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

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THE COLLEGE P. W. A. BUILDING PROGRAM THE CRIST -19-

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the spacious campus, brilliantly illumi- nated by electric bulbs among the foliage of the trees; with glimpses on every side of massive shapes of stone broken by streams of light from a thousand win- dows, gives an effect of beauty and charm not unbecoming to an older seat of learning. President Edwards died April 10, 1930. Acting President Barlow said of him: The passing of this veteran leader re- moved from the field of education in our state one who had won for himself an exalted position by reason of his ripe scholarship, his fearless leadership, and singleminded devotion to the great task which was placed before him when he assumed charge of the college on July 1, 1909. . . . The college as we know it now is his accomplishment and his imperish- able monument.’ ' Dr. Edwards was buried in Fern wood Cemetery upon the close of a beautiful spring day. The arrival of Dr. Raymond G. Bressler, April 1, 193 1, as the fourth president of the College, was the start of another active and prosperous period. The first four years of his administration have seen a jump in registration from 645 to 1,096 students and from 52 to 106 faculty members. New roads have been built, the dining halls reorganized, a fine summer school operated, a new grading system intro- duced, and a placement service organized since Dr. Bressler’s arrival. Campus conditions in regard to heat and light have been improved, fields cleared for athletics, and a new fieldhouse and grandstand built. The most pronounced symbol of outward change, however, is the PWA building program. When it became known that the federal government would aid the states in their public works projects, the President campaigned tirelessly to convince the people of the College’s need for new buildings. His efforts were rewarded at election time by the approval of grants for the following projects: Home Economics Building Cafeteria Library and Administration Building Dairy Barn Women’s Dormitory Remodelled Auditorium Power Plant Fire Protection Thus the College is still growing — rapidly but soundly. Its place in the educational scheme of the state is assured; many more students apply every year for admission than the College can accommodate. Youthful enthusiasm and a growing dignity pervade the campus, and the South County hilltop which hundreds of years ago was pointed out as a beautiful spot for a unive rsity is today the setting of a beautiful and useful seat of learning. Third President Howard L. Edwards 1906-1930 THE CRIST

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THE CRIST