Shaw University - Bear Yearbook (Raleigh, NC)

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HISTORY Class of ' 48 On a rainy afternoon in the fall of ' 44 one hundred eighty-five innocent freshmen began their sojourn at Shaw University. Of that number approxi- mately two-thirds were women, Uncle Sam had already claimed the majority of the prospective male students. The perils of the first week were survived and we finally attempted to settle down to the normal routine of college life. Under the able and capable leadership of Mr. Thomas J. Boyd and the helpful advice of Mr. C. A. Jones the class took an active part in the activi- ties of the campus. The class was represented in the student council by Miss Margaret Saunders and Miss Vanzola Bond. Mr. George Smith, Andrew Meadows, David King, and Courtney Brown represented us on the Men ' s Basketball, while Arimenthia Forrist, Flora Dickerson, and Milta Davis represented on the Girl ' s team. At the close of the first semester, the class had become an accepted por- tion of the Shaw family, and ten had merited grades that placed them on the honor roll. The second semester began and soon the campus blossomed and grew fresh and beautiful in the warm sunshine and showers of spring. Our quick strides across the campus began to slacken and we relaxed, taking on the traditional stroll of the college student. One of the most interesting features of the second semester was Open House. The opportunity to visit each room in the other dormitories and to see how our fellow students lived was an enlightening experience. Exam week comprised another inter- esting experience which closed our first year. Our sophcmore year began again under the capable leadership of Mr. Boyd with hearty greetings to returning schoolmates and playful tricks on freshmen. We lost several of our male students to the service, but before the year was up we knew that we would not have to suffer any more such losses, because a wonderful thing happened — the war ended in Europe. During our junior year we contributed three members to Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society: Vanzola Bond, B. Gwendolyn Larkins, and Thelma A. Gumbs. Misses Larkins and Gumbs were also elected to Who ' s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, along with Thomas J. Boyd. Largely through the efforts of Mr. Shade Connor, class president, the class entertained the seniors at the annual Junior-Senior Reception, which left them with memories that we hope they will always cherish. Now in our senior year our matriculation is fast coming to a close. We leave with fond memories of our teachers, who have guided and promoted our growth and development into what we hope are worthwhile personali- ties. We have made friends; friends always to be remembered. We have formed attachments borne out of sadness as well as happiness, out of joys as well as griefs and sometimes even out of tears as well as smiles. At- tachments that will go on through the years encouraging and inspiring us greater heights to reach and nobler deeds to achieve to the honor and glory of our Alma Mater. 16

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THE CLASS OF ' 48 OFFICERS Thomas James Boyd President James Bridgers ' ..Vice President Irene Barham Secretary Gwendolyn Larkin.. Assistant Secretary Oscar B. Burson Treasurer Class Colors: Maroon and White. Class Motto: We ' ve crossed the bay; the ocean lies ahead. Class Flower: American Beauty Rose. SUPERLATIVES Most Scholarly Thelma Amantha Gumbs Most Versatile Gwendolyn Larkin Mcst Likely to Succeed Leon Pridgeon Mary Sheehy Best Looking Milta Davis Best Dressed Thomas J. Boyd Margaret Harrell Best Dancers Warren Keyes Wilma Scene Buchanan Most Popular Thelma Gumbs Thomas J. Boyd Wittiest James I. Bridgers Most Handsome J. Harding Taylor Most Modest Annie Boney Best Personality James A. Forbes Most Dignified Mary Hicks 15

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CLASS POEM Wo travelers, Whose feet are turned today Toward unknown ways of Life ' s paths, Have sojourned long in learning ' s spacious home And inspiration gained. On wisdom ' s face In admiration we have gained. Of higher goals we have bravely dreamed And planned our life, filled with good deeds. Now comes the challenge to our eager youth; Our work for a time is ended; we must go Forth to the new and leave the past behind To seek what lies beyond. With fearless hearts We seek adventure, but first, A message we leave to you, our friends, Who made penetrable the road to learning, And gave of us your wise counsel. Our thanks are sincere for many things but most For this: your faith in us was never lost; And when you had reason to doubt, you smiled. Our task today, Is to justify your faith And prove our virtue, so. when in years to come, And you still recall our names, You ' ll think of us as ones who tried Always to do their very best. To classmates dear, if we shall meet no more As in the past, our gay and noble thoughts Shall hold communion across the years; In sympathy shall our hearts beat And ties that bind us closely shall endure forever. To those we leave behind, keep with you, Our kindest thoughts, and wish us Godspeed As now, with true regret, but lofty hopes We say farewell. CLASS SONG Arletha White, Bernice Wright, Ethel Hayes. Tune — Londonderry Air 1 Dear Old Shaw U., Thou who has made us strong; Hast willed us courage, guided us from wrong Who nourished us, and fulfilled all our greatest needs, We sing to you. fruit of long planted seeds. We ' ll ne ' er forget your halls and campus plains Your lofty bell, whose tones sweetly proclaim We ' ll always cherish aspects of your creed Lest we forget, lest we forget thy deeds. 2 Dear Old Shaw U., praise we give to thee, to thee To echo now and through eternity For serving mankind, here and everywhere And others who seek love and tender care With grateful hearts we reverence those who paved the way. For us to share thy blessings from day to day May we forever faithful, true and loyal be To you, dear Old Shaw University. 3 Dear Old Shaw U., Thou who hast made us strong Hast willed us courage, guided us from wrong We sing to you, with all our might and spirit great As one, the humble Class of Forty-Eight May God guide you, comfort and your keeper be Till tasks are done; and all men honor Thee. Delma Burt, Jr.. Mary Elizabeth Hicks. B. Gwendolyn Larkin. 17