University of Virginia - Corks and Curls Yearbook (Charlottesville, VA)

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g l 4' c 3, y y Academica Narratio. $J HIS is the thirteenth effort to portray academic life at the University' of Virginia, and in accordance with the familiar superstition attached to the number, one might expect a history at variance with- those , . that havehitherto appeared. But a slight consideration will show i b that the materials existing thirteen years ago for such a sketch, Q were essentially the same as those we have now. 'The professors possessing the most marked eccentricities are the same that witnessed g, the birth of CORKS AND CURLs, and to again record their peculiarities would 3 be to serve up hash grown insipid through repetition. Henry Martin has been i the mainstay of the University ii since the mind of man runneth not to the ; contrary? The college stories in which ii Snowball ii has figured would make a fair-sized volume and ii Napoleon? the third of our prominent scions of Ham, has been accorded suflicient publicity. With the exception of not bringing the time-worn favorites upon the stage, we will be restricted to the use of the same old scenery and settings. In numbers the Academic Class comprises almost two-thirds of the students in the. University, not organized into a harmonious whole: but loosely bound together by the common desire to acquire knowledge. This learned body meets in session only on the most rare occasions, otherwise the combined products of their master minds would generate a wave of intelligence that would sweep from continent to continent and eradicate ignorance the whole world through. The one and only occasion this year chanced to be to mete out justice for a supposed affront to their traditional honor, but on investigation it was found that their escutcheon was still spotless. It was alleged that ii hazing ii had been indulged in, and their delicate sense of honor was unable to bear that such I. a heinous offense go unpunished. i 25 ta2.4.1- A s-r .n a i. 2.; Arew,+b-E;e-ty

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In this Class are to. be found men representing the various types of college students: the extremists and the mediocres, the latter naturally in the majority. The ii grind ii is easily distinguished by his air of humility, a quality generally accompanying great minds. Of course, therefore, the ii grinds i, in the Academic Class vastly outnumber those of the LaWs and Meds, lesser lights in our field of Vision. The beau, locally termed ii calieoistfi is quite a factor in our college life. Here, as usually the case is, he is rather depreciated, branded as a neier- do-well, but still looked up to by many as a bird of lofty Hight. Theathletes are far stronger than Atlas of mythical fame and more enduring than Hercules. The golf fiends, dog-fanciers, would-be Tammany leaders, and others with sport- ing propensities, we put into one category and stamp mediocres, usually signifying ii good fellows ,i and not intended to be detrimental. By the many sorts represented one may form an idea of the breadth and scope of the academic life, where one will find his kind as naturallygas Ti water seeks its level? Three times during the session the Academs descend into the Slough of Despond and likewise three times a chosen band, men tried and found to be true and trusty, blithely ascend the Mount of Hope. Examinations come in December, March, and May, and are of paramount importance in academic life, when, unfortunately, many go down. The earnestness and absorption of the students in their work at this time may seem half incredulous to an outsider. A friend passes another in daily work without greeting him; he unintentionally looked over his head or was attempting to solve the physical condition of the earthis interior. The face assumes a hirsute appearance and;- visibly lengthens. On the visages ofIfornier gay youths appear beards o encouraging proportions and a general negligence pervades their whole pres- ence. After the two intermediate trials we find ourselves on the road that leads uninterruptedly to our destination. After a final strain, the eye set in desperation on the goal, every nerve held in a state of tension, we arrive at the much desired end and the session of 1899 and 1900 is finished. He who comes out in the van may well congratulate himself and truthfully say Ti well done, thou good and faithful servant? Let him who has fallen by the wayside, pluck up courage and resolve to- run a straighter course next time. The way is direct and beset with many obstacles, but will and determination can surmount them all. it No endeavor is in vain, Its reward is in the doing. And the rapture of pursuing, Is the prize the vanquished gain. Although the clouds may hang low over many places in academic life, at others the sun shines bright and warm, and spots of pleasure exist. Should he 26