St Johns College - Ozanam Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

Page 59 text:

THE OZANAM 41 aments exclaim, after seeing a villain take a desperate chance and fail, Do you know what I would have done in his place? Again, consider the matter from another view-point. Suppose that instead of follow- ing the villain, the path of the hero is most carefully watched. Why, even here there is danger. All of us know that in the modern story, the hero, to use an old expression, is more sinned against, than sinning. What I mean to say is that, although he will unhesi- tatingly retaliate injury done to himself, he will never start the unjust action. No, the villain will perform the first injustice. As soon as the action is under way, we try to imagine what particular form of deviltry the villain may attempt. Having set out to find one, our imagination runs riot until a feasi- ble-looking piece of mischief is found. Sup- pose the villain chooses another manner of evil doing. Then immediately and whole- heartedly we begin to compare the respective qualities and points of success of the two plans. Without mentioning baser results, I have shown how evil effects may arise from even fairly-good drama. Do not, for this reason, think that the only result of the drama upon morals must be evil. Far from it. The ef- fects of the drama are not of themselves ex- clusively either good or bad for morality. As with most things else upon this earth the effects of the drama are just what we make them. J. C. Ret!-gspect Recollections are as a gen- eral rule interesting, but es- pecially so this year which represents the ful- fillment of the long cherished dream-a Col- lege building exclusively reserved for Col- lege students. A resume, then, of the activi- ties of the past year serves to perpetuate to a small degree the events which made our life in the new building most enjoyable. An appropriate exercise upon beginning a year of study was the annual retreat held in October. Rev. Father Francis P. Kemper, S. J., former Prefect of Studies here, pre- sented very thoughtful instructions which made a lasting impression upon all his hearers. We were all better students for having taken part in this all-important spiritual retreat. The University had the honor of having in its midst the Rev. Father John I. Zahm, S. J., its hrst Prefect of Studies, upon the fif- tieth anniversary of his entrance into the So- ciety of jesus, celebrated October 7. The students of both the High School and Col- lege departments joined in a program of congratulation in Westminster Auditorium. The next few weeks of school were spent in organizing the various societies. The Stu- dent Council elected Julius Pilliod as its president and began its activities early in October. The Philharmonic Society held some important meetings. The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin and the Ozanam Literary Society were part of the regular schedule. In athletics we may pass over in silence the triumphs of the basketball teamg these have been recounted in a former issue. We are glad to mention the development of real school spirit which they accomplished. Certainly this year was one of firsts. It was the first time in the history of the school that a dance was held in the name of the University. A student mixer was conducted under the auspices of the Student Council on November 7. Socially, it was a grand success. Financially, it was a triumph, as was evidenced by the appearance of new fur- niture in the college lounging room. The Council presented a Student Shuttle on Feb- ruary 23 as a sequel to its first success. While we are reviewing the social annals we cannot neglect to mention another first Thanks to the initiative of Mary Manse stu- dents a new chapter was written in the his- tory of St. ,Iohn's University when the young ladies of the women's college invited the young men of our own college to a get-to- gether party in Brescia Hall on February 20.

Page 58 text:

46 THE OZANAM or influence it may have with the students. Which is precsiely why it has no appeal and exerts no influence. And thus is it failing in one of its greatest functions as a school publication. A little less hypocrisy and a good deal more honesty and sincerity would do a great deal to make school periodicals more what they should be-potent factors in school life. Of course, there is the opposite extreme- the ''college-chap-this-freedom type of peri- odical that makes its appearance in some places. The good old faded standby is not half so insipid as this new clever publi- cation. Rarely one of the latter class achieves something positive, as in the case of the recent issue of the Harvard Advocate parodying The Dial. This number was rank enough to be characterized by Judge John Duff of the Boston Municipal Court as obscene, pro- fane, unfit for sale or exposure for sale, and sufficient to corrupt the morals of youth. Now many a magazine like that may be bought very cheaply at any news-stand. It is puzzling why certain Harvard students should go to all the trouble and expense of printing one of their own. An interesting new experiment is being made at Antioch College, Ohio, where the students have been asked to grade their pro- fessors at the end of each quarter. The points that the students are to consider in marking the teacher are: fairness in grading, ability to present subject matter clearly, will- ingness to advise students in religious, voca- tional, and religious matters, value of said teacher to Antioch College. Just what this innovation is expected to accomplish is not stated. It certainly affords the student a long-needed protection from the incompetent instructor. But whether this is the best or even a good way to effect this result is another question.

Page 60 text:

42 THE OZANAM The affair was well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. It is these kind of projects that will serve to build up a new spirit of appreciation between the stu- dents of both schools. The annual alumni banquet was a very auspiciious gathering of over two hundred members and friends. It is very evident that the association is developing new energy by the real spirit that was displayed on this even- ing of February I4. The addresses and other entertainments were worthy of a greater St. John's. The College debated in a new field this year as a result of the formation of the Ohio- Michigan Debating Conference. Two de- bates were held with Toledo University, of which St. John's lost one and won the other: two debates with Bluffton had the same results. On Wednesday, March 25, the Ozanam Debating Society was honored with the pres- ence of Rt. Rev. Bishop Stritch. At the invitation of the Vocational committee, the Bishop gave an informal talk on the dignity and nobility of the priesthood. He appealed to the students to think of this high vocation when considering their state of life. The public presentation of the Dramatic Society this year was Seven Keys to Bald- pate. This famous Cohan success was well received by packed houses on the evenings of April I7 and I8. at the Ursuline Audito- rium. The social activities of the school were eclipsed by the formal Junior Prom. which took place Friday evening, May 8. Stu- dents, Alumni and their friends revelled in the art of terpsichore engulfed in an atmos- phere of rhythm which only Frederick Sey- mour and his associate players can create. From nine till one the Woman's Building was the scene of one of the most pleasant dancing parties of the season. And this ambitious pro- ject, the first of its kind attempted at St. John's, has set a high standard for the future. City-wide interest in our College was brought about for an ever memorable ten-day period, during the famous moustache contest in which the members of the Senior class were the entrants. On Friday, May 15, ten youths laid aside their razors and none of the ten upper lips knew the touch of steel until noon on May 25. Every man in the race had the beginnings of an item of adornment while Mr. Urban L. Pilliod was awarded the trophy as the winner of the classic. Much publicity was given this event by the Toledo newspapers. L. F. C.