Morton Junior College - Pioneer Yearbook (Cicero, IL)

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This memorial plaaue vvliiclm naw bangs an tlne West wall al the campus directly opposite to tlwe Mens Club was presented by tlwe graduating class al 1948 in lionof of tlwose wlwa served tlweir country in the second World War and in tribute to tlWOSG wlwo gave their all for tlwe welfare ol tlieir lellovv Americans. 8

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of the community. The Spelman memorial library stands now as a tribute in his honor, but no more so than the school which is a living record of his success. To take his place was a big job-one that not anyone could fill. September of 'l94l saw Mr. Walter S. Pope assume that position. It was a tremendous task-but the results were worth the effort. l'le met the situation and continued directing the schoolis progress.l'he years saw a new war loom on the horizon MJCS men leave to go into their country's service, and the enrollment drop considerably. But Mr. Pope saw it through until vets returned to add a new note of authority to college life. l-le saw too, in l947, a willing public go to work under the leadership and persuasion of college students to vote for a referendum which enabled Morton Junior College to remain in existence because of an addi- tional tax. Yes, conditions changed during those few years and the man guiding the destinies of Morton students changed to fit the prevailing situation. Qur second dean too was a great man in this capacity. ln the spring of 1948 when Mr. Pope announced that he was leaving his post because of illness, President W. P. MacLean appointed Dr. Robert M. l-lale as his successor. Dr. l-lale in taking up this task encountered many difficulties. Without his right hand assistant, Miss Catherine Bowes, during the summer, he and his staff had additional problems. But with patient effort and untiring service the way has beenpaved by our third Dean of Men of Morton Junior College to a bright and rosy future. Saturday classes are now a thing of the past, and who can object? The supper hour has again been added for those with late classes. But in general college life on the MJC campus hums as usual. Before this page is concluded other names must be mentioned, for Miss Grace Walker could not be left out in the story of the history and progress of Morton Junior College. Miss Walker taught a class in the first year of the junior college, it was the following year that she assumed the position of Dean of Women which she has quietly and capably maintained to the present. l-ler good natured coun- seling and helpful advice have made her beloved by all who have been her students. Also head of the English department in the high school and college, Miss Walker has helped write the English texts for the four years of high school. For many years, her English literature classes have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to many men and women of Mjc. Another word must be added of a man who has done much to lead MJC in its recent endeavors-our president, W. P. MacLean. It was his foresight and perseverance which led to the successful completion of a task that meant a continuance , . - . . of Mjf:-the reforendum of l9-47. Gratitude to him for his work on this project from the students now taking advantage 1 of its opportunities is overwhelming. l-lis advice and counsel are sought by our junior college students in times of need, and he gives it willingly. The men who have acted as vice-presidents, who have served on our school boards, in fact everyone who has been a part of Mslc for the past twenty-five years, from the janitors who worked into the night to keep our rooms in order, to the busy executives whose endless planning and initiative have made possible what we have at our fingertips today cannot be omitted. Their work has made Morton Junior College a school of which all her students may be exceedingly proud. Through the years Morton Junior College has risen from a mere seedling into full bloom, the 'future looks bright on the distant horizon. I 7

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Through the hoiis of Morton the men ond Women represented by this pioque once walked, port of the vost network of students. It was here they received their educo- tion-their stort in lite, it wos here they Found their friends ond octiyities to direct their futures-futures os NUC olumni. 9