Wilmington College - Wilmingtonian Yearbook (Wilmington, OH)

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The First Steps In the early seventies a body of Friends in Southwestern Ohio began to know their own strength as an organization and keenly realized that their own and other young people would be greatly helped by an institution for higher education. As this conviction deepened and suitable circumstances were afforded, the Disciples’ Church placed on sale the beautiful grounds and unfinished buildings in Wilmington, Ohio; thus, Wilmington College came into being. The first graduation class in 1875: Elma C. Doster, Aaron J. Hunt, Hannah A. Lewis, and Ellen C. Wright began to carry out the noble ideals of truth, faith, courage, and vision for which Wilmington College was established. : 2 i

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Path of Knowledge

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Steps lead on: a dormitory for men called South Hall was built and the first observatory, a telescope paid for by the students and made by the boys, was used to view the heavens. School spirit, college songs, colors of green and white, and the “rock” symbolize the Spirit of Wilmington that we know today, but do you know that these stepped into the pattern of Wilmington College life between 1900 and 1910? In the same momentous stride came Bailey Hall, Twin Ash Hall, the Y organizations and the brick observatory. Science and home economics departments were added, a new gymnasium graced the campus, and Denver Memorial Dormitory for women was built; all these steps towards the success of Wilmington College. There was success in other things in the 1930’s too — financial gain. Campaigns were carried on then, as now, for building funds which were raised and used most profitably for the enhancement and advancement of the campus and curriculum. Transition and progress have been imprinted in the paths trod by Wil- mington Coll ege within the last decade and a half. Football no longer re- mained; but a spirit for music was introduced and welcomed as a cultured friend. A labored-for goal has been attained in Wilmington’s becoming a member of the American Association of Teachers Colleges. A successful campaign for the living endowment has been conducted. A beautiful new library building was erected, an accomplishment of which we may all be proud. During the last decade this institution has arrived at a long strived for goal: Wilmington College has been admitted to Ohio College Association and North Central Association of Colleges. Lately a state wide organization to promote a Townsend Memorial Building has been launched and has already achieved much. Looking back over the steps of the past decades we readily become con- scious of the pace set by Wilmington College. Using that same pace, we lead on into the future striving for greater talent, greater zest, and greater excellence than ever before —step by step on we go; ivied walls, books, and stately buildings.