Olivet Nazarene University - Aurora Yearbook (Bourbonnais, IL)

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iuntors OFFICERS PAUL L. HAGERTY President GLENN REDDICK Vice-President GRACE MELLERT Secretary EMMEN METZ Treasurer Flower: Old Rose Colors: Pink and Pale Green Motto: Climb, Though the Heights Be Rugged. Imtiflr (ftla a f roptjwg I SAT in my silent study, gazing out on the western horizon, as the shades of the night spread their dark shadows over the earth, and wondering about the Academy Class of ' 16. It was one of those nights that fills the heart with hope and wonder, and makes one forget the realities of life. Whether it was the profound stillness or the solitude of the hour which affected me I know not, hut suddenly I fell into a dreamy state and lost my whereabouts 28

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®rue (Etjararter THE twentieth century is, in many respects, an age of superficiality. The main effort is given to appearance. The paint makes the house look like a mansion; varnish and stain conceal the real material, and often the furniture that seems to he oak or walnut is only spruce; much that is only veneer passes for the solid. The multitude clamors for cheapness. Real quality is expensive. Silk costs more than calico, and gold more than brass. Imitations and counterfeits are only accepted because they cost less. But the sweetness of low prices never overcomes the bitterness of poor quality. With regard to men and women, nobility of character is demanded. To be something is the standard of today. Stained character cannot be hid. The first impression may lie wrong, but the test of time shows what the man really is. It pulls off the mask and reveals that below the surface. Everything that a man does reveals what he is. Purity of life springs from purity of heart. Golden conduct flows out from golden character. Character is strength. He who has it is as transparent as a sunbeam and honest as truth itself; he has touched a spring of power that accident, adversity or failure are not able to take from him. Allied on the side of truth, he is secure. His property, ships, stores and houses may burn; he may suffer ca- lamity, disaster or reverses; he may encounter sorrow, affliction or bereave- ment, but in spite of all that can befall him, he will still have a working capital — his character. Of this treasure none can rob him. A sculptor ' s chisel in the hands of a novice may mar the loveliest statue: in the hands of a criminal it may become a burglar ' s tool. The moulding and building of our character is in our own power. We may make or mar our own natures. Foolish we are if we do not try to produce beauty and harmony, happiness and success. The sculptor dares not strike random blows while gazing away from the marble. With eyes steadfast, he makes every stroke count toward the final result. He has that result fixed in his mind: he is slowly bringing the model up to his ideal. We must do likewise in making our character. Noble and true character is expensive. Building a character is a lifetime occupation ; the rough work is done in youth, the polishing in later years We are continually at the task. We cannot lay the chisel down, as the sculptor does. Every thought is a blow that influences us permanently, until we will always think good thoughts, helpful thoughts. We will always have high ideals. We will have quality; for we, the Class of ' 16, have as our motto: Esse quam videri — to be rather than to seem. Alvin H. Kauffman., Jr., ' 16. 27

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and seemingly the future stood unveiled before my eyes. Turning I saw the spirit of prophecy dressed in a glowing white robe, having in his hand the wand of time. Now, said he, let me first conduct you to the Pacific Coast Plain. Upon arriving, whom did we see but Paul Hagerty, our former president, and his charming little wife, formerly Miss II . We learned that he had completed a medical course and now was the leading physician in Seattle. While conversing with him we learned also that Glenn Keddick, a member of the Junior class, had purchased a vast tract of land in the Sacramento valley and was pursuing the art of agriculture. Then the spirit said, Come; and with a swiftness that seemed incredible I was carried northward. After crossing many sections of the country, I won- dered where the spirit was leading me. I was soon to know, for we slackened our pace ami gradually descended into a beautiful river valley where nestled a pretty little town. Then I realized that I was in Montreal, seated in the home of Emerald Morris. The spirit told me that Mr. Morris had at last settled down after hard study and persistent labor, and that he had finally solved the most important problem of his life — matrimony. He said that aside from his domestic duties he was band master of the famous Morris band. While hastening through the suburbs of this city we passed a great automobile man- ufacturing establishment: and inquiring of my guide I learned that the pro- prietor was Mr. S — , husband of the former Miss Baldwin. Thence we hastened toward the rising sun. Soon I found myself walking down the corridors of the famous art museum of the Empire City. While viewing the many beautiful pictures, my attention was attracted by a charming painting. As I gazed at this the spirit said that Miss Livingston, a Junior of ' 16, had painted it, and that she was now a famous artist in New York. Hastening on Ave arrived at Brooklyn, and here I found myself in a magnificent church. Upon inquiring I learned that Reverend Metz was the pastor. While conversing with him he informed me that Lillian Murray was a deaconess in his church and that she was doing a great work for the Lord. Then I was suddenly aroused to find myself in the capital of Mexico, and on entering one of the large clothing stores I learned that Mr. Ragel was the owner and that he had become very wealthy. Mr. Bagel informed me that Mr. White was also in Mexico as a missionary. He said that lie had founded two or three missions and that he was doing excellent work among the Mexicans. The spirit of prophecy having departed, I resumed my study, hut I could no more see the faces of my classmates. I arose from my meditations with the assurance that the members of this dear old elass would ever continue to he among the great men and women that have gone out from the walls of I. II. U. to bless humanity. Grace Mellert, Academy, ' 16. 2n