Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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Presbyterian College is of course many different things to many different people. Some praise it; others curse it, and for others it is a vague memory; but for those who are still in its four fleeting years P. C. is certainly no vague memory, rather it is an intensely vivid reality. It is our home, our business, and our play- ground. We have come to Presbyterian Colle ge for many different purposes. It is a mere moment in the hour of life, but it is a crucial moment, a crucial instant that demands decision. The personality of Presbyterian College is dependent upon all who have lived behind its walls, from the first professor and his classroom in 1880 to its projected image for the student of 1980. Presbyterian College is a mold that begs to be broken. It is everything and it is nothing. It is a wonderful place to live, a preparation for the trials ahead. Monty Nelson, 1973 COMMUNITY 17

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Presbyterian College is a perfect institution, a chaotic mess with no meaning. It is a test of strength in debt to weakness, t is sublime, a humble little school house. P. C. is completely unique, like everything else, t is a carefree barefooted girl, anxiety In the flesh, t is the romance of a life time, loneliness and despair. P. C. is the beginning of new hopes, the death of many dreams, t is the light in darkness and the darkness in the midst of light, t is faith in mankind, the destruction of Faith. Presbyterian College is a symbol of harmony, a manifestation of discord. t is permissiveness behind bars. t is the still calm water at the crest of a tidal wave. P. C. is the last frontier, full of tradition, t is losing oneself, finding the truth, t is panic without fear. P. C. Is a storehouse of knowledge, a cavity among God ' s flawless teeth. t is wisdom, the words of fools t is foolishness, the soil of wisdom. Presbyterian College is learning tolerance, becoming Intolerent. t is a love of simplicity through pedantry, t is becoming blind through awareness. P. C. is a chasm united t is unity fragmented, t Is a sweet and friendly war. P. C. is sobriety full of strong drink. t is emptiness about to burst, t is a famine in the midst of plenty. 16 COMMUNITY

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Purpose, Performance and Permanence Ten years ago a new President came to Presbyterian College in Clinton in response to an invitation extended by the Trustees of the institution. There was a need for someone to give attention to the overall life of the in- stitution. This involved the primary purpose for the existence of the college, the institution ' s actual per- formance and its long-range stability and well-being. The President ' s assignment, and therefore, his concept of the health of the college community will reflect the elements which compose his task. Academic and care- taker functions are related. Bifocal vision must be exer- cised. Events of the present are of great importance. They must be balanced with future possibilities and developments. It is my considered conclusion that the college is in good health as far as its reason for being is concerned. The purpose the education of young men and women in the realm of liberal arts and sciences within a distinc- tively Christian context is being achieved. We are in the business of teaching and learning. Achievement is confirmed in the experience of those who have graduat- ed as well as those who are currently moving toward graduation. Genuine intellectual freedom undergirded with a concomitant sense of responsibility to the church and society in the pursuit of liberating learning is a reality in our institution. Our performance as a community of teachers and learners is not as good as it might be. Yet, we are glad for the progress which has been made. I personally believe we have a very adequate and sometimes ex- ceptional faculty. They are well trained, committed to teaching and convinced of the value of relating to the individual student. Some experimentation and innova- tion in both calendar and curriculum has occurred and has proven beneficial. The soft spots in our performance in both learning and teaching are reasonably evident. The level of motivation to achieve is low at times. The academic climate on campus needs strengthening (a new library will help). Student leadship in academic affairs is stronger than in previous years, but it needs bolstering. The level of maturity evident among most students is gratifying and yet there is need for larger acceptance of responsibility. Visitors who come to cam- pus, and who are veterans in the practice of campus observation, tell us our campus and all personnel in the college family give an impression of friendliness, cour- tesy, dedication to the work at hand, enthusiasm about college endeavors and satisfaction in what is being done. All of us realize the honest differences which exist in the area of social standards and guidelines, but believe these can be reasonably resolved. What about the future? How permanent is the small, liberal arts college on the American educational scene? There is no real question about survival. We will be in business! The Church, the Alumni, the Faculty, Stu- dents, Staff, Trustees and other leadership and support groups are unanimous in this assertion. Careful manage- ment, arduous endeavor and strong faith will continue as the order of the day. Change is inevitable, but nec- essary re-ordering of priorities will be made. I believe there is an important and strategic role for Presbyterian College in the future and that this role will be undertaken with optimism and bright hope. 1 n nl Marc C. Weersing 18 COMMUNITY