Iowa Wesleyan College - Croaker Yearbook (Mount Pleasant, IA)

Page 165 text:

THK stage embraces the field of music, drama and forensics. Within the last few years, Wesleyan has been forging to the front with musical and dramatic productions of decided professional qualities. The Wesleyan band and orchestra and the summer concert company are due high praise in building an excellent musical reputation for the school. With the completion of a very modern and well-equipped stage, Wesleyan will continue to have even more high class presentations from the speech department and the college at large. The renaissance and success of the forensic department are further indicative of collegiate interest in cultural endeavor.

Page 164 text:

JOURNALISM SURVEY The Journalism department of Iowa Wesleyan is endeavoring to build itself up to the prominent place it once held in journalistic circles. You will, of course, recall all of the prominent journalists who either attended or graduated from Iowa Wesleyan in years gone by who now hold prominent positions in the writing world. During the last few years the old quality has been returning and consequently the publications and writers’ ability have been on the incline. At present there is the IVesleyan News which always did and always will come forth every week, the IVesleyan IV oof us, comic magazine founded by enterprising young men of this institution last year, and the Croaker which, this year, was made a yearly book instead of coming out every two years as heretofore. Does not this show progress? Professor Kroll, head of the journalism department, is laying his stress upon writing. “To be able to write one must write,” he says and puts this proverb into practice himself as well as teaching it to his pupils. Several students have prospered under this type of reign and have sold manuscripts, several have announced their intentions of becoming professional writers. Kroll teaches all types of writing work—newspaper, magazine, short story, article, play, poetry, and script. Our drawling, quick-thinking, journalistic head is a successful writer himself and seems well upon his way to national prominence. The one drawback is that he will leave us this year as he intends to devote all of his time to creating literature. Prof. Merritt, through his courses in composition, is also encouraging an interest in creative writing. Then we have Sigma Tau Delta, honorary journalistic fraternity, which offers prizes every year to the two freshmen who turn in the best written compositions. Such a contest attracts interest and always brings forth some real work. We are convinced that the Journalism department of Iowa Wesleyan ranks upon an even basis with any similar department in the country. What more can you ask as a held than a weekly newspaper to display your wares in, a humor magazine to give laughing youth their desired and needed outlet, and a year book that portrays the life of the campus and serves as a market of concentrated, intensive journalistic efforts? Page 150

Page 166 text:

CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC , C The Conservator) of Iowa Wesleyan College was established in the year 1878 under the direction of Dr. Alexander Rommel, and continued with I)r. Rommel as director for forty years. The Conservatory is an integral part of Iowa Wesleyan College. During all the years of its history, it has stood high and contributed much to the development of music in the state of Iowa. The Conservatory is well equipped with pianos for studios and practice rooms. The chapel organ is being rebuilt and will be one of the finest in this section of the state. The courses in the Conservatory arc comprehensive and adequate to furnish the student with theoretical and practical training necessary to insure future development as teachers and performers. A four-year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Music is offered. This year there will be four students to receive the degree. The three-year course in public school music is arranged in accordance with the standards set by the State Board of Education. The professors in the Conservatory are thoroughly trained for their work and results are seen in the pupils who have graduated and are now representing the conservatory as teachers. Practical work in piano, organ, violin and voice is carried on throughout the course. Professor Mountain has endeared himself in the hearts of every music student as well as other students on the campus, by his ready smile and kindly spirit. He has a charming personality and has served the college in many ways, by his advice, which is always freely given, and by offering his own talents. Page iS2