fare of their Alma Mater. The Rev. Dr. Colfelt, in his leply to
a toast, expressed in a few words what was fully realized by those
who knew “ State ” as she now is. He said: “ It is high time that
the Alumni of Pennsylvania State College cease apologizing for the
existence of the institution or concealing the fact that they have
been among her students.” There is abundant reason for pride.
The older graduates are now apologizing for not having followed
the College through her recent successful career, and for not
having kept themselves posted on the magnitude of her present
power and influence among educational institutions of the United
States.
The Blue and White was much in evidence amidst the hand
some decorations of the dining hall, and while the numerous
courses of the menu were being served the most welcome strains
of mandolins and guitars emanated from behind a bank of grace
ful palms. When W. E. Gray, ’B3, arose to intoduce the pro
gramme of toasts provided for the occasion, every tongue was
silenced and every ear was turned to hear the first speaker, His
Excellency, Daniel H. Hastings, Governor of Pennsylvania, who
bespoke for our College a future of which the present grand achieve
ment is the mere foundation or corner-stone. The Governor’s
eloquent address and assurance of his deep interest in the welfare
of ' ‘ State ’' were received with very hearty applause. Dr.
Nathan C. Schaeffer, Supt. of Public Instruction, next congratu
lated the Alumni in having at the head of the College a president
whose conception of the education for a commonwealth is com
mensurate with the grand interests of the State of Pennsylvania, for
it has been by the instigation and heroic persistency of Dr. Ather
ton that the laboratories and other facilities have been placed upon
our beautiful campus to offer instruction in engineering and
scientific subjects without neglecting corresponding improvement
in the other fundamental lines of work for which the College was
wisely established. Dr. Atherton never speaks of the State
College without filling the hearts of her friends with an intense
love for the institution which he has cherished in his great heart
for the last fifteen years, and when he intimated what was his
conception for her future, every Alumnus congratulated himself
that he would always be numbered among her sons,
In the absence of Gen. Jas. A. Reaver, another trustee who has
labored most efficiently and continuously for the College through
all her growing years arose to respond to the toast, Our Trustees.
The Free Lance.
[June,