The Denver star., 1915-07-03

Famous SchooI-Dr. G. N. p. King
as Pionssr Educator.
Richmond, Va.-The Virginia Union
university in this city begins its fifty
first year under favorable circum-
stances. The recent graduation ex-
ercises, commencement week and the
celebration Of the fiftieth anniversary
Of the founding of the schools merged
a few years ago to form the present
institution, were a big event The bac-
calaureate sermon was delivered by
the Rev. B. F. McWilliams of the class
Of 1900. The Rev. Mr.. McWilliams is
the successful minister of flourishing
Baptist church at Toledo.
The address to the graduating class
was delivered by Professor John B.
Terrell, whose subject was Works
Rather Than Books Define Education"
DR.. George Rice Hovey, president of
the university, awarded diplomas to
the following named students:
E. E. Bassette, ]. II. Baynham, H. T.
Brown, ]. II. Brown, w. r. Brown, 9.
S. Campbell. l. D. Canada, Clinton
Clarke. r. NJ. Fields, Nathaniel Gibson.
c. A. Howell, G. w. Lindsay, R. T.
Mccoy, I. L. Puryear, w. l. Ransome
NJ. II. Scott, Ramsey Taliaferro, ]. II.
Tolson. J. w. L. Underwood, D. B. VIII
liams and ]. 7. Wright
A new course instituted in the acad
emy this school year was a Sunday
school teacher training class. under the
auspices of the International Sunday
School association. Professor w. j.
Clarke, dean Of the theological depart
ment Of the Virginia Union university.
founder and teacher of this new course.
presented certificates to the following
work: II. II. Lawson, b. ID. Thompson,
]. II. Baynham, N. d. Montgomery. P.
G. Bailey. H. 4. Brown and w. L.
Craig.
At the semicentennial celebration his
torical addresses were delivered by DR..
Hovey, members Of the faculty and by
several alumni In giving the history
Of the university the speakers made the
following facts manifest:
Virginia Union university Is com
prised OF Institutions founded in two
cities. Washington and Richmond.
The National Theological seminary
and university was founded in 1865
in Washington. but was later called
Wayland seminary under the presi-
dency of DIR. G. NJ. +. King. In Rich
mond DIR. Binney's school was founded
In 1865; this was converted into the
Colver institute in 1867 and later the
Richmond Theological institute. In
1899 the American Baptist Home Mis-
sionary society decided to unite Way
land seminary of Washington to Rich
mond Theological seminary, this city.
and as a result Virginia Union univer-
sity was esta ablished.
In the general anniversary exercises
addresses were delivered by Hon. J.
Taylor EllysOn, lieutenant governor:
DR.. J. A. G. Chandler, superintendent
Richmond public schools: DIR. ]. II. Dill
lard agent of the Slater and Jeanes
educational funds, and Major X. Il.
Motion. commandant at the Hampton
(Va) institute One OF the most inter
esting meetings OF the week was the
one at which reports from the gradu-
ates OF the school were rendered in re-
gard to their personal progress since
graduation. Every alumnus made an
encouraging address, telling of the sue
cess achieved since his departure from
his alma mater.
The finals of the college and theO-
logical departments ended the COM
mencement week. President Hovey
presented the following named men
diplomas for the degree Of bachelor Of
arts: A. w. Adkins, G. w. Buckner.
J. c. Grant. G. A. Lindsay. r. b. Tay
Ior, B. d. Thompson. Those for the de-
gree OF bachelor of divinity were G
II. Malloy, N. d. Oyerinde and II. A.
Rogers. w. II. Gray was awarded the
degree of bachelor of theology, while
the following received diplomas from
the theological department: ]. F. Gar
nett, G. w. King and H. H. Overbey.
Messrs. A. w. Adkins, B. d. Thompson
and N. d. Oyerinde received prizes for
the best essays on "Self Help"
For the next school year the faculty
will be strengthened by the addition Of
two new chairs. William Nelson Col
son, A. B.. has accepted the chair OF
social study. He will have classes In
this, as well as direct the practical
part Of this line Of work among the
colored people Of Richmond and VI
cinity. Mr.. Colson has recently com
pleted the course OF sociological studies
at Columbia university. During the
past year he did efficient work in New
York city under the direction Of the
Urban League.
The second chair established Is that
OF physical culture. which will be oc-
cupied by Mr.. W. r. Robinson of
Fisk and Howard universities. As
athletic director he will hnve super
vision over all the university sports