St Louis University - Archive Yearbook (St Louis, MO)

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RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE St. Louis University strives to attain the ideals oF true Catholic education by changing her curricula to meet the demands of the times. Although widely scattered, the schools present a unified front against attacks of the modern era. ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY has always held as its ideal the principles of true Catholic educa- tion, and has endeavored to apply these principles by means of every change in organization and in curricula that would make for the attainment of ideal Catholic education. To achieve such an end, to offer its students the wherewithal to cope with modern problems presented to them upon their graduation from college, to aid in some measure in bringing order out of chaos, and to offer the dazed world some solution to the problems which it has made for itself to these ends has the University directed its curricula and its organi- zation. ■ As modern conditions change, and as new prob- lems make way for still newer ones, St. Louis University must alter and modify its courses, change its method of administration, and present modern answers to modern problems perplexing the thinking world. Her objectives never change, neither does she adopt new principles, nor does she give ground in the truths she has always held — truths which are being made more manifest by the contrast they make with the false notions and mis- leading precepts held by modern thinkers who are rapidly becoming outmoded. ■ St. Louis University has made true progress by taking advantage of the changes that have been made in the scientific and educational fields within the past century. By learning from the errors of the modern world while profiting by its advances, by separating the wheat from the chaff, the Uni- versity has been able not only to continue the practice of educating young men and women ac- cording to the principles set down in the Ratio Studiorum, but even to enlarge the scope of her curricula and thus present to her students a fuller and a more extensive education. At the head of the University is the president, who holds in his hands the guiding power. With eight other members of the faculty he makes up the Board of Trustees in which is centered the power of decision in all affairs which transcend the interests of any one school of the University. The University Council of regents and deans is the foremost advisory body in internal affairs. Within recent years increasing emphasis has been placed upon the Graduate School, inasmuch as it offers opportunity for more extensive learning and greater specialization to the student who already possesses a degree, a specialization made Deans, regents and trustees of the University. Rev. Thurber M. Smith. S.J.. dean of the Graduate School; Rev. Joseph Husslein, S.J.. dean of the School of Social Service; Rev. William J. McGucken, S.J., regent of the School of Education; Rev. Thomas M. Knapp. S.J.. dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Rev. Alphonse M. Schwitalla, S. J., dean of the Schools of Medicme and Nursing. II

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Very Rev. Robert S. Johnston, S.J.. twenty- fourth president of St. Louis University, now serving his fifth year in that capacity. CONNECTING THE OLD WITH THE NEW Following the principles set down in the Ratio Studiorum, St. Louis University applies the eternal truths of the Catholic Church to every practical problem. THE Challenge of Change, which signifies Progress. is the watchword of this latest Archive. No univer- sity can so well meet the demands of such an ideal as a university conducted under the auspices and influence of the Catholic Church. For the Church, in addition to her unparalleled experience, has a revelation which is not a dead doctrine sepulchered in ancien t tomes; it is a living body of divine truths; it is entrusted to a living organi- zation divinely founded and kept unerring by a living God; it is promulgated and interpreted by a living voice, and as such it is applied by living men to each most recent exigency of their lives. In addition, St. Louis University, directed by members of the Society of Jesus, has her Jesuit educational Magna Charta, the Ratio Studiorum. Of the pedagogic system propounded in this wise and fertile document, Schwickerath, in his Jesuit Education, quoting Genelli, appositely says: It is a plan which admits of every legitimate progress and perfection. ' ■ Hence there need be no wonder at St. Louis University ' s actual historical advance. But through it all, as the Fore- word in her Diamond Jubilee emphasizes, The same spirit, the same love of solid learning informed by intelligent faith and morality, is the invisible link connecting the Old with the New. Robert S. Johnston. S.J. 10 1

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necessary by the increasingly rigid demands of the modern world. The Graduate School occupies the place of pace-setter for the other schools of the University, and it serves to harmonize the interplay of courses offered by the various schools. ■ The School of Medicine, by adopting all ad- vances made by the medical profession, and by stressing the need of doctors who are not only equipped with the factual knowledge necessary for a successful medical career, but who are also guided by the highest ethical standards and Chris- tian principles, aims to supply the world with doctors who will do their part to elevate the stand- ards of a profession that does much to temper the moral tone of society. The School of Medicine is governed by its dean who in turn is assisted by an associate dean, administrative secretary and regis- trar. In an advisory capacity are the Adminis- trative Board, the Faculty Board and the council dealing with academic affairs. In keeping with the modern trend towards de- partmentalization of curricula, the School of Dentistry has divided its courses into definite departments. Moreover, it has installed modern- ized equipment for laboratory practice for prospec- tive dentists. The School of Dentistry is adminis- tered in a manner similar to that of the School of Medicine. It is governed by a dean and a regent, the latter being the dean of the Medical School. The School of Nursing is composed of the nursing schools of the University and the affiliated hos- pitals. It is under the jurisdiction of an adminis- trative board composed of the dean of the Medical School, who acts as chairman, a faculty member of the Medical School in the capacity of secretary, and two representatives from each nursing school. A noteworthy trend within recent years towards higher standards of education among nurses is evidenced by the number of students who, after being graduated from nursing school, continue their studies to receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Serving these three schools and offering them all the latest equipment and scientific aid in the methods of treating human ailments, is the Firmin Desloge Hospital, situated across from the School of Medicine. Here the student is given opportunity to view in actual practice those theories pro- pounded to him in the classroom. The College of Arts and Sciences has increased its importance as a preparatory school for those who intend to pursue their studies after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. This school affords an education that is both cultural and liberal, thus fitting the student better to specialize in any field he may choose, or to enter the business world fortified with the education he has received, an education which does all that can be expected of it — teach the student how to think and where to find the knowledge he desires to acquire. Realizing the importance and the necessity of a broader liberal education preparatory to a professional career, most professional schools throughout the country now require a longer residence in the College of Arts and Sciences for their prospective students. ■ The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also the chancellor of the University, is in charge of the administration of this College. The Uni- ' Dr. Francis M. Crowley, dean of the School of Education; Rev. Linus A. Lilly. S.J., regent of the School of Law; Rev. J. Joseph Horst. S.J., dean of the School of Philosophy and Science; Rev. Joseph L. Davis. S. J., regent of the School of Commerce and Finance, and Alphonse G. Eberle, dean of the School of Law. 12 1