Morgan State University - Promethean Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

Page 10 text:

Jtmoual fte ectoty Morgan, like most schools. lost a number of men during the draft of the early war years. Little did any of us dream that so many of our fold would not return. However, at the end of the war we found that we had not paid a tribute to those men and women who had helped make it possible for Morgan State College to continue as a free school unmolested by horrors of war. Therefore, when the state made possible the erection of this building, this proved a fitting time to honor and pay tribute to them; hence, it was named Memorial Refectory. The cafeteria in this building is the most modernistic in the Hast. It has two serving tables which does away with standing in long lines. There is also a faculty dining hall. The basement houses the offices of the R. O. 1’. C. The rifle range has attracted many a would-be sharp shooter.” As a matter of fact, we now have one of the few Negro rifle teams in the city. Major Burke says they do rather well for amateurs. This building was opened in September 1949. Since that time it has been in constant use by civic and campus organizations.

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tfo iewoftd This book, which you arc now opening, is the summation of four years of activi- ties of the class of 1950. Although our dreams and those of our parents have ma- terialized, it is sentimentally difficult to bid farewell to Morgan. The “rough profs, the star sport teams, the rabble rooms, pinochle games to the wee A. M. hours, fraternity and sorority initiations, construction of new buildings, the sudden death of Big Jim Turpin, overcrowded classes, and evenings in the canteen will always be perennial memories. Each phase of campus life has been consolidated in the PROMETHEAN, but the staff confesses that many of the experiences are excluded, for it is impossible to inculcate sentiments of over two hundred graduates in one volume. Nevertheless, it is hoped that throughout these pages one will find a picture or phrase which will recall some detail of the past years. For three or four of us, the preparation of this book has required spending end- less nights working, grouping pictures, typing copy, and doing the small tasks so es- sential for a publication. This involved sacrificing week-end dates, relinquishing free periods, and losing hours of sleep. I would like to thank all those persons who worked tirelessly and patiently. These include the photographers, the proofreaders, the typists, and secretaries. Specifically, my deepest gratitude is extended to Brenda Lewis, who stuck bv me through “thick-and-thin”; Hilda Perry, who never knew the word “NO ; and Wilbert Walker for his accurate handling of the finances. Elizabeth Frances Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Page 11 text:

GF.ORGE C. GRANT Dean Jiessaqe (e (he (jiaJuadnq Chass Greetings and so-long to the Class of 1950. What a pleasure it has been to watch you gradually mature year by year, step by step. You have grown in stature, in self-confidence, in awareness of problems, and in ability to solve these problems. Perhaps, the time will come when you will forget the steps by which you have reached maturity, but if the college has done its job well, you will never be rid of the vision, the intellectual curiosity and the will to do and succeed, which are indirect outcomes of classroom work. Please note that you are graduating in 1950 which is the end of the first half of the 20th Century. Many things have happened to our people over the past fifty years. Many more must happen the next half century. World events have hastened the realization in America that Negro citizens must lx granted the same opportunities to contribute to American Democracy as all other citizens. Your stay at Morgan has been wasted unless you individually and collectively are ready to help make society better; unless you are ready to seize upon opportunities for hastening the integration of our people into American life. We cannot expect the ordinary man in the street, who has not had your educational advantages, to assume the leadership in our struggle to make democracy work. The task rests entirely upon your shoulders. Never feel alone, because the spirit which is the real Morgan encompasses you and me and all of us. and will do so until the end of time. So long. Class of 1950. Come back and tell us of your successes so that we may rejoice with you. Confide in us when you fail to live up to your highest potentialities and we will try to help. Sincerely, GEORGE C. GRANT. Dean