Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-05-02
COLBY UNIVERSITY.

ANNUAL REUNION OF THE ALUMNI AT THE
REVERE House.
The annual reunion of the alumni of Colby
University, or Waterville College, as its older
graduates were accustomed to call their Alma Ma
ter, was held at the Revere House, Friday evening.
Though the attendance not so large had
been expected, on account of the unfavorable
weather, a numerous company Of ladies and gen.
temen were present to enjoy the occasion. An
excellent dinner was served at o'clock, grace be-
fore meat being said by the Rev. DR.. Magoun of
Philadelphia, and after the inner man had been
satisfied, the Hon. Henry w. Paine, the president
of the evening, introduced the post prandial pro-
ceedings in some pleasant remarks. For himself
he testified to his satisfaction with this testimonial
of the affection of the alumni for Alma Mater
With him, that affection had grown warmer and
more tender ever year and, he grew older he
more frequently inclined to wander back in
memory to that oasis period in life, when there was
no thought of trouble in years to come. He paid
beautiful tribute to the memory of the venerable
man who was the first President of Waterville
College, and to whose self sacrifice and entire de-
voton the University so large ly owes its existence
to-day. The history of the institution briefly
noted to the present day, when, thanks to the mu-
nIhcent hberahty of one gentleman, the college
rejoices in such degree of prosperity. lie hoped
that his example might be followed by many
Others and that Alma Mater might, in the years
to come, show a largely increasing success in all
her work. With graceful compliment, Mr..
Paine called up the first speaker of the evening,
ex President Chaplin.
DIR. Chaplin, after disclaimng any purpose of
making TO NAL speech, touched modestly upon
his work as Professor and President for thirty-tw
years, to which Mr.. Paine had alluded saving
that he had only sriven to accomplish the duty Of
each day as 1t presented itself. Speaking to so
many whom he had known as students, he ex-
pressed his pleasure at seeing how the graduates
of the college delighted in renewing the ties of
affection which bind them to Alma Mater. Next
10 the brotherhood of religion, the fellowship of
| learning Is most ennobllng; and he was glad that
the alumni, by these social reunions, could keep
alive from year TO year this interest and affection
for the college and all which she had taught
them Mr. Paine then called upon, as a worthy
successor to Chaplin and Champln, the Rev. Dr.
Robbins, President of Colby, who made an ear
nest address, calling to mind the noble character
Tor integrity and honesty possessed by the old
graduates of Waterville. 1t had given him new
hope and courage in his work TO find that the
graduates are ready to give their sympathy and
their material help for the college. DR.. Robbins
cited the recent gift of $1,000 from Mr.. Paine
| towards the renovation Of South Collepe-a work
which all graduates should help. DR.. Robbins
thought that the university had made progress all
along the line. Its students, since his accession TO
the presidency, had increased from ffty-two to
ninety-two. More than this there is to be noted
~ in Maine, but in other States. The students
themselves show woncerful development of a
corps d'esprit, which not only fosters love of
knowledge for its own sake, and tends to improve
greatly the quantity and quality of work done,
but makes possible the growth in moral and re.
ligious culture which the college specially desires.
Fitting reference made to the importance of
personal teaching on the part Of the living teach
er, who If his soul burns with love for his work,
can exert an iniluerce upon young men which is
felt during life. Finally, the President referred
TO the progress in the moral and religious tone of
the college, of which he spoke in earnest language
and commended the cause OF the University with
its present needs, to every one of the alumni. The
establishment of a gymnasium; the renovation of
the South College, the foundation of prizes and
of system of postgraduate fellowshps, and Of
an endowed professorship Of history and its phil.
osophy, were especially noted
The Rev. DR.. Magoun Of Philadelphia made a
pleasant address, showing his interest in Colby
and his desire for her continued prosperity, after
which the Rev. DIR. Lorimer Of the Temple Church
was called upon. lie expressed his pleasure that
Colby should have always held in special care the