Ripon College - Crimson Yearbook (Ripon, WI)

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'Bipnn-Haut, lgrvavni. emit illuturrf' ' OUR times in as many decades the college has been without a presi- 1 1 i dent for a period of a year or more. First, at the close of President Merriman's 5 administration in 1875 the du- ties of president were carried by Professor Merrellg in 1891, at the close of President Mer- rell's administration and again in 1900 after President Flagg's resignation, Professor Marsh became acting president. For the past year, since the resig- nation of President Hughes, college administration has been in the hands of Frank M. Erickson, Professor of Classics and Dean. During such a period the work of the college on the outer circle of its influence is comparatively quiet and the publicity features enjoy a semi-respite from their labors. .. . . , , ,,., . The college classes, however, proceed without interruption a and are in fact little affected.. For the college is carried on in part by the momentum which has been acquired dur- ing past administrations, in part by the attractive power of a new future. Such an interregnum becomes a convenient point for taking stock before the breath-consuming effort of another flight. In 1875 the college proper had but 60 students, in 1891 it had 38, in 1900 there were 49, and for the present year there are 215. ln 1875 there were four college buildings, Bartlett Cottage and Dawes Cottage were added before 1891, Ingram and the old gym. were completed by 1900. Between 1900 and 1909 the President's house was acquired by purchase, the heating plant was installed, new walks were laid and the old buildings made over to an extent which in some cases amounted to rebuilding. The general aspect and tone of the college was greatly changed to meet modern conditions. The publicity which the college has received in recent years is one of its most valuable assets. DEAN FRANK M. ERICKSON V

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. The events of the present year which stand out as its salient features are first, the increased attendance. There has been a steady growth in the college attendance for several years past as shown in former editions of T1-IE CR1MsoN. The increase this year is greater than that of the past two' years and again establishes a new record. The year will be chiefly remembered because of the fact that the new gymna- sium, long discussed and expected, is taking visible form? The contracts were let last fall but work was not begun until this spring. This iszthe-first building to be erected since Ingram Hall in 1900. The rebuilding of Middle and West buildings into modern dormitories and com- mons Hnds its logical sequel this year in the redecorating and refurnishing of Bartlett Cottage, the dormitory for young women. Originally thebest of the college dormitor- ies, it hadbeen outstripped in recent years by the new dormitories for men. Exten- sive improvements were made to the building during the past summer and fall, and later, through the efforts of Professor Mary C. Harwood, Dean of Women, the inter- est of the Ripon College Advancement Association and of other friends was enlisted. As a result Bartlett is being beautifully redecorated and refurnished and in general brought up to the Ripon standard. The formation of The League with itsconvenient and attractive room in Ingram Hall isanother evidenceof the care and thoughtigiven to the welfare of the young women in attendance upon the college. The teaching force of the college has been augmented this year by the addition to the faculty of, an associate professor of French, an instructor in Chemistry, assist- ants in Biology and Physics, and additional instructors in Music. This increase in the teaching force was made necessary in part by the growth of the college. Its result is better instruction and a higher standard of scholorship. The more careful attention which has been given class work is a feature of the year which has been felt on the campus but naturally makes' little stir beyond its limits. Ripon is not alone in this regard if an article in a recent educational journal may be taken as evidence. , From colleges and universities East and West come reports of an unusual number of students who 'flunked' in the mid-winter examinations. ' What of the future? But prosperity brings its own problems. The student attendance is already equal to the capacity of the college. The dormitories are full g 7 the commons-is full, class rooms, lecture rooms, laboratories and library are being used to their full capacity. Any considerable increase in attendance will result in embarrassment until additional accommodations can be provided. The time seems readyi for a long step ahead. The equipment is in excellent condition' the college lS.W1 ely and- favorably known. Alumni and friends are interested as never before. Ripon but waits for the right leader to take a still more important place in the college world, and such a leader will soon be selected. Tothe friends of Ripon the future is bright.