not the present intellectual University on the same plane as Harvard. Yale and other leading American colleges. The Board of Trustees, however, taking advantage of the freedom I'uyr 15

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at the University Commencement, June 6. 1924 ity of Tokio. Japan. June 2. 1924 Final score, tenth inning. Howard. 4: Meiji. 5

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1925 BISON H. V. given them, and realizing ibe great benefits which would result from making Howard such an institution gradually added to the normal department the following schools: Medicine. Law. Theology. Dentistry. Pharmacy. Music. Ilducation. Liberal Arts. Applied Science. Public Health and Hygiene, and Commerce and f inance. In the organization of the School of Commerce ami Finance. George William Cook, now Dean of the School, played an important part. Dean Cook has been at Howard iO years, and has served the University in many capacities. Under his guidance and influence this School is rapidly becoming one of the most important in the University. The years of the greai war marked an epoch ir. the life and development of Howard University By virtue of her position at the Capital and her relationship to the Government. Howard has always claimed, and to a great extent enjoyed, tlx- acknowledged position of leadership among the schools for the higher education of the Negro. The war gave cause and opportunity, however, for definitely fixing that role and for material progress, in reputation and influence. as a national institution. In the spring of 1017 Howard became the center of the campaign for officer training facilities for colored men. and as a Howard in mi Old Days I’mji 16