Oakwood University - Acorn Yearbook (Huntsville, AL)

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PRESIDENT A. V. PINKNEY

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IN MEMORY OF .. . . . all those who in the course of the existence of Oakwood significantly contrib- uted to its' development into the institution of distinction which it is today. I To our 'many faculty members, past and present, we the students wish to lift our voices in praise and appreciation for the invaluable benefits we are now receiving from your conscientious interest in our school. We must therefore pause at this time to express our gratitude to all those who have contributed greatly and particularly to those whose contributions might not seem so obvious in their value to our spiritual and educational edification. ' i We must also dedicate this book in part to those under whose administrative guidQ ance Oakwood has been able to grow and expand during the past seventy years. These officials who have occupied the leading positions in our campus affairs are here- in acknowledged for their many and variegated contributions to the perpetuation of such a fine college as Oakwood is today. We know that without the willingness and self-sacrifice of each one of you we would not be able to enjoy the wholesome fel- lowship and communion with God and our fellow students which is now, considered a maior facet of the Oakwood tradition. We wish to memorialize our thanks to you also. ' Finally and most fittingly we dedicate this book to the memory of all the students who in the past seventy years have come and gone through the cloistered halls of learning here at our beloved institution. To these students do we owe the greatest of debts for without their loyalty to the principles set forth here, our present' efforts would surely be of little avail. Upon their shoulders has rested the mantle g of 'Oak- wood's destiny. By their performance here has the survival orifailureiof the school depended to a great extent. Their willingness to accept the challenge of keeping the standard of Oakwood high from year to year has been of vital importance in years past. We graciously salute them for their valor andltheir faithfulness. Furthermore, we accept in this seventieth year the mantle which ishanded tous and' shall enl deavor to wear it with dignity. ' ' D -.

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THE PRESlDENT'S MESSAGE Not many schools have been blest with a rich spiritual background like that of Oakwood College. Founded in 1896, Oakwood began with the expressly enunciat- ed approval of the Lord. Mrs. Ellen G. White, the handmaiden of the Lord, was in- spired to select the site for the location of our school. Oakwood Manual Training School was especially designed to give training to the head, heart and hands of all who enrolled. The program was faithfully carried out in those early days. As a result, many young men and women who received their basic instruction here were qualified to accept the call for service. Through the years growth and development have changed Oakwood Manual Train- ing School into Oakwood College. Today workers that have passed through Oakwood are serving in denominational positions in America and other places throughout the world. It is worthy of note that in evangelism those who have been graduated from Oakwood are highest in the work of garnering living sheaves for God. Our students in the teaching fields are afforded a rare privilege here at Oakwood. They have the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience prior to their entrance into their chosen fields. As a result, many of them are selected to fill vacancies in the field long before they complete their course work. In the fields of business and the secretarial sciences, for example, our students are often recruited as early as their iunior year. Many of them give their talent and efficiency to government service iobs. Many others are operating in denominational positions. The preparation of workers for the denomination is the school's prime obiective. As we enter the seventieth year of Oakwood's existence, there is much evidence of the progress of this institution. lt is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it has been accepted by the Board of Regents as a four year liberal arts college, and it is the thirty-third accredited institution included as a recip- ient of funds from the United Negro College Fund. Through the years Oakwood has grown in many ways. The enrollment at present is five hundred. We appreciate the support of the Regional Conferences, the finan- cial assistance of the General Conference, and the firm backing of parents, friends, and benefactors.