University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 17 text:

tions were well patronized. The clubs, too, are very prominent in college life ; hence they are numerous and all are flourishing. Under the paternal guidance of Mr. Tyler the college athletics are stronger than ever before. Absolute fairness and thirty-five hours a week practice are demanded, and no player is allowed to be out nights or permitted to injure their arms or eyes by throwing things in the dormi- tory. Needless to say, he is very popular and is much appreciated by all. particularly the “Preps.”

Page 16 text:

The Year’s History The past year has been one of unprecedented development in many lines. The college is increasing its scope and enlarging its sphere of in- fluence in a marked degree, and the resulting satisfaction to friends, fac- ulty and students is correspondingly great. Student ethics are better, but, sad to say, college spirit is at a low ebb ; the freshness of the Sopho- mores is undoubtedly responsible for this turn of the tide. There have been several changes in our faculty since last year. Doctor Field has resigned as Professor of Zoology to enter upon a larger field of labor in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Miss Rockwell went to Chicago University to continue her studies, and Miss Hazlewood went home to get — we have since heard rumors. Mr. Allen, too, left us to pursue his studies at the Harvard Law School. These have been sadly missed by the college, but we were fortunate in procuring excellent sub- stitutes. Dr. Curtice, of North Carolina College, became Professor of Zoology, Miss Sanderson, of Smith ’oo, entered upon her duties as instructor in place of Miss Rockwell, and Miss Gage took Miss Hazle- wood ' s position. In addition, Mr. Radtke became instructor in Physics and Mr. Beardsley succeeded Mr. Allen. To the great satisfaction of all the students the professorship of Military Science and Tactics, vacant since the departure of Capt. Wotherspoon in 1898, was filled in January bv Capt. Solomon Sparrow, of the 21st U. S. Infantry. The short courses of former years materialized as usual. The Poultry School caused the dormitory to crow for six weeks, and the Summer School brought a deluge of girls. The School of Horticulture alone failed to appear — too much “spinach” in the way, perhaps. The regular students have not been “fired and rusticated” as much as in former years, but the cause is too intricate to be clearly explained without using too much space. Social life has been very much the same ; possibly a little slower than usual. The Military Ball was a grand success and the reception of the dancing class was the “greatest” event of the year. All the other func-

Page 18 text:

Our College As students of the R. I. C. we like to assume that the institution in which we feel so keen an interest must be well known throughout the State. But in point of fact we sometimes meet people who either have never heard of it or are quite ignorant of its true aim and scope. And so this little volume would like to preface whatever wit .and wisdom its pages may contain with a brief statement concerning the work of the college, thus helping, perhaps, to extend its sphere of usefulness. Opening in 1890 «is an Agricultural School, the institution became a college two years later, and receives its support from State and congres- sional appropriations. Its aim is “to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life.” In order that their work may be of a grade sufficiently high to justify the generous support received, the agricultural and mechanical colleges of the country have courses of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science. This institution has six such courses ; the agricultural, mechani- cal, engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, biological and general scientific, each of which — as is fully set forth in the catalogue — is in- tended to fit the student pursuing it for later practical work in his chosen line. What this shall be the individual aptitude must largely determine. To avoid the narrowness often resulting from premature specialization, thorough fundamental work is Required in mathematics, tlhe natural sciences and the English language. It often happens that pupils in country schools are unable to obtain there the preparation required for admission to the college. Such persons may enter the preparatory department, where they will receive the desired instruction. That the college may benefit as many as possible short special courses have been arranged, among which may be mentioned the two weeks’ Summer School of Nature Study and.the six weeks’ Poultry Schpol. The institution is especially designed to meet the needs of the great