New-York tribune., 1909-06-02
COOPER UNIONS WORK
BEGINS COMMENCEMENT.
Half Century Anniversary Cele-
brdted at Same Time.

Cooper Union began its annual commencement
exercises yesterday. It happens that this is the
half century anniversary Of the establishment Of
that institution and graduates. most OF the stu
dents and their brothers and sisters and friends
wandered through the building last night, inspected
the exhibits of work in the classes and laughed
and chartered happily as If most OF them
wouldn't have to go work this morning. instead
OF taking three months vacation until study
time around again
The chief difference between Cooper Union
students and the hundreds who are finishing their
work at other institutions these days is that the
Cooper Unionites mostly work hard for living
and study along lines which Will help them to
earn that living easier and better One striking
example OF that was shown to visitors with much
pride by Charles r. Richards. the director last
night 1t was a clay figure, modelled from life by
Anthony de Francisco. youth OF twenty. whose
only instruction has been gained in the Cooper
Union classes This figure took a special prize
Francisci is terra Gotta worker, who studies
here nights said Mr.. Richards Yet, here's a
piece of work from him which would stand up
with anything at the academy"
Another example of the work OF the night classes
TO which Mr.. Richards called attention full
length female figure. modelled by Ulysses Ricci
which won trustees silver medal Ricci also
took silver medal for a bust from life, twelve
hours study
The annual report Of the institution made
public last night. 1t Mr.. Richards called atten
ton to the urgent need nf funds enable the trIs
tees to erect new building the site of the old
seth Regiment armory. which the city has leased
to Cooper Union for nnety-nine years at 500 a
year.
At the beginning of the Unions year applications
were received from 1873 persons who wished TO
enter its classes. Accommodations could be pro-
vided for only 3,136. The trustees want 100000
for the new building, which would accommodate a
student body OF five thousand If the present build
ing were turned TO the classes, the library
and tie Cooper Union Museum-a little known IN
stitution. which has what Mr. Richards says
IS the finest collection OF textiles in the world.
In the proposed new building would be the SCI
ence casses-chemistry electricaE mechanical and
civil engineering and the like. On this subject
Mr. Richards in his report says;
Upon such new building the progress OF Cooper
Union materially depends. in other way the
institution meet the full demands upon it, In no
other way can II move forward to perform second
half century OF service commensurate with the first
II was expected when the armOry property was
acquired that the expenditure OF moderate amount
poses but subsequent investigation has made IL evil
dent that the building is in such condition that
this is impractiCable and that q new building Is
necessary in order to utilize the site.
To provide such a building VIII require FUNDS 70
the extent Of something like 100000 an amount
that is beyond the resources OF the corporation i'm
yond what be raised when the needs OF the
work and the immense extension possible are fully
understood by the public
I'm fifty years we've grown to the point where
further development hinges getting this new
building" Mr. Richards said last night. 1t is evil
dent from this exhibition and the number Of appI-
cations for admission the classes what the public
thinks OF Isbors her. Now want 10 get the
money continue and expand our work