Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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©lie § tnriT nf $usiturliamta ENEATH the majestic pines on Susquehanna ' s campus stands a Gothic Cross, a mon- ument of gratitude, to the great man in whose heart was first conceived and by whose ef- forts was realized the noble institu- tion which we all love. Once a year we meet to celebrate the laying of the first corner stone and to express our appreciation to those God directed men who made it possible. It is then that allowing our minds to wander back into the realms of imagination, we can picture Susquehanna Univer- sity in its most humble beginnings of more than half a century ago and briefly trace its history to the present day. Just what vicissitude of fate brought about the choosing of the site for Missionary Institute, as Susque- hanna was first called, we cannot determine; but we are certain that the fates could not have been more kind. For in a valley of Mesopotamian fertility, surrounded by verdure clad hills, and through which the mighty stream from which the institution later derived its name, wends its way ; was raised up this Temple of Christian Education. For on an eminence overlooking the town of Selinsgrove and the flowing river beyond, the first spadeful of earth was turned and the first stone put in place, amid the prayers of men for the evergrowing prosperity of the school thus founded. From that day and from those beginnings, Susquehanna has grown in honor and power even as the great trees which adorn her campus have grown from small and insignificant twigs. From one building in which both the professors and students lived as well as serving for class room and dining hall, she has steadily gone forward until now there stand on the campus, five structures of splendid design, supplying the needs of the ever increasing number of students. Then when we speak of the triumphs, we must consider the circum- stances through which they all have been brought about In our first con- sideration, we think with awe and reverence of the great and noble service of those learned Doctors, some of whom from the days of Missionary In- stitute and others who from the later time of Susquehanna ' s beginnings as a University have given their full measure of devotion, some of whom Page Sevsn

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continue to this day in the sending forth into the world of trained men in the name of Susquehanna. Around them our story radiates and upon them reflects the glory of the Institution which they have so long and faithfully served. There are also those who have served on the Board of Directors or in some other capacity, giving both their moral and financial support to the young and struggling University. Of alumni, Susquehanna is represented in nearly every part of the world and they by their honor gained have set up the standard of their Alma Mater, commanding the recognition and respect of all. This and more may be said along the line of these thoughts, but let us dwell for a time upon the spirit of Susquehanna. Looking toward the South from the campus, the horizon is broken here and there by the rugged peaks of the hills and the promontories of the mountains extending like sentinels, guarding the valley between. Most prominent of all these is Mount Mahanoy and it is to it that we liken the spirit of Susquehanna. For even as the climber by constant effort reaches the summit of Mahanoy whence he can look down upon a scene of most gorgeous splendor, so may one by striving diligently among the classic halls of S. U. gain the height of attainment from which he may look out upon a world of opportunities and visions of a glorious future. At the base of the mount the summit seems far, far above and almost inaccessible but the mountain itself by arrangement of nature has laid open the way; so upon one ' s entering the halls of learning at Susquehanna, the way for the longed for diploma is made possible by the spirit of the school expressed in the Recognition of Work Well Done. In her going forward, Susque- hanna has undergone many trials and hardships, but even as old Mahanoy buffeted by winds and rains still stands forth in rugged majesty, so our Alma Mater continues to stand forth and to cast the influence of her spirit upon all who come in contact with her. And now, what of it all? Like the great river which gave Susquehanna its name first found its beginning in a little spring, so the love of the Mas- ter ' s service welling up in a Christian Man ' s heart wrought the first con- ception of our revered University. Like the great river has ever gone for- ward constantly receiving greater strength in its course by inflowing streams, so S. U. has ever gone forward receiving strength in her course by the service and devotion of Godly men. Like the river though having to cut its own channel and to force its way through handicaps of nature has be- come a mighty power, so Susquehanna though struggling along a path of hardship has reached the high pinnacle of honor and success. Aye truly, Susquehanna University has had a glorious though toilsome past, and if that can in any way foretell the future, we can picture the exalting of her name and honor high in the estimation of the world, just as Mahanoy towers above and with her summit reaches forth among the clouds. We can see that beyond this fulfillment of her existence, there rises a radiant prophecy of greater work and glory, and still beyond, in end- less procession, the days of Susquehanna, rich in power and knowledge, and love of service, forever and forever. Page Eight