Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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Senior History 111 tracing out the history of things, the historian often finds great difficulty in arriving at the true beginning of them. He also finds trouble in assigning adequate causes to many phenomena. Some such difficulties would come to him who would attempt a thorough history of the Class of Nineteen Hundred and Nine. When did this class begin its existence as a class? Not in 1905, unless we allow a great deal for the changing personnel of classes. There is a possibility that a graduating class may not contain an original member of the Freshman Class. At least two-thirds of the class were not present here at the opening of the Fall Term in 1905. Yet as a class we have had regular growth and attendance sufficient to enable the historian to tell something of the activity of the class as a unit. Much more could be told if the circumstances had been different. The number of members in the class has been frequently changed. It is now eleven and has been so for the last two years. But one girl graces our number and her in- fluence and charming manner have ever had a wholesom; effect upon the rough masculinity of its other members. As a class we have always been a factor to be recko ' .ied with in the institution, sometimes perverse, more often, we hope, good. In the days of class scraps we were heard of and gave a good account of ourselves. In class contests we usually acquitted ourselves creditably. Individuals of the class have often brought honor upon it. Intellectually, they have done well in the class room, on the rostra of both literary societies and in the contests for the prizes that are offered from time to time. The class has given assistant teachers to the academy, an assistant librarian to the institu- tion, singers to the glee club, leaders and officers in the Y. M. C. A. and members to the dramatic club. Some of its members have served on the staff of The Susquehanna. In athletics the class has always had representatives on the college teams and has furnished captains and managers. According to the differences of talent, disposition and inclina- tion, some are preparing for the ministry, some for teaching and some for other professions and vocations. In the sciences and liberal studies some have elected one course of study, others another. Now, after all the changes incident to four years (more or less, as you are minded to consider it) fraught with hard work, pleasures, disappointment, mistakes, and victories as well, we have at last to face the fact that our college days are near the close. We are sad to say good-bye, sad to take leave of the dear old school around which so many memories cling and sad to part with the friends and associates we have made here. Parting with some of them means parting forever. But we are glad when we look back upon the rich treasures of the past, held dear in our memories. We will cherish them and not forget them. The difficulties, discouragements, and hardships of the past seem less 24

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Senior Farewell Smooth turn the Heaven ' s wheels, unhot By friction ' s grip. The years swift pass; And four have gone from us with not a thought Of breaking ties. But now, alas, We know the sadness of — Farewell. Dear friends, ' tis sad to say good-bye; But now we must; our ways soon part. Shake hands! The tear you see within each eye. The unseen sadness in each heart, — These speak what we would say — Farewell. Classmates, the day comes on apace, When we in grief our class must sever. Just now we see each other face to face, But soon — too soon — and that forever, We shall have said our last — Farewell. The end is here. ' Tis time to go. Farewell! Farewell! — Our words to you. God bless your lives, help you in grace to grow. Progressing on from false to true. How hard it is to say — Farewell. May you be strong, courageous, wise; May you be faithful, true in trial; And may you live aright, and nobly rise Above the base, the mean, and vile, Till to the world you say — Farewell. —Poet ' 09 23

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terrible now in the light of the present. Reflection on this fact ought to make us more courageous to meet the trials that must surely come to us as we go through life. We know of no way of judging tlie future but by the past. In so much, only as we have been earnest, hard work- ing, conscientious students, we may predict reasonable success for the members of the class. We do not make the error of supposing that we stand upon some pinnacle from whence we are about to step down to an awe struck world to be received like e.xpected saviours. Saviours are not received in that manner. Besides, there are hundreds of in- stitutions sending out at the same time with Susquehanna, as many graduates as she is. Some are sending out more, and all these graduates are presumably as well trained and taught and as eager as ourselves. The world will have need of them according as they have made themselves useful to it. But withal, we look with happy anticipation to the labor and service in the world that awaits us, glad that we are somewhat equipped to do for ourselves, society, humanity and God. Historian ' 09 25