Westminster College - Argo Yearbook (New Wilmington, PA)

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: v - : arco w 1912 ; graduated from Amherst, received his Master ' s Degree at Northwest- ern University and his Ph. D. from Harvard. For two years he con- ducted the work of his department with painstaking care and en- thusiasm. Laboratory equipment was greatly enlarged under Dr. I Inward, and Ids reputation as a careful leader in laboratory work established in a large way. Receiving a Mattering offer from the University of Washington, his relations with Westminster were terminated. Dr. Howard was succeeded in September, 1908, by Prof. Owen W. Mills, M. A., a graduate of Clark University, with Master ' s Degree from the same institution. His preparation for work was secured under the instruction of the eminent Dr. C. F. Hodge of international fame in matters of Biology and Zoology. Under Professor Mills the Biological laboratory has become one of rare completeness, while the character of the work done prepares for the advanced work of the professional schools, and best of all adds a zest to living through the development of powers to observe and appreciate the beauty and wisdom of life functions about us. Modern Languages: The Modern Language courses of West- minster, including French, German and Italian, are of exceptional strength, offering five courses of German, four courses of French, and one in Italian. Training is given by native professional teachers, so that students may expect to have command of the languages studied. Graduates are fitted for modern language work in our High Schools, while those who intend later to study abroad are offered a thorough preparation for any advanced work they may wish to pursue. This department has reached a high standard of excellency under the head- ship of Prof. Anna Hevberger, graduate of the C arl-Ferdinand Uni- versity in Prague. Music and Art: Space forbids an enlarged description of these two departments which are important features of Westminster life. The School of Music, under the leadership of Director W. W. Camp- hell, has no superior in the thoroughness and efficiency of its work and the excellence of equipment. The strength of this assertion is a challenge to investigate. Art likewise is being studied along the line of the high ideals set by Miss Hodgens, who for almost twenty years gave her life to the work. Miss Lucy M. Manley being her worthy successor, and in every way fitted for the broad work of the department. School of Expression : Public speaking as a feature of the De- partment of English receives a large emphasis in the work of the College, it being the aim of this department to fit graduates for leader- ship in public life. Under the direction of Prof. Elbert R. Moses, much attention is given to the preparation and delivery of public dis- course, while important inter-collegiate relations are maintained with 27

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: vw-v ; ARca y csf 1912. ; erected in 1895 through the generosity of Colonel Clark, is in every way fitted for the high grade of work carried on by the department. The Department of Physics: The Department of Physics, as now existing, is an offshoot from the comprehensive department in Natural Science originally under the care of Professor Cummings. The differentiation which began with Chemistry in 18T8 was further extended when the distinctive Department of Physics was instituted m issi and Prof. S. R. Thompson, Ph. D., placed at its head. Pro- fessor Thompson came to the College with the prestige of a successful career behind him, as Principal of Agricultural College in connection with the State University of Nebraska, and afterwards as State Super- intendent of Public Instruction of Nebraska. He came also with sincere love for his Alma Mater and intense enthusiasm for his chosen work. As the crown of his persistent effort came the Mary Thomp- son Science Hall, erected in 1893 from funds furnished by himself and according to plans of his own preparation. This commodious building is now furnished with an amount of apparatus that would do credit to larger institutions. ( )n the death of Professor Thompson, in 189(5, the work was carried on for two years successively by Prof. R. R. Ramsey and Prof. George C. McKee, and for three years, from 1899-1902, by Prof. 1. N. Moore, now the successful head of the s- ' ine department in the Slippery Rock State Normal School. In 1902, Prof. James Abraham Shott, A. M., took up the work of the depart- ment and continued as its efficient head until transferred to the De- partment of Philosophy and Education in 1910. Professor Shott was graduated from Ohio University and received his Master ' s Degree at Harvard. His work was characterized by thoroughness and en- thusiasm. Few men are as broad in their knowledge and as widely read upon different phases of educational life. This fact secured for him for several years a generous share of work in Philosophy and Education, and resulted in his transfer to the headship of the depart- ment bearing that name. Prof. Benjamin W. Rridgman, A. M., from the University of Wisconsin, after one year as the associate of Pro- fessor Shott, is now the head of the Department of Physics. Broad in his scholarship, enthusiastic in his teaching, painstaking in laboratory work, and svmpathetic with the ambitions of his students, the De- partment of Phvsics. under his care, is assured of continued progress along the lines set by the eminent teachers of the past. The Department of Biology: While Professor Thompson in- troduced in a definite way the study of Biology, to Professor Shott must be granted the credit of so emphasizing the work as an adjunct of his department as to make necessary the organization of a special department of Biology and the securing of a Professor for its work. As a result of the breadth and intensity of his work, a chair of Biology and Geology was established in the spring of 1906 and Prof. Arthur Day Howard, Ph. D.. elected to that chair. Professor Howard was 26

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: : ARG 0W 1912 : : other Colleges in both oration and Debating contests. In addition to this a special School of Expression is maintained to tit graduates for platform work as interpreters of literature. Deepening interest re- veals that a large success will be attained by this department of College work. Both pulpit and platform will reflect results. College Location : Westminster was founded at a time when one place was about as good as another for a College, since most towns had to be reached by horseback or wagon. The College has suflered much by not being located on a main line of travel. Time is removing this difficulty. Through trains on the Pennsylvania system are now run between Pittsburg, ( il City and Buffalo, thus allowing travelers from North and South to reach Wilmington Junction without change on three trains daily. With a new State road from the village to the [unction the College will be but ten minutes ' ride by auto bus from the main line of travel, a distance no longer than that between city universities and their city railroad station, with this advantage that the traveler to Westminster will have his ride through one of the most beautiful valleys of the world rather than through the crowded thoroughfares of the city. In the end, therefore, it will be discovered lhat Westminster ' s location is alright and central to the vast population she would serve. In her intellectual, moral and spiritual qualities, as well as material equipment, she is aiming to be the kind of a College that Christian parents should want for their children. The College will do her part toward a great future success. Let the Church in her support do her part as well. 28