Merrimack College - Merrimackan Yearbook (North Andover, MA)

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. . tUat yieai c eatio i U Qoa fucuue . . . rr The Very Reverend Arthur B, Maxwell, O.S.A., Litt.D., Prior Guild Hall, as the first campus building, marked the birth of the college. A VALLEY .... AY IDEA.... A REALITY .... ‘A SECOYD SPRIYG ” The scenic pasture land of beautiful Merrimack Valley in the North Andover area was patiently waiting to bear fruit. Not until the imperative need for a college in this locale was actually realized did this pasture land reap a fruitful harvest. By providing a Catholic institution of higher learning for the Merrimack Valley, a once barren pasture has now become a stable center of learning prom- ising continuous expansion. Born of the Merrimack Valley’s need for a Catholic college, the idea was given impetus in 1946 when returning war veterans, wishing to further or continue their educations, threatened to greatly overcrowd colleges. When Archbishop Richard J. Cushing, who is responsible for the great advance of Catholic development in this archdiocese, gave his approval and sponsorship to the plan, the idea was crystal- lized. The Order of St. Augustine was chosen by the Archbishop to staff the new college. From Villanova Uni- versity in December of 1946, where he was then serving as Chairman of the Veterans’ Bureau, the Very Reverend Vincent A. McQuade, O.S.A., Ph.D., was selected as the first President of Merrimack College. When the new college was officially confirmed and formally named The Augustinian College of Merrimack Valley, a Board of Trustees was organized. The charter from the Common- wealth of Massachusetts was received on April 2 7, 1947. Theoretically, Merrimack College was a reality. The efforts and energies of the faithful were realized when the first class entered Merrimack College in the fall of 1947. Instead of being welcomed by ivy-covered buildings, the 165 male students were greeted by one classroom building, a long, low, rectangular structure known as Guild Hall. This one building, utilized for classrooms, offices, library and chapel, serviced the needs of the pioneer students. An idea born of need has transformed a pasture land into a college campus offering opportunity to all.