High-resolution, full color images available online
Search, browse, read, and print yearbook pages
View college, high school, and military yearbooks
Browse our digital annual library spanning centuries
Support the schools in our program by subscribing
Privacy, as we do not track users or sell information
Page 16 text:
“
CRHE
”
Page 15 text:
“
William Wackernagel Muhlenberg ' s Grand Old Man” - WCTialLLIAM WACKERNAGEL was born at Basel-on-the-Rhine, Switzerland, September 25, 1838. During his student days no one had ever heard of a (SKSfcJ Student Volunteer Movement, and without the stimulus of a great mass . ' g S aL l meeting young Wackernagel reached the decision to enter the foreign field. For eleven years he served as a missionary in the Holy Land. In 1880 he was ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church. Three years later, in 1883, Rev. Wackernagel was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity by the University of Pennsylvania. In 1880 he became the head of the Department of Modern Languages of Muhlenberg College, which position he held until his retirement in 1921. The Trustees of Muhlenberg College appointed Dr. Wackernagel Acting-President of the institution during 1903-04. In recognition of high scholarship and fine qualities of heart and mind, Muhlenberg College, in 1918, awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws to Dr. Wackernagel. Dr. Wackernagel sprung from a family of scholars. Two of his younger brothers are university professors in Switzerland and members of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Berlin, a society founded in 1711 and ranking with the Royal Society of England. Three nephews are university professors in Germany and Switzerland. Some of Dr. Wackernagel’s former students have gained positions of first rank in learning. In 1913, Prof. P. A. Barba, Ph. D., who has been elected to take charge of the German Department at Muhlenberg next year, dedicated his book “The Life and Works of Friedrich Armand Strubberg” to his beloved teacher with the words, “Affectionately inscribed to my old teacher, William Wackernagel, Muhlenberg College.” This splendid tribute from a man of broad erudition needs no comment. Thanksgiving Day at Muhlenberg will forever be remembered by Muhlenberg “grads” as Dr. Wackernagel’s day. Up to and since his retirement a splendid tradition has been observed by the Freshman class of the college each year in the form of a presentation of a turkey to “Muhlenberg’s grand old man.” The presentation exercises are conducted in sometimes as high as fourteen languages. We believe that few of the speeches, be they in whatever language they may, are not understood by our revered friend. The occasion will always remain memorable. Commencement at Muhlenberg College 1921 marked the close of Dr. Wackernagel’s active career as a professor at Muhlenberg College. His retirement with the title of Professor Emeritus and a pension was accompanied by a veritable shower of letters bearing many touching expressions of love and true regard from former students and friends in all walks of life. We remember one such letter in particular, written by an officer high in American military circles which conveyed in simple language in a setting of profound regard and veneration, the love for our honored teacher which was present in the heart of every one in that fine gathering. Gifts from graduates of Muhlenberg College since 1884 and from other friends were received and the undergraduates presented to Dr. Wackernagel a purse and a handsome loving cup as a tribute of their affection. The tall figure of Dr. Wackernagel, standing before that composite group, striplings in their first year at college and old grads with streaks of gray in their hair, responding so graciously to the occasion will be historic in the annals of our Alma Mater. That a man can be both wise and good; that humility is forever the sign of great learning; that unselfish service is the meaning of true greatness — such lessons as these we learn from the life of our beloved friend, counsellor, and man of God, — -Dr. William Wackernagel. Page Nine
Are you trying to find old school friends, old classmates, fellow servicemen or shipmates? Do you want to see past girlfriends or boyfriends? Relive homecoming, prom, graduation, and other moments on campus captured in yearbook pictures. Revisit your fraternity or sorority and see familiar places. See members of old school clubs and relive old times. Start your search today!
Looking for old family members and relatives? Do you want to find pictures of parents or grandparents when they were in school? Want to find out what hairstyle was popular in the 1920s? E-Yearbook.com has a wealth of genealogy information spanning over a century for many schools with full text search. Use our online Genealogy Resource to uncover history quickly!
Are you planning a reunion and need assistance? E-Yearbook.com can help you with scanning and providing access to yearbook images for promotional materials and activities. We can provide you with an electronic version of your yearbook that can assist you with reunion planning. E-Yearbook.com will also publish the yearbook images online for people to share and enjoy.
