Ursinus College - Ruby Yearbook (Collegeville, PA)

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 Ursinus College URSI M'S COl.I.KC.K is the direct outgrowth of Freeland Seminary, a school founded in 1848. by the Rev. A braham Hunsicker, for the higher education of young, men. This school continued to flourish for twenty years, during which time more than four thousand young men 'were educated within its walls. In 1868. a body of men. moved by a desire to establish a college of higher learning, met in the city of Philadelphia and resolved to found an institution where the youth of the land can be liberally educated under the benign influence of Christianty. In keeping with this purpose they chose as the name of their college that of one of the great reformers and scholars of the Reformation period. I’RSIS US, of the University of Heidelberg in (ier-many, because in his teachings were embodied the principles and ideals that were to permeate the life and spirit of this new institution. These men set to work at once to obtain a charter, ami an act to incorporate Ursinus College was granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania on February 5. 1869. 'he corporation was organized in Philadelphia. February U), 1869, and the Board of Directors immediately thereafter purchased the property of Freeland Seminary and opened the doors of Ursinus College for instruction. September 6. 1870. The College continued as an institution for young men until 1881 'when young women were also admitted, and since then Ursinus has taken her place among the co-educational institutions of our country. While the original barter besto'ws upon the College full University rights ami privileges, it is the policy of the institution to pursue its work sir idly within the scope and sphere of a first-class college, leaving the work belo'w the college grade to the preparatory and fitting schools ami that above the college to the universities and graduate schools. Although one of the younger colleges of the state, Ursinus very early adopted the group system of study as a basis of her educational program, and the broad vision that those men had who at that time were shaping the policy of the institution is attested by the fact that today the group system, in more or less modified form, is found in vogue in most of the colleges and universities not only of the state but throughout the entire country. The faculty is composed of men and women who have been trained in the best universities in this country and abroad and are chosen because of their character, scholarship and teaching ability. Ursinus has always maintained a high standard and kept pace with the advancement of higher learning and scientific investigation. 1 he College is democratic in spirit and progressive in her educational policy. Evaluated by the standardizing educational agencies the college ranks A in grade and her graduates have always given a good account of themselves in every field of activity and service. The institution is religious, but non-denominational, Christian, but non-sectarian. Dean W. A. Kmne Twenty-four

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t Dean of Women’s Message Till! position of Dean of II'omen has been in existence at I'rsinus College for only one year, lint in introducing it, I'rsinus is in line with the prod ice of other standard institutions, many of which have in addition to their academic deans, deans of men as well as deans of women. The prevalence of such officers implies for them a recognized sphere of usefulness. The Dean of Women is a connecting link between the Administration, the faculty, and the students, and so should be of assistance in welding them into a united whole. Her relations with the Women’s Self-Government Association, the moving force in the social and governmental activities of the women students, are therefore close. In the achie'eements of this organization she takes pride; for all its activities she has a sympathetic interest. She recognizes the Young Worntn’s Christian Association as a potent factor for good, and with it, and with all other valuable student undertakings, she gladly co-operates. She represents also the world of women college graduates 'who are today sharing in many and diverse interests. She brings to the undergraduate a contact with these experiences, and information which may be of value to them in planning their own future vocations. The Dean of Women at I'rsinus College desires earnestly to meet the primary requirement of her position, to be of use. She hopes to establish with the girls of the college relations based upon mutual confidence, understanding, and respect, so that they may work together, with patience and goodwill, for the physical, mental, and spiritual health, for the happiness, and for the success of the I'rsinus woman. Ei.izabkth B. W'uitk Twenty-six $ I 9 5