Loyola University Maryland - Evergreen / Green and Gray Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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FRESHMAN CLASS ROOM STUDENTS’ CLUB ROOM MAY ALTAR CLASS ROOM CORRIDOR OFFICE OF THE DEAN

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The Class of 1922 The history of the pioneer graduating class of the new Loyola College at Evergreen, goes back to the days of 1911-12. For it was then that Thomas Marcin, our efficient Shakesperean artist, matriculated in “3rd Prep.” The two Coniff brothers, Jack and Arthur, were Tommy’s class-mates the following year. And in final preparatory the names of Jennings Clark and quite a few others of our present number were for the first time handed to the registrar. In First High, we received the rudiments of Latin. How well do we recall our first faltering handling of the words of that ancient tongue ! There were about sixty-five of us then who joined in the chorus of declining “porta” which marked our entrance into classical fields. Father George Kelly and Mr. James J. Becker, S. J., were our teachers, and ably did they supervise the work of our initial year. The two following semesters were truly delightful. For who of us possessing the good fortune to have studied under Mr. John B. Ryan, S. J., shall ever be forgetful of the incessant interest which he displayed in our behalf? The tedious task of writing an English composition was converted into a pleasing pastime through the teachings of this worthy man. It was then, too, that we were intro- duced to Greek. And though it was quite an obstacle for some of us, yet we tried our best to master it, since it was deemed essential for the proper perfecting of our mental capacities. While pursuing the course outlined for us in Third High, we were honored by the advent of two of our present fellow-students — Roger Blankfard and R. Emmet Bradley. It was during this period of our scholarly career that the abilities of Clarence Caulfield as an orator and debater were first recognized; and now for six years have we duly respected the arguments flowing from his stentorian voice. In June, 1918, twenty-nine of us received the High School Diploma. A shadow of sorrow was cast over our commencement exercises when we thought of the absence of three whom Fate had taken from our presence. For the withering arm of Death had carried off in the bloom of his youth, Clark Corcoran, one of our most esteemed class-mates; and Mars had beckoned to two of our comrades — James Shea and Thomas Landy — who enlisted beneath the “Stars and Stripes” to fight upon the soil of France. Frank Di Paula, who but a short time before was wont to tread upon the shores of Sicily, was among us when we graduated. IS

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To Mr. James J. Becker, S. J., soon to be ordained to the holy priesthood, we offer oar heartfelt thanks. For sincerely did he work for our success during the major portion of our four years in High School. When nineteen out of our thirty High School graduates returned in September to begin our collegiate course, America was in a saddened condition. Her armies were quickly draining the manhood of the country. So serious was the state of affairs, that Loyola was confronted with a dearth of students. For practically her entire enrollment of scholars was transferred to the S. A. T. C. at Georgetown University. Some of the Freshmen — because they were too young — were unable to enter the Students’ Army. Consequently, they determined to “carry on” their regular studies and thus prevented the key from turning in lock at Loyola. But then the “flu” made its appearance spreading pestilence and disaster in its wake. For one complete month it forcibly prevented scholastic proceedings. Yet when the disease abated, the handful of Freshmen returned to school; and for a short period they were the only college scholars upon the register of Loyola. In November came the armistice. But it was not until the following January that Loyola could formally receive her returning sons. During the first month of 1919, all of us were again at the institution on Calvert Street, except Robert Cocla- han whose arrival was delayed by the necessity of his presence at Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, to receive a commission as lieutenant. Though many of us spent but a short time in the first college class at Loyola, yet it was most helpful to all. William Sweeney performed a feat seldom accom- plished by a student in his initial year, when he captured the medal for debating. Father John W. Coveney, our professor, was unceasing in his attempts to arouse poetic inspirations within us. And as their moderator, he was most successful in br inging near to perfection the abilities of several of our members, as dramatic actors. At the close of this eventful year, William Schoberg quit our ranks to enter the Jesuit novitiate. As time grew on, we grew wiser. And in Sophomore we were brought into intimate association with Demosthenes, Plato, Cicero and Juvenal, by Father Philip Finegan the present dean of Loyola. Again members of our class were recipients of special awards. For Frank Di Paula won the medal for proficiency in mathematics in a contest open to the entire College and High School; and Edward Kerr demonstrated his capacity for writing by winning the purse of $25.00 in gold for the best literary essay. And when the second year of our higher educa- tion was completed, Edward Tewey and Joseph Nelligan, both diligent students, departed from our company to enter Saint Mary’s Seminary. Another summer passed and we were Juniors. The Reverend John P. Meagher occupied the chair of philosophy at the time when we were first introduced to the 17