Wheaton College - Nike Yearbook (Norton, MA)

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ca. 1966 oa ‘we — 9 0) ver the years, Wheaton has extensively expanded. The 1920's and 30's saw Kilham and Metcalf dormi- tories Open as well as the remodeling of the Doll's House and the class- room buildings. The campus was once again renovated in the late 1950's and early 1960's by the addi- tion of New Campus. Since the early 1920's the faculty, college facilities, and student body had expanded to the current ratios. Throughout Wheaton’s 150 year history, it has continuously dedicated itself to pro- viding women with a thorough liberal arts education. The college has made an attempt to adapt itself to the nu- merous Changes in a progressing so- ciety. Its main goal has always been to prepare women to meet the chal- lenges of a modern society. FATHER’S WEEKEND 1961 FATHER’S WEEKEND 1960 FATHER’S WEEKEND 191 When speaking of the Wheaton family, the dedication and the contri- butions of Dr. Parks should not be overlooked. Reverend Parks was elected President in 1926 with eigh- teen years of service to follow. He was a warm, brilliant, and articulate man well remembered for his many speeches and addresses to the Whea- ton community. He was not a re- moved figure from the community, in that he took every opportunity to reach out to Wheaton on spiritual, intellectual, and leadership matters. Regardless of the attention he com- manded from other schools, he was completely dedicated in his commit- ment to Wheaton. He did much to enhance the physical beauty of the campus, leaving behind our well known Peacock Pond. He aided in the establishment of the Kappa chap-

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GOLF CLASS - ca. 1955 the 39 original students enrolled in 1832. By 1911, Dr. Cole realized that the seminary could better promote wom- en’s education by making Wheaton into a college. Mrs. Wheaton had al- ways dreamed of escalating Wheaton to a collegiate status, but because of limited funds, had not been able to obtain a charter. In 1911, however, the situation was very different. Alumnae funding and increased en- rollment gave Wheaton the financial support it needed. Under Dr. Cole's careful nurturing, the seminary was elevated to collegiate standing in 1912. LACROSSE ARCHERY CLASS ca. 1956 VOLLEYBALL Dr. Cole achieved much in his presidency. His belief in equipping women with the education to meet problems in later life is a theme still manifested on the contemporary Wheaton campus. The increased concentration on academics, the ex- pansion of the campus (by 1925, Chapin, Larcom, Emerson, Cragin, and Stanton dormitories had been built as well as the library, gymnasi- um, and chapel), and the collegiate status combined to provide the building blocks for the modern cam- pus. Since Dr. Cole had begun the tradition of naming important build- ings after influential college members FENCING CLASS -1955 and supporters, it seemed only fitting that the beautiful Cole Chapel was thus designated after a man who in- fluenced the college in such a monu- mental way. The end of the 19th century brought about changes to the cam- pus. The students were able to partic- ipate in the newly formed Psych Society as well as the publications Rishlight and the lesser known, The Flower and the Leaf. Social events became more common. Sewing Bees, Biblical meetings, and candy-making were very popular with the young women.

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ter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1932, and he brought new approaches and enthu- siasm to the selection of faculty and courses. The depression of the 1930's brought about new worries to Whea- ton as it did to colleges nationwide, but with the proper management of finances, Dr. Parks maintained the high quality of life at Wheaton. Loans and scholarships assisted needy stu- dents and the campus saw the addi- tion of a new administration building, the nursery school, the student alum- nae building, the new library wing and the science building. All of these were completed before the onset of the war. With assets and all debts paid, Wheaton College continued to grow despite the difficult time during the war. Dr. Parks retired in 1944, but his character and contributions live on in lasting memorials at Wheaton and in the heart of those to whom he touched over the years. Dr. Meneely was appointed to presidency in Au- gust, 1944 following the term of Dr. Parks. As a past history professor, he undertook his new responsiblity with enthusiasm. Dr. Meneely now faced the position of leading the college out of postwar economics. While the curriculum and faculty committee re - organized, he focused on financial needs, mainly of the faculty. His ad- ministration made many changes, in- cluding modernization, the appointment of new officials and the vote in 1955 to enlarge and expand campus facilities. For instance, dor- mitories, a dining hall, and a newly awaited art center were among the additions. His task was to maintain ARRIVAL - ca. 1964 i j 7 SKI CLASS IN THE DIMPLE - 1964 the traditions of Wheaton’s past while keeping the pace with the new and upcoming changes in every facet of campus life. His successful term is one that has left its mark at Wheaton in meaningful and lasting ways. In the post-war period, Wheaton received an unusually large amount of applications. This increase was at- tributed to a growing birth rate and the overall heightened desire of American youth to gain quality for an education. Thus, the Wheaton trust- ees again realized that it was time to expand. It was the general consensus that a larger student body would en- able Wheaton to maximize its faculty and offer a broader range of course study. However, at the same time, concern was raised regarding the overall nature of the Wheaton cam- pus. Founded on the premise that a smaller school would instill a more personal interaction between students and faculty, members of the Wheaton community felt that the expansion would lead to the loss of the teacher- student communication. After care- ful deliberation, the trustees finally agreed upon an equitable plan. This satisfied the needs of the Wheaton campus. ee.