North Central College - Spectrum Yearbook (Naperville, IL)

Page 10 text:

NCCS Founding Father Henry H. Rassweiler 1883 - 1888 Augustine A. Smith 1861 - 1883 North Central has experienced only eight presidents in the past 125 years. Each has left his own distinctive mark on the college and its development. Augustine A. Smith. the first president was reared on a farm in Massachusetts under the religious teachings of puritan parents. At the time of his election as president of Plainfield College in 1861. Smith was a distinguished educator. In addition to the teaching of high Christian principles and instruction in classical studies and sciences, President Smith believed that collegiate institutions should assume aggressive leadership in crusading against ignorance, prejudice, injustice, and all social evils in society. The trustees conferred upon Smith at the time of his retirement the title of 'President Emeritus. Henry H. Rassweiler, second president of the college, was born of German parentage in Pennsylvania. Rassweiler entered Plainfield College in the fall of 1862. After receiving a diploma for completion of the Normal Course in 186 7, he entered the Scientific Course of the college, receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in 1868. In recognition of his ability as a teacher and scholar he was selected professor of mathematics and natural science in 1868, remaining at the college for twenty years. The size of the graduating classes increased during his presidency from twelve in 1885 to eighteen by 1888. the largest graduating class to that date. The administration of college affairs from 1889 to 1910 was under the presidency of Herman J. K iekhoefer. Born in Germany, he came to the United States with his parents in 1862. The Kiekhoefer administration was distinguished by physical expansion and the transition of the college to a more modern institution. The construction of new buildings and addition of teaching facilities all attest to this growth and broadened service. The development of intercollegiate and intramu- ral athletics, debate and oratorical societies. and expanded extracurricular ac- tivities were futher evidences of the new college that emerged after 19LX1 The brief period of the Seager presidency was noted for some significant contributions to the progress of the college. One of these achievements was the co11ege's accreditation by the North Central Association in 1914. Following his e Lawrence H. Seager 1911 - 1916 Herman J. Kiekoefer 1889 - 1910 election as Bishop of the Evangelical Association, Seager tendered his resignation at the college effective in the summer of 1916, thus closing a short but eventful administration in the history of NCC. The Rall administration witnessed the growth and expansion of the institution into one of the nation 's highly recognized liberal arts colleges. This growth was reflected in an expanded campus, additions to the physical plant, more course offerings, and increased recognition from accrediting agencies. His relationship with the Pfeiffer family resulted in the gifts of Pfeiffer Hall and Merner Field- house. His ability to plan and promote financial campaigns strengthened the financial stability of the institution. The post- World War ll boom in higher education was under way when C. Harve Geiger was elected president of NCC in May 1946. His presidency was noted for the funding and construction of new campus buildings and expansion of the administration. New buildings constructed during his administration were the dormitories on the K roehler campus, Seager and Geiger Residence Halls, and the C ollege-Seminary Library. Plans for the College Union were formulated during the final year of his administration. The inauguration of Arlo L. Schilling as the seventh president of the college in 1960 found the college community celebrating the centennial of the institution. During his fifteen years as president, Dr. Schilling attained recognition as a speaker at colleges, schools, civic groups, service clubs. and church assemblies. The Science Center and Student Village Residence Hall were constructed during his administration. Since July 1, 1975, North Central has been under the leadership of Gael D. Swing. What is perhaps the greatest concentration of academic, economic, and physical expansion in the history of the college has occurred during the first eleven years of the Swing administration. It is under his direction the college now celebrates its 125th year of existence. 6 Edward E. Rall 1916 - 1946 C. Harve Geiger ' ' 1946 - 1960 1 Arlo L. Schilling 1 1960 - 1975

Page 9 text:

4-VO. 'A+-1 X ntuv I I I I I . . XI , I I I '2 ,. . 'I . I I , , I I X, as is Q I X I - . lu wgwf ' 370' I-I I E z f ,,..1.i.. !! gpuuumg .f,.-Q...-,. af.,-4-,fxqv-r Y Q ' ' Other buildings have also been part of campus for many years. Three of these are Pfieffer Me- morial Hall. Goldspohn and Admissions. Dedi- cated in l926, Pfieffer Hall has served as the campus chapel, theatre. and music conservatory. Musicals and variety shows are annual events there. Goldspohn Hall was dedicated in l908 and its renovation was completed in I97I. In this building, students study 5 mathematics and busi- A is - . , - , .W ,,. .- ... ... fmt- ,.. ' I1 ness and psychology and English and foreign languages. The admissions building has become a popular place for those few students who ha ve the misfortune of getting written up. The career center, financial aid and admissions offices are located there. I T1 f fx-Q I T 1 at X r- 1 X Xxff if XXX A I 556. X Q- iw' . .I .,.t r ' 49 5 , . Q ' .s V I I .xg , ' -I wc. , i I ' X B 1 , 1 X X , : X K ,fu -:Ld B X f'4,4fi'iP- mag I I ff' ' 'W I ,.::...-----f- ' T I I -L I A ' K PT, A C' ' ' i..s:.X' ,VH s ' i .Tj ?m.3.:s1g I IJ 131.353 .. I 3 w' 1 sf tv-gf WN-N2f,e24 X is , -f I H.-. ,.p+fvv IiQX,-isii, as 'Ness' :calf .1 I .. sr: vm ,g W MW 3,144 HX 11.613, XX K . f, gt, ,X ,,.A . XX gg-.f, . - tl ffl. ,. X c 'x:., , s sk kwrgswr- was . .li , in ' ,.--

Page 11 text:

' 3 A I ff' - xl 'wi wr , . -n M, is if ,z 5 Lf ss f-W..-WM? , :S all fm - ,W hw, Y-,,,,,f-, A X . 5, fy Wyfgfif, ', f?S?5 Nvfi