Upsala College - Upsalite Yearbook (East Orange, NJ)

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DR. PETER HENRY PEARSON led his last Academic pro- cession at the Commencement exercises in June, nine- teen hundred and forty. Dr. Pearson served on the Upsaia faculty :15 Professor of English for hfteen years. He was famed as a Shakesperian scholar. Dr. Pearson died in July, nineteen hundred and forty. COMMENCEMENTeThe day which marks the end of the college careers for some sixty seniors has finally arrived. The graduates as- semble in front of the library building to form the academic procession. It is always impressive to hear the trumpet announce the procession and to see the two long lines of gowned figures approach. The under- graduates look longingly at the Senior class One Hundred Forty-rigbl and Wish they might take their places in that line While most any senior would gladly give up his place on that fair June morning in order to repeat the four years of fun and study again. The Faculty leads the proces- sion but somehow they never can seem to keep in step with each other. They take their places on the platform and the Class of 1940 respectively seats itself in front of them.

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and actually wounded Dominici, fortunately without the audience,s notice. The plot of the patres seemed a complete success however and for the time being it looked as though they would realize their Backstage business dream. But, unfortunately, the abductor re- turned at just the wrong time to present his bill and everything was back just where it had started from. Only this time it was the young people Who were at odds and the fathers who were friends. The young man, thwarted in his attempts at heroism, set out to seek real adventure only to return a sadder but Wiser man. Like- wise his beloved became wiser with ex- perience and thus ended the play, happily as all comedies do. Curtain spelled farewell to Upsala,s foot- lights for three of the cast who had served long and well in the ranks of the Viking thespians. They took their linal bows not so much with the appreciation of distinguished dramatists but with the satisfaction that goes to those who know that they have done a job well. For the rest of the actors it was a glorious conclusion to one year. They had a great time struggling to get the show ready. They remember the things the audience can never appreciate: how Banks nailed himself inside the wall while building the set and had to practically destroy his handiwork be- fore he could get out; how Bill King was nearly crushed by the same wall in changing the set; how the microphones, strung across the stage on loose wires, picked up the clash- ing of the swords in the dueling scene, and supplied sound effects similar to those of an air raid. Don Steele, of the class of 1935, came back to direct the play and our sincerest apprecia- tion goes to this loyal Upsalan whose ties With his college remain unbroken by the years. LEVITAS, Character actor One Hundrzd Forty-sevm

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SAMUEL GREENLY, anmz'irtorian, delivers Commence- ment address tiThere Are Stairs Ahead was the topic of Dr. Felix Bensonk address to the graduates The professors look down on the class and they must contrast each individual as fresh- man and as he is before them-about to re- ceive his degree. The Seniors in turn reflect back on what they have learned and What they have accomplished during the four years and are grateful to those who have led and inspired them. Dr. Lawson comes to the rostrum and in- troduces the valedictorian, Sam Greenly, Who speaks for the graduating class, expressing for them their mingled feelings and last fare- well. The Commencement speaker, Rev. Dr. 0. A. Benson, a graduate of Upsala, the Class of 1912, rises and addresses the class. His topic was, There are Stairs Ahead? The final and culminating event of the day is the awarding of the degrees. Each graduate marches on to the platform, receives his diploma and academic hood. He is now en- titled to write B.A. after his name. The class rises simultaneously to sing the Alma Mater and its college days are over. There but remains the congratulations of proud parents and friends and not to be for- gotten the Senior Reception. Fond memories Will always linger as the Class of 1940 takes its place in the ranks of the Alumni and the Class of 1941 steps up to take its place. Dr. Lawson congratulates Adele Hjerpe upon her graduation One Hundred Forly-nine