University of Nevada - Artemisia Yearbook (Reno, NV)

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6799 University Extension -9.0.0 THE COMSTOCK ,CLASS INSTRUCTOR, HENRY DYE D. A. MCDONELL, Prefidefzt HALLIE BULMER, Serretary R. C. HEINSCH, Trmfzzrer M. A. AVERILL, G. MCM. Ross, GUSTAV SIELAFF, W. A. BURNS, Exerzztiw Committee 6 .2 .0 pST different times attempts have been made to carry on, during the college year, courses of study in the towns near the University. 'X T Classes were organized in Carson, Reno and Winnemucca and the Work pursued With varying degrees of success. Most of' these attempts ,mfs have been given up, for the professors, fully occupied with their regular duties, had not the proper amount of time to give to outside classes. There is, however, at the present time in Virginia City a class Whose work thus far has been very successiil and whose existence is largely due to the efforts of Mr. G. MCM. Ross. Several years ago While a resident of California, Mr. Ross made his first attempt in this direction with the University at Berkeley. Realizing that there are many Worthy men who by some force of circumstances are kept out of' college and who would yet, gladly obtain a degree, Mr. Ross asked of the University of California that any person who could pass the ex- aminations usually required of regular students be given a degree whether he had ever attended the college or not. The request was refused. Some time after this Mr. Ross became a resident of Nevada. One day last summer While he and Dr. Stubbs were engaged in con- versation, this same subject of conferring degrees upon men not students of universities, was brought up. Mr. Ross, after expressing his views, asked what concessions would be made along' this line by the University of Nevada. The reply Was, in substance, that degrees would be granted to any persons who had proven themselves Worthy of the honor, and moreover all possible aid would be given to any who were 21

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month and to make estimates and levy assessments to meet the expenses of each coming month. The bills for rent of class-rooms, for light, fuel and water are thus paid by the students, each man meeting his assessments as levied by the Executive Committee. The constitution contains a set of elaborate rules for maintaining order during class hours. To the credit of the students be it said, these rules are almost useless for so earnest are the men in their work, so appreciative of their opportunity and considerate toward their in- structor that disciplining has proven unnecessary. Best of all in the work is the real definite aim which each man has in view. They strive not merely to get a degree nor to do their work because some one has said it was the proper thing to do, but to obtain useful knowledge ap- plicable to daily life and a better understanding of their regular vocations. The University extension course possesses a material advantage over that of the regular college in as much as it is more evenly balanced as to theory and practice. What the members of the Comstock class do in the morning in the recitation-room is probably repeated in the afternoon as actual daily work. This constant application ofthe knowl- edge gained keeps up a thorough interest and accounts largely for the rapid progress which is being made. Class meetings are held in the rooms of the old historic Washoe Club, at one time one of the wealthiest society organizations in the United States. Much of the old furniture still remains and books, draughting instruments and drawing boards lie scattered over billiard and card tables where drawing of a different kind formerly went on and thousands of dollars onen changed hands at the turn of a card. The fumes from the laboratory now penetrate the rooms once filled with the odor of the fragrant Havana. How strange it is that this place, so 'typical of the old, restless, gambling spirit of the West, should become the scene of the efforts of men to attain success by the slow but sure route of daily study. It prophesies much for the period of steady and stable growth upon which our State is now entering, the times of ex- citement and speculation with their consequent terrible reaction having been passed through. It is to be hoped that many more of our towns will soon have classes as well organized, as earnest and as successful as the Comstock Class in Mining and Metallurgy in' Virginia City. 23