San Antonio College - El Alamo Yearbook (San Antonio, TX)

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M sr 33. 1 JAMES OTIS LOFTIN Presidenf of San Antonio College 1941-1955 gg, Nz w

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ln Appreciation of MR. JAMES OTIS LOFTIN, President of San Antonio College September 1, 1941-December 31, 1955 ln September, 1941, Mr. James Otis Loftin became president of the San An- tonio Junior College, a college rich in traditions and high in academic standing, but antiquated in buildings and inadequate in equipment. The first years of his presidency were discouraging because of consequences of World War ll: few students, citizen fear of bond issues, and financial insecurity. His vision of a community college began to become a reality when the Union Junior College Dis- trict was created in 1945, and was soon followed by bond issues to erect the present plant. For the past decade the name Loftin has been synonymous with San Antonio College. Generations of students enioying the Loftin Student Center will honor the memory of a college president who dedicated many years of his life to the development of youth by supplying beauty of environment, giving sympathetic encouragement to those who were discouraged, and providing opportunity for personal growth and successful accomplishment. The Loftin Scholarship Foun- dation is a permanent expression of his belief that through education an individual may become what he desires to be. Mr. Loftin's preparation for leadership in the educational progress of Texas began in early life. He attended public schools and state colleges, and he taught at all levels in public schools and state colleges. Later he became an administrator at all these levels. Perhaps his greatest influence and satisfaction can be read in the development of Lanier High School, St. Philip's Junior College, and San Antonio College. Vigorous in body and mind, Mr. Loftin was resourceful, versatile, industrious, and intelligent. Tomorrow had more interest for him than yesterday. He con- tinuously explored new fields of interest. During the years he lived in the Pan- handle he would bicycle from town to town to get to his schools, see his friends, or visit his parents. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman, a successful gardener, and an enthusiastic lapidary. Mr. Loftin had an eye for beauty, an ear for harmony, and a 'heart for devotion. The McAllister Fine Arts Building reveals his interests in the cultural arts. As the years of leisurely living approached, Mr. Loftin spent much time in his home with his family. There he was himself at his best. He appreciated the beauty of his daughter, Patricia, and he unaffectedly responded to the kindness of his son, James, both of whom reflect the likeness and spirituality of their beloved mother, the former May Cotton. He adored his grandchildren. On Thanksgiving Eve, 1950, Mr. Loftin and Mrs. Matilda Glidden Fuller, the College Librarian, were married. This marriage was the culmination of a congenial friendship which had begun when Mr. Loftin became president in 1941. At that time the library was the Student Center, and was used during the day for club meetings and class elections, at night the tables and chairs were pushed against the wall to make room for the plays and dances. The charming, gracious librarian became even more charming and generous as a homemaker. Mrs. Loftin's children became hers, and she had the devotion of a real grandmother. Her husband's ambitions were hers, and his comfort and peace of mind were upper- most in her thoughts and plans. Their mutual devotion and the harmony of their home was symbolized by the beauty of the pink petunias in the planters, and the florabunda roses on the lawn. Their happiness was inspirational. With the sudden passing of Mr. Loftin the old order changeth leaving place to new, and the new building on the foundations laid by the old will further develop a community college that will perpetuate customs and ideals good for civilized men.-by Miss Mamie F. McLean, professor of English at San Antonio College since 1926.

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E.. T..-., .. ,iff DEAN OF WOMEN DR. LOIS G. MORRISON A.B., Arkansas State Teachers College M.A., University of Oklahoma Ph.D., University of Texas DEAN OF THE COLLEGE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DR. WAYLAND P. MOODY A.B., University of Texas M.A., Southern Methodist University D.Ed., University of Texas si ef YEL. 4.3,