Rhodes School - Rhodester Yearbook (New York, NY)

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Mr. Joe A. Calloway Professor Moses Hadas Moses Hadas, the eminent Professor of Greek and Latin at Columbia University, was the next speaker. His talk was dedicated to a study of the Latin author, Vergil, and his book, the Aeneid. He pointed out the fact that Vergil was not only the most impor- tant single Latin author, but was also a poet and a thinker. Professor Hadas elucidated the similarities and differences between the Aeneid and the Odyssey of Homer. It was noted that Vergil influenced every substantial poet that followed him, and strengthened the ideal of patriotism in latter day Europe. The last speaker of the series was Joe Calloway who spoke on the “Theater and Lit erature.’’ The students enjoyed this speech immensely, and learned that literature is the substance of the theater. Thus, this year’s Glimpses of Col'ege was diversified in its approach to introducing maturing audiences to the caliber of work that is explored and accepted in college. Dr. Ernest ]. Simmons 59

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GLIMPSES COLLEGE OF Dr. John Ciardi Dr. Eric F. Goldman This year, the Glimpses of College lectures not only heightened student academic interest, but served as a means of broadening the horizons of everyone throughout the school. Rhodes was fortunate to have a host of distinguished lecturers speak on subjects to which they have devoted their whole lives. The first lecturer was Professor Ernest J. Simmons, who has taught at Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia. He spoke on Leo Tolstoi’s novel, War and Peace. According to Dr. Simmons, War and Peace is one of the greatest novels ever written. The original novel was to be a trilogy, but when it was published in December of 1869 it was a six-volume single novel, representing six years of Tolstoi’s life. Dr. Simmons also touched on the subject of Tolstoi as a moral reformer and a believer in Christianity. For its second program, Rhodes was honored to have Dr. John Ciardi, poetry editor for the Saturday Review and author of the book How Does a Poem Mean? The essence of his talk was that too much emphasis is placed on a poem’s meaning. Dr. Ciardi stated that the main thing one should look for in a poem is its ‘‘thingness.” ‘““A poem is like a well-made fire,” he said. “If the fire is made correctly only a flat level of ash will remain. A poem is like that—you want to use it all.’” This was Dr. Ciardi’s third visit to Rhodes, and on each occasion he spoke to a full house. The December speaker was Dr. Thomas P. Robinson, Professor of History and Philosophy and Vice-President for University Relations at New York University. His talk on “Inauguration and the American Experience’ was well received by the students. A fascinating subject that intrigues all ages is that of the cinema. Rhodes was fortu- nate to have as its fourth speaker Professor Norman Silverstein of Queens College, who discussed the topic “The Film as an Art Form.” He said that films are vehicles for con- veying the tragic elements of life as well as the happy moments. Professor Silverstein then went on to talk about some of the technical aspects of film-making. This was Professor Silverstein’s second opportunity to talk to Rhodes’ students. Last year, his talk on James Joyce was well received. 58

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SVA Committee Chairmen: Standing: Rodney Lewis, Donald Freidel. Seated: Co- Director Jane Cohen, Faculty Advisor Mr. Miller, Co-Director Mark Rhynsburger. STUDENT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIA TION The Student Volunteer Association founded this year is the most important organi- zation to be founded at Rhodes to date. The functions of the SVA this year were more or less limited because of the newness of the organization, and for that reason Mark Rhynsburger, President of the Junior Class, was named Co-Director of the SVA along with Senior Class Vice President Jane Cohen. The operations of the SVA included a Big Brother and Big Sister Organization, which, under the Chairmanship of Don Freidel, attempted to orient incoming Rhodesters into the intricacies of life at Rhodes. The Big Brothers and Sisters got in touch with their charges before the Spring Term began, and were ready to meet them on a specially appointed orientation day. The members also acted as ushers at various school functions and assemblies. How- ever, the main purpose of the SVA this year was to build for the future. A great deal of effort and expense the school would normally have to undertake can now be placed upon the head of the SVA. The force for school unity and spirit this organization represents is tremendous. Mr. Miller, who helped found the SVA, is tremendously excited about the future of the SVA. He sees this future as an active and constructive one. The co-directors this year are also enthusiastic about the future of the SVA, and hope that the Association's programs will be greatly expanded in the future.