Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-22
GATHER TO HONOR !
THEIR ALMA MATER
Alumni of GaIlaudet College
Taking Part in Semi-Cen-
tenniaI Exercises.
PROMINENT EDUCATORS
MAKE ADDRESSES TODAY
Bust and Life-Size Portrait Of
a. Founder of the Institution
Unveiled Today.

Unveiled 1OQdy.
Gallaudet College ie today celebrat-
ing the semi-centennial of its exist
ence More than ESQ alumni. including
two members of the first class to be
graduated. assembled in tie college
chapel this morning, where they were
addressed by DR.. Edward NJ. Gallaudet,
founder and for long time president
Of the college: by Secretary Lane OF
the Interior Department. by DIR. Percf-
val Hail. president of the college. and
by Jay c.. Howard. president of the
Alumni Association.
The two oldest alumni are John B.
Hotchkiss and James H. Logan, who
received their diplomas in 1869. Mr..
Logan tomorrow is to receive the de-
gree Of doctor of science.
A pretty scene was enacted when the
alumni grouped on the lawn about the
statue of DIR. Thomas Hopkins Gal
laudet. "benefactor, teacher, friend"
paying honor to the man who founded
the first school for the deaf in the
1917, and who is known the. father
OF normal schools throughout the
country. He was the father of the
founder Of Gallaudet College. His
NAL Of his birth by the deaf of the
United States. 1t is the work of DAN
iel c. French. and considered by many
art critics to be one of his best
achievements.
To Further His Fathers Work.
1t was to further the good work his
father started and as a memorial TO
his mother. who had been one of his
Ar ilu <hat nr
ward NJ. Gallaudet established the
unique institute at Kendall Green.
Another member of the family who
also has been an apostle to the ceaf
ID Thomas H. Gallaudet. jr., an Epis-
copal missionary to the deaf, and rec
tor for many years of St. Anne's in
New York.
One of the striking decorations of
the college chapel during the exercises
today was bust of President Garfield.
also by French. Members of the alumni
recalled the many benefactions of Gar
member Of Congress and later as Pres
tdent of the United States.
dwelling of Memorials.
"A bust Of Dr. Gallaudet, modelled by a
former pupil. and a life-size portrait
OF the founder of the institution. paint
ed by his son -in-law, were unveiled
during the chapel exercises by Miss
Dora Campbell of the class of 1914.
The exercises were presided over by
Jay Cooke Howard of Duluth. presi-
vocation was by Rev James Cloud of
St. Louis. President Howard called
attention to the fact that it is not only
the fiftieth anniversary of the found
ing of the college. but the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the organizatio of the
alumni association. He said he was
speaking for the greatest body of deaf
men in the world and wanted to give
amour. of good it is doing for the deaf
throughout the world.
DR.. Percival Hall. president of the
college, said he was very glad to be
able to greet them as a fellow-alum-
nus. He spoke particularly of the
work that has been done by the gradu-
ates of the normal course in teaching
others afflicted with deafness, and said
course to increase this benefac tion and
open. larger field to the young
woman graduates. The most urgent
needs of the college. he pointed out,
are a new building for women and a
new building for recitation rooms. He
said the largest class in the history
b.rins hfty. 'A'' NUM-
The growth of the institution" he
said, and the value of the work done
depend on the interest taken by you
alumni and the interest you force the
state institutions to take in our coll
lege. He called attention to what the
alumni have done in endowment funds
Tor the benefit Of needy pupils and
urged the members to send all the
deaf they could to get the advantages
from the college course.
DR.. Gallaudet's Address.
Dr. Gallaudet said he came to give
most hearty welcome to his old boys
and girls. Some of you are now over
seventy he commented The first
class graduated in 1869, and one of the
boys of that year told me last night
that he is now seventy-one. but you
are all boys and girls to me-"
He urged the graduates to remember
ana live up to the teachings they re-
ceived in their college course. He
said that now he Is merely president
emeritus to them. and that the duties
OF that ONCE seem to be merely to
rest. but that he is always keenly in
terested in their advancement and sue
cess. He urged them to go into the
second half of the century with the
obstacles that they have shown dur
ing the first half. just completed.
Secretary Lane said. in part:
The bravest sight in all this world
~ ooo a against OOQS.
Like Helen Kellar, fighting her way
upward out Of lonesome darkness. slow
ly rising step by step on the golden
runged ladder of imagination out of
voiceless. colorless. hideous world
into one of friendships. purposes and
duties. Such as these are our heroes
You who are handicapped have tri-
umphed and we wish a share in your
triumph. Nature has put her hand on
your ears and dared YOU You hav.
bravely taken up the challenge and have
Won. Now you have come back to alma
mater having foiled mischevious nature
and We say to You you have made good
Overcome Natures Handicap.
Mature intended that you should no,
know what I am saying. but you are read
ing my thoughts. What spirit was it that
prompted you to learn those things thai
nature intended you should not know 1,
was the same spirit that has actuated all
those who have fought and ruled oul
world.
Your progress Is a symbol of our civil.