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

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On March 9th, the Rev. Francis P. LeBuffe, S. J., associate editor of America, summarized and very ably refuted the arguments in favor of the theory of human evolution before the assembled students. On March 16th, the editor of America, Rev. Richard Tierney, S. J., addressed the students on the necessity of recognizing their calling in life before leaving school, urging them especially to be guided by their abilities rather than by chance or convenience. About this time Father Rector selected Father McDonnell to take charge of the Alumni campaign for the new gymnasium. It was planned to construct first the gymnasium proper, in order to provide the floor which the basketball and other indoor teams so sorely need, but enthusiasm ran so high among the Alumni that the amount to be obtained was increased to $200,000 and the plans amended to include two wings, one to inclose an alumni clubhouse and the other to house the meeting room of the Athletic Association and recreation rooms for the students. This plan is unique in secular as well as Catholic colleges. A clubhouse for the members of the Alumni on the college grounds, where every facility for their comfort and entertainment, not to speak of the privileges of a modern well-equip- ped gymnasium, has hitherto been scarcely dreamed of. This has been well appre- ciated by the Alumni and together with the devotion to their Alma Mater, which they had little opportunity to display in the lean years before our removal to Evergreen, should lead them to raise the building in the shortest possible time. After the arduous preliminary work had been disposed of by Father McDon- nell, ably assisted by Mr. Frank X. Milholland, President of the Alumni Associa- tion, the campaign was opened on Wednesday, April 27th, with a reunion and rally of students and former students in the old college gymnasium. Father McDonnell acted as master of ceremonies and contributed much to the spirit of the evening by his accustomed humor. The speeches were interspersed with popular songs paraphrased to suit the purposes of the campaign written and led by Father McDonnell. In his speech. Father McDonnell placed all credit for Loyola’s achievement at the feet of Father McEneany. “This house,’’ said he, “has had many rectors, all of them able and saintly men, but with no disparagement to their memory, I can say that no one has ever had the interests of Loyola men so much at heart, or has worked so long and so earnestly to bring the College to its proper level.” Fr. McDonnell then thanked Mr. Milholland for his assistance in arranging the preliminary details of the campaign. The next speaker was Father Edwin L. Leonard, who assured those present that they would have the heartiest cooperation of Archbishop Curley in their efforts. Father Ziegler, moderator of the Alumni Association, then gave a short address in which he traced the progress of the College from its foundation to the present day. Mr. Victor Noyes was next introduced and announced his intention of helping to put the gymnasium to the fullest possible use after its construction and to make of Loyola the dominant figure in state athletics and particularly in football. 21

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On Wednesday evening, November 22nd, Father Ayd presented at the old college theatre and gymnasium his annual entertainment for the benefit of the Athletic Association. The next day Father Finegan, Father Hargadon and Mr. Reinhalter transferred their residence to Evergreen, being the first Jesuits to reside in the old Garrett mansion. This is an important event in the history of the College, marking as it does, the second step in the separation of college and high school. On the evening of December 1st, an enjoyable entertainment was given at Evergreen, the Freshman Class acting as host. Friday, the 21st, was the day of dismissal for the Christmas holidays. The students returned on January 5th, The Chapel the Students Furnished with the dark prospect of the midyear examinations before them. The month’s repetition, however, brought back to them their errant knowledge and the majority entered light-heartedly into the usual celebration at the close of this trying period which was held on Friday, February 2nd, at the Southern Hotel. On January 9th, Rev. Paul J. Sandalgi, Pastor of St. Athanasius’ Church, Curtis Bay, gave a very interesting talk on the History of Russia and especially on the immediate causes of the Revolution. Afterwards he answered questions by students on this important though little known subject. 20

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After short speeches by Mr. L. Frank O’Brien and Mr. Isaac George, Father McDonnell accepted the first contributions of the campaign, though no formal appeal was made. In a few minutes about ten thousand dollars were raised and only the approach of midnight kept the amount from rising higher. The vision with which the campaign was organized, the experience of the director, the enthusiasm among the Alumni and students, and most of all the unexpected monetary success of the first meeting, are ample assurance that another of Father Rector ' s dreams is about to be realized. On April 20th, the students held a successul affair at the Belvedere, for the benefit of the “Green and Gray.” The Loyola custom of honoring the Blessed Virgin in the month dedicated to her was again followed. Every student showed his devotion to Our Mother by wearing exposed a small scapular medal during May. Each class in order took its turn in decorating Mary’s shrine with flowers and an appropriate paper urging devotion to and trust in Our Lady was read each day by the class in charge. As our own garden supplies ample flowers for the altar, the students instead of donating flowers as in former years, presented to the May shrine an offering of eight very beautiful vases of cut glass. The Annual Debate for the Jenkins Medal took place in the College Audi- torium, Calvert Street, on Thursday, May 17th. The subject debated was : “Resolved, That the United States should join the permanent court of international justice set up by the member nations of the League of Nations.” Messrs. Charles M. Ways and Xavier J. Watson upheld the affirmative and Messrs. Michael F. Delea and Gerald S. O’Brennan, the negative. Mr. George R. Gibson was chair- man of the debate. The judges were Dr. Charles Woodruff and Messrs. Frank Frainie and Isaac George. The medal was awarded to Mr. Michael F. Delea. The contest for the Lee Medal for oratory was held on Monday, May 21st. There was an unusually large number of youthful orators aspiring for the medal which was decided in favor of Mr. Xavier J. Watson. The anticipated celebration of the feast of St. Aloysius is scheduled for Sunday, June 10th. After the Mass, breakfast will be served on the lawn. At the Commencement on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 12th, we shall be honored by the presence of his Grace, the Archbishop and His Excellency, the Governor of Maryland. John A. O’Shea, ’24. 22