Olivet College - Oaks Yearbook (Olivet, MI)

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History of.pGiiVei Qollege. ORMER historians of Olivet have dwelt at length upon her early period i of development, have chronicled the struggle of those early days and set forth the sterling character of her founders and the staunch support of her friends, Honor beyond the power of our pen is due those pioneers, Our theme is the Olivet of to-day in her relation to the future which is un- folding so many opportunities for increased infiuence. We shall endeavor briefiy to bring before the mind of the reader the increased advantages which she offers and also some of her Within the College course of the Senior class our magnificent library, Burrage Hall, has been gems of architecture, the Adelphic and Phi Alpha Pi Halls, as monuments of youthful enterprise and fraternal spirit. The present year has seen a thorough revision of the curriculum and an increase in the amount of work required to secure a degree in the Scientific and Literary courses. The facilities for work in the the Scientific and Mathematical Departments are now very complete and constant additions are being made, and increased attention is given to advanced work, The growth of the Musical Department has exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine, The increase in equipment has with difficulty kept , M .NM X

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George Qhemberg. , ' MONG those of Olivet's children, who returned last Commencement Q to look again upon familiar scenes and to meet in friendly inter- course, companions of their College days, no one was more warmly welcome than George Chambers. For two long years he had struggled nobly for life, among surroundings not always agreeable, and far from those most interested in his welfare. A change of climate and all that science could suggest had been tried, but health had not beenrestored, and he had returned to Olivet to die. Late in the Fall of 1884, Mr. Chambers first came among us and entered the class of 1890. , Possessed of excellent natural ability and of that spirit of perseverance, which makes failure impossible, he soon gained the admiration both of stu- dents and professors. By close application and faithful effort, he succeeded in graduating a year in advance of his class, having won every honor of his course. For his upright life and noble manhood, was beloved by many friends, and respected by all who knew himg and when, in his Senior year, he made a profession of his Christian faith, none doubted the sincerity of his pur- pose. The news of his death at Battle Creek, july mth, although not entirely unexpected by his friends, fell like a dark cloud upon this community. There came, too, a feeling of inexpressible sadness, when we thought of the history of the life that had so quietly slipped away. And when, upon the following Sunday, all that remained of this, one of Olivet's most loyal sons, was borne from the Society hall, for which he had long planned, and which seemed most like home to him, and was laid at rest forever, a new tie bound together, in sympathy and sad rememberance of George Chambers, the hearts of classmates, brothers and friends. ,.,, .n ..,-V- ' ' N r

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5 g,.,A .. -- -,hu 1 ,Hg LQgrRx,.wv-dj.. with the increased demands of the students. A new conservatory ade- to our needs is a dream of the near future, which we hope the friends will soon make a reality. need of a new church has also long been felt and at the present time being raised for this purpose. We hope soon to see the corner- new structure laid. Olivet furnishes more than mere class-room advantages. Stu- into personal contact with the professors in a manner which is in a larger institution. life of Olivet healthful and ennobling. Co-education is no has had a practical working existence since the College was ial treats are furnished in the way of lectures and character. Nor is the physical side of man's nature equipped gymnasium and competent instructors furnish development. The interest in athletics is never risen paramount to the intellectual. All the College seem to be permeated by a spirit of healthy incomplete were we to make no mention of the Every institution of learning is the outgrowth of some Olivet's foundation principle is in her motto- Pro Christo Her destiny lies in the realm of Christian Education. name is indicative of this. In Christian Education, she has found her strength and for this must she stand, never losing sightof this one great principle. In this held she of room for development. Only by keeping this end any hope of successful competition with the is dotted. To develop a full and rounded c ri.t , the distinctive impress of Christian culture, is the noblest any institution may seek to accomplish. Such a spirit actuated her founders and such has been the spirit of those to whom the interests of the'College have been intrusted in succeeding years. Olivet's increased growth is giving her an ever widening scope of influence. We are proud of her past but the true spirit of progress is never satisfied with the deeds already accomplished. A future filled with opportunities and responsibilities stretches before. That she is alive to the former, her recent growth testifiesg guided by the Spirit of Truth, she need have no fear to assume the latter. v r ftfyvlti-Mkt ' 1 -'fx-f.g.1lwf1 'x' f' ., 1,145 1: A ah ffi'1'i'Ki-'if it -1-4 - 'it , s ,tp ..., 'LEW . ity 'lhll' ' ' -'Z' .J il ' ' :9 5 15. 1 ,f ,', ',v, '. .qv-, gm y. , 1 ,,1y,, . l tu F 4 W, . - -- '40nf'ff ,,,.. . aan. 4 . I ,.n.f-- i ' ,ffl