Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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ground in extension, but to measure its depth in intension of knowledge and thought. A large number of elective studies for the junior and senior years have also been provided, and are giving great satisfaction to the students who strive to become more proficient in the lines of thought they intend to follow in after life. In the theological department much the same system prevails. The student recites fifteen hours per week, is required to read extensively and make independent investigations. It is the aim of the teachers to make the instruction and training eminently practical and the interest manifested by the students is sufficient evidence of the success attained in this direc- tion. In conclusion be it said that in spite of the period of financial depres- sion through which we have passed, in spite of the words of disparage- ment and discouragement received from many quarters, Susquehanna Uni- versity has succeeded admirably, and has thoroughly and admittedly established her claim to the recognition of the church. There is yet much to be attained ; there are the many needs of a growing institution ; but with what has been accomplished in whole and in part, with the capacity of the school crowded, with loyalty on the part of the students, members of the board, alumni and friends, with the laboratory on the campus and a gymnasium in progress and not far distant, with a ladies ' cottage looming up within the horizon of hope, with the church and God on our side, we feel encouraged to press forward, in faith believing that in the fullness of time our institution shall occupy that greater field of usefulness over which her influence is destined to extend. —J. I. W. March 2, 1898. 12

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During the last few years our students have been laboring under the serious disadvantage of not having free access to the Library. Formerly the apartment used for the Reading Room and the Library had no com- munication and were remote from each other. During the vacation the Library was moved into a suitable room adjoining the Reading Room and the rooms made to communicate. Both rooms are now daily open to the students of all departments and are greatly enjoyed by them. There was activity in still another direction during the last summer vacation. It was found that the campus needed grading and beautifying and that the houses and outbuildings belonging to the university and used by married students preparing for the ministry, needed remodeling and repairs. Accordingly all the outbuildings were rebuilt, the houses re- paired, the campus enlarged and graded, and better adapted to athletic purposes. This brings us to the beginning of the scholastic year. At no time in its history has the school opened so auspiciously. Our enrollment showed an increase of above 33 per cent over any previous opening. The per- sonnel of our students has also been better. There have been fewer of hangers-on than usual. A spirit of satisfaction prevails. The great ma- jority are mightily in earnest and are working with unabated energy. Nor did these students prove themselves only in the class-room and the literary society, but many a respectable score and several brilliant victories on the gridiron have showed our men to be athletes of the true type. In general it may be said that athletics played a more prominent part in gaining recog- nition for our young university during the last year than any other single factor. Our season in foot-ball closed strong, with prospects fairer for ' 98. In base-ball a good deal of very effective work has been done by the man- agement and we have reasons to expect results of an encouraging character in the approaching season. And now a word as to the internal workings of the school whose silent influence will tell on future generations rather than thrust itself upon our present notice. After mature deliberation on the part of the faculty it was determined to remodel and revise, in their entirety, the courses of all the departments of the institution. This was done with utmost care, con- stantly aiming at more rigid entrance requirements and a higher standard of scholarship. With these two objects in view, courses have been es- tablished which have proved exceedingly satisfactory. Instead of the old method of reciting two or three times a week in each branch and carrying five or six branches, thus dissipating his energies, the student now carries but three studies and recites them daily. The aim is not so much to cover 11

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! RECTOR Ar r S%Sfv?J, , , . (7 u , ,-ej SJtjr President ' s Office, Room No. 3. Open 5.00 a. m. to g.oo p. m. Treasurer ' s Office, Cor. South Market and Walnut Sts. Open daily. College Library. Open 1. 00 to 2.00 p. m. College Reading Room. Open 8 to 8.45 a. m., 1 to 2, 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 p. 11. Y. M. C. A. Meets 1.30 p. M. Sunday. Clionian Literary Society. Meets 7.00 p m. Friday. Philosophian Literary Society. Meets 7.00 p. m. Friday. Society of Natural Sciences. Meets 1. 00 p. M. Friday. Chemical and Physical Laboratory. Open 9.00 a. m. to 4.00 p. m. The Gymnasium. (?) Open. 13