St Helena Extension School - Saint Yearbook (Norfolk, VA)

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S Unt eten : 6 {Continued from Page 6y) to give departmental examinations thereafter so that men taking the same course would be measured by the same standards. Although this policy was the subject of much debate by both faculty and students, it was followed for the rest of Saint Helena’s life. In February, 1947, a new class of 403 freshmen entered along with several new faculty members who were added to tak e care of the additional load and keep classes down to the maximum of 25 which had previously been established. For the benefit of the new students all first semester courses were repeated. By spring the announcement came that Saint Helena was to continue expand- ing by offering a full sophomore year in September. This was welcome news to many who feared that it would be impossible to live elsewhere on their G. I. allotment. In fact, more than half of those eligible to return decided to come back to Saint Helena in the fall instead of transferring to other institutions. Of the 359 surviving members of the class which had entered in September, 1946, 187 returned to school, while 249 of the 346 eligible members of the February class came back. The arrival of 461 freshmen brought the enrollment to 827, just 55 more than the total at the end of the first year. This was a demonstration that the spirit of Saint Helena had triumphed over its physical handicaps. On-campus students had felt the lack of adequate recrea- tional facilities in the surrounding area, a problem solved only in part by an excel- lent program of campus social activities. Alore serious had been the difficulties of living in the barracks-type dorms, too reminiscent of the kind of life the veteran had just left behind him. Classrooms and the library remained open to provide study refuges, but the casual student was too easily tempted away from his books by one of his many dorm-mates. In spite of these disadvantages the men of Saint Helena appreciated their school. They knew the value of its low living-costs which made it possible for them to get by on their G. I. checks. They liked its democratic attitude, without class or social distinctions. They especially appreciated their hard-working faculty, who took a personal interest in them and were ever ready to help with their problems. A final demonstration of what Saint Helena meant to the students came when the announcement was made that the school was to be closed in June, 1948. Sur- prised by the news, the men began a fight to keep the college open. A Continuance Committee was formed to carry on the battle. Its members took their case to the Norfolk City Council, President Pomfret, to Governor Tuck, to Senator Harry F. Byrd, and finally to President Truman. This determined effort, however, ran into an irrevocable decision, and no change was made in the plans to close the school. Nevertheless, the spirit of Saint Helena would not die. It would live on in the hearts of the 1,600 men who studied there. They would always remember its warm friendliness and its kind understanding, brought to it by the man whose spirit had created Saint Helena, Colonel Herbert V. K. Fitzroy. [fi8]

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Student Officers: B. Breon, If’. Edmonds, J. Davenport, A. Johnson. Members: J. Horner, I’. Marano, B. Elliott, M. Palma, J. Moorehead, W. Goyne, L. Martin, D. Kavaljian, H. Magee, J. Mahon, E. Rague, IP. Riley, S. Guild, R. Kirven, B. Rehlaender, F. Putney. This organization which was responsible for the student government of Saint Helena had a record of outstanding achievements. It was composed of student representatives who made it function effectively and efficiently in the eyes of both the students and the faculty. Problems both large and small concerning various aspects of college life were handled in such a manner as to benefit the majority. Very few rules were found to be necessary, and each step taken by the Student Council in all matters was backed by an overwhelming majority of the student body with approval of the administration. To the leaders of this organization, and to all the dormitory representatives, we say “a job well done.” THE 1948 SAINT ( 70 I