The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-07-03
THE YEARS WORK AT LoM-
BARD.

BARD.
The UNIvERsALIsT of last week
contained an extended report of the
thirty-first annual commencement of
Lombard University. AS our readers
will gather from that report, it was
pleasant and profitable commencement,
and, on the whole, encouraging to the
alumni and friends of the school. While
the attendance from abroad was not as
large as in former years, it was perhaps
more representative of the University.
The alumni were represented more
generally than on several commence
ments of recent years, and although the
graduating class was below the average
in number, the excellent material of
which it was made up, as evinced in
the really able and thoughtful essays
and orations, warrants the hope of its
future distinction. Lombard enters
upon the first year of its fourth decade
assured beyond doubt of the devotion
of its alumni, and with many hopeful
features growing out of the work of
last year. Among these we may specify
as distinguishing features:
1. The steady increase of the Endow-
ment Fund, as revealed in the reports
to the Board of Trustees. Some $8, 900
have been added to this fund since the
commencement of 1885. The income
of the University is also represented as
having increased $4,000.
2. Large and valuable additions have
been made to the library, including the
gift of the Otis A. Skinner library, by
the Sunday-school of the Church of the
Redeemer, Chicago, and the valuable
collection of books recently presented
by Rev. DIR. Manley. We are also en-
abled to say this week that the library
of Rev. DR.. Ellis goes to Lombard, by
the thoughtful decision of Mrs. Ellis.
. 8. The constantly growing interest of
the alumni in the welfare of the Uni
versity, the manifestation of which was
so marked a feature of commencement
week. This is one of the most hope
full signs. The earlier graduates of the
institution are now among its patrons.
This interest and devotion of the alum
nj will bear rich fruit hereafter. 1t will
bring students and funds to Lombard.
The honored alma mater will be Loyalty
remembered.
4. The growing interest of the public
and friends of the University, as mani
tested by valuable gifts to the museum
and laboratory; and,
5. The decided increase of the schol-
arly spirit and growing appreciation
of high literary attachments distin-
gushing the students, and which was
eminently characteristic of the grad
uating classes of the present year. This
feature is marked, decisive. The Lom-
bard students are at the institution for
work and not play, and under the care
of the faithful professors, they are de-
veloping higher standard of scholar
ship and love of general learning,
from year to year.
The establishment of the Divinity
School has also been of decided advan-
tage to the institution. 1t gives it not
only an added Importance, but brings it
nearer to the church and more directly
to the attention of the people. Many
will become acquainted with Lombard
University mainly through the influ-
ence of the Divinity School. 1t must
help largely, in the future, to advance
the interests of the University of which
it is now part.
These are some of the distinguishing
features of the years work at Lom-
bard, and on which it's friends may base
encouragement for the future. That
the University is doing good work, all
who know anything Of its interior
workings will cheerfully testify. Its
one great need is students. Shall it not
have an increased patronage, even if
some other schools under the so-called
evangelical influence, are made poorer
by the withdrawal of the patronage of
Universalists ?
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