Northwestern University - Syllabus Yearbook (Evanston, IL)

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given $25,000. Thirty acres of this now form a college campus which any might envy us, while other portions still form a part of the University property. A faculty consisting of Abel Stevens, W. D. Godman and H. S. Noyes, was soon elected, and two courses, the classical and scientific, were arranged. The year 1855 is marked as the year of its formal opening, and furthermore, by two important amendments to its charter — the first, prohibit- ing the sale of intoxicating liquors within four miles of its walls ; the second, exempting University property from taxation. However, previous to this formal opening, the death of Dr. Hin- man had occurred, and the Rev. Dr. Randolph S. Foster, who afterward became Bishop Foster, was appointed as his successor. The first freshman class consisted of ten j oung men, five of whom were graduated in ' 59. The building then occupied by the University was a small wooden structure now known as the Preparatory. In 1860, Dr. Noyes became President, holding this position six years. He was succeeded in ' 69 by Dr. O. E. Haven, and it was at that time that the rapid growth and increasing influence of the Institution made a larger building necessary. As a result. Uni- versity Hall, an elegant, massive, stone building was erected, dedi- cated and opened for the use of students. In June, 1873, the Evanston College for Ladies, the successor of the Northwestern Female College, became the property of and a department in the University, under the name of the Woman ' s College of the North- western University, and five women were elected to its board of trustees. Dr. C. H. Fowler became President in the preceding year, which was further signalized by the connection of the Union College of Law with the University. Upon the resignation of Dr. Fowler in ' 76, Dr. Oliver Marcy became Acting-President, continu- ing in that position until 1881, when it was filled by Dr. Cummings. The one thousand students of the present year form a striking contrast to the original ten of the first Freshman Class. In the Preparatory School, the growth of the Institution has been especially marked. From the one principal and one assistant of ' 59, seven assistants are now required ; 50 pupils have become 250. How in- significant the faculty of 1855, compared with that formidable body

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I isfoFgofl lip InsHfuHon. pr IS difficult for the present generation of students to imagine that the Northwestern University was not always such as it ' is now, with its numerous depart- ments, its able corps of professors, its just pride in its past, its active, aggressive present, its well grounded con- fidence in its future. It ir, difficult to tliink of it at a time when it had no past, only a struggling present, and a future which was doubtful, — almost visionary. Yet it is but thirty-five years ago, on the 31st of May, that its founders met to establish an insti- tution which was to be devoted to the ' ' interests of Christian learn- ing. A charter was obtained at the beginning of the next 3 ear, and two years later, its first president, Dr. Clark T. Hinman, was elected. Many were the localities proposed as the site of the new University, but upon the discovery of its present position, it was unanimously agreed to be admirably adapted to the purpose in view. Situated as it was conveniently near the busy metropolis beyond, upon the shores of the beautiful Lake Michigan, skirted with a magnificent grove of primeval oaks, in all its unadorned natural beauty, it presented a scene which no art could rival. Its manifold advantages could not but commend it to the judgment of the trustees, and accordingly 379 acres were purchased, for which was

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whose ability now directs its affairs, and whose learning instructs its students. Pre-eminently is it a Western College, hardy, cour- ageous, active. It is a pioneer institution which, like its surround- ings, cannot but live and grow. Already its position is a high one, yet it is by no means the highest it will attain. Destined to no ephemeral existence, it will live in ever-widening fame and influence. Its Alumni have celebrated the quarter-centennial of their existence. Alma Mater is winning increasing love and confidence from all her 500 children. In their loyalty and devotion to her, they are making her name honored and respected everywhere. She may well turn to them as most appreciative of her needs, and most willing to aid, endeared as she is to them by all the ties of grateful and pleasant remembrance. The standard of our University is a high one, and it does not propose to lower the grade of its work to increase its popularity among second-class students. As far as lies in its power, it is neglecting nothing which conduces to the symmetrical development of well-rounded charactei-. Its well furnished Gymnasium, with its able instructor, affords ample opportunity for physical culture. During the past year, by lessening the amount of required work, it has given free scope to individual taste, and in its large list of electives freely indulges individual preference and aptitude. In its broad, liberal policy, its manifest desire to satisfy the increasing demands of stud ent life, it cannot but commend itself to prospective coUegiates. The degrees it confers represent hard work, a broad, solid education, a preparation for active life, combined with a culture which it is a mistake to believe the Eastern college longer monopolizes. From the present outlook, we may expect great things of it ; added advantages with added years ; a future worthy of its beginning ; a growth sturdy, vigorous, uninterrupted.