Penn State University - La Vie Yearbook (University Park, PA)

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WILLIAM C. PATTER SON l858 -IQOQ His llfe was gentle and the elemenfs So mixed in hum, That Naiureumighf stand up And say io all the world, Thus was a man'!'

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WILLIAM C. PATTERSON BY WILLIAM A. BUCKHOUT FITTING tribute to the honest, wholesome face of William C. Patterson is hard to frame, hard because so much inheres in the atmosphere, the quiet serenity which surrounds it. For this there is no adequate means of ex- pression. Probably the most conspicuous points in his character were the transparency of his life and the dignified way with which he dealt with the duties of the daily round. These traits were not acquired in later life. nor assumed for effect. They were inherent, and marked his service as an overseer of a small force of farm laborers no less than in the multifarious and more responsible duties of his later years. They were the product of a rich inheritance, coupled with the ability to choose out of the experiences of life that which makes for clearer thinking and f 1' g N R.. fl . tie, s g.. A I higher living. Intercourse with him was always a pleasure. I-le never seemed to Hatter or curry favor, nor presume to obtrude, even when he could claim some special consideration. This latter trait was noticeably true as regards his experience in the Civil War. Al- though he served through the whole of that memorable period and was an active par- ticipant in many of its battles and most noted events, one scarcely knew it. For he spoke of it never boastingly, but only as it came up incidentally. Then he would sometimes speak in a reminiscent way, and always entertainingly. Several of his anecdotes of that time impressed the writer as peculiarly interesting and illustrative of war-time conditions. Speaking of the profound effect of the death of Lincoln upon the common soldiers, he said that they were so paralyzed and overwhelmed by the terrible calamity that they were dumb and speechless as they mechanically went about their individual tasks. It takes a great deal to make a soldier quiet. The influence of such a man is beyond estimate. It exercised a constant restraint and lifted up the tone of all with whom he had to do. It was an inspiring example, particularly to young people, before whom is so commonly and unnecessarily placed the idea that life is a struggle for mastery: that naught avails save that which reaches the top by crowding aside all lesser and weaker rivals. His ambition extended no further than to be true and faithful to the duties and opportunities of a humble life. He had no desire to shine brighter than nor rise higher than others. I-Iis life was a living proof of the poet's, 'fI lonor and shame from no condition rise: act well your part, there all the honor lies. Page Eight

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1 iz ,Q I THE NINETEEN- -ELEVEN LA VIE' , THE YEAR IN REVIEW BY PRESIDENT SPARKS HE year covered by the publication of the LA VIE,,' as seen in retrospect by the college as a whole, differs only in degree from that seen by the indi- vidual. A few hopes have been realized, many fond ambitions have perished, many needed changes have been accomplished. In numerical growth, the year has been a repetition of the past ten years. It has seen the largest graduating class, the largest in-coming class, the'largest total attendance, and the largest appropriation by the State Legislature for support. Unfortunately larger numbers bring a demand for enlarged accommodations and additional equipment. Some relief from the over-crowding has been secured by equipping additional laboratories in the basement and attic of the Agricultural Building: by transforming the attic of the Engineering Building into drawing rooms: by fitting up five additional rooms in the Mining Building for work in ore concentration: by opening a laboratory of Physi- cal Measurements in the Physics Building: by the addition of a Chemistry of Foods laboratory to the Woman's Building: and the erection of a separate building known as the Chemistry Annex. The latter not only accommodates the large classes in Chemistry, but also many of the classes in the School of Liberal Arts. This school was formed during the year and completes the organization of the college into five schools, two departments and one institute. New schools are not likely to be added in the future, but growth and expansion will be met by creating new de- partments in existing schools. During the past year courses in architecture, industrial engineering, landscape gardening, manual training, pre-medicine, and pre-law have been thus established. During the past ten years less than one-half the students entering as Freshmen have been graduated and thus been identified permanently with the college 'as alumni. The new plan for government of the Freshmen class by advisers instead of through the deans of school is yet on trial: but since the number of Freshmen sent back to the preparatory schools for additional training was proportionately less at the end of the first semester this year than it has been in any recent year, it is believed that the system will result in an increasing ratio of graduates to the number entering the college. The year has brought large additions to the equipment of the various departments: a beginning of systematic campus planting and paving: the first annual meet for prepara- tory schools: the organization of inter-class games: and the founding of additional fel- lowships and scholarships. A prize essay has been won and a Civic Club established: but unfortunately the debating and literary clubs have not been equally sustained. The religious life of the college during the twelve months has shown an activity rarely paralleled in this or any other college. Equal to the victories on the athletic field should be counted the triumphant canvass for membership which places this state in- stitution second only to Yale in Y. M. C. A. membership. Equally strong should be the resolution to have the Association grow with the growth of the college in the future. i Y many promising plans have neither flowered nor fruited, and only a few of Page Ten