Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-06-26

Throngs of alumni of the University
Of Vermont and relatives and friends OF
the members of the graduating class
Invaded the campus at the university
Tuesday to celebrate Alumni day. the
third day of CONNIE nccment week. The
gymnasium was so thoroughly filled
by alumni ut the annual breakfast
held al noon, that there was no room
for the graduating class.
Following the breakfast proper. the
portrait of Dean George Henry Per-
kins, acting president of the uniVer-
sity, and just completing his 5oth year
Of service with the institution, was pre-
scnted - the college by the alumni,
the presentation being made by the
Hon. Darwin p. Kingsley, 81, of the
alumni committee having the matter
in charge The portrait was accepted
on the part of the board of trustees
by the Hon. Ralph A. Stewart '93, who
spoke briefly of the devoted service of
Dean Perkins to the State and uni
versity.
The ceremony was made more i'm
pressive by the method Of unwilling
the portrait. the curtains being drawn
aside by two small Eranddaughters of
Dean Perkins, the Misses Anna and
Harriet Perkins, daughters of Prof. H.
E. Perkins. The portrait itself, which
was painted by earle j. Blenner,
noted artist of New Haven, Conn, and
New York city, created a very favor
able impression among those present
and many complimentary remarks were
heard regarding the painting and it's
detailed likeness to Dean Perkins.
Following the acceptance of the portrait
BY Mr.. Stewart, Dean Perkins himself
was called to the platform, and was
greeted by a rising burst of applause
which lasted several minutes. Bowling in
acknowledgment of the tribute, Dean
Perkins spoke feelingly Of his long as
ISOLATION with the University and pledged
himself to still greater efforts for its
welfare. Following the ceremony, Dean
Perkins was presented with a large bou-
luet Of roses which had been given for
he occasion by the College Street Church
md which rested on his table during the
breakfast.
Throughout the breakfast, there were
continued cheers and songs from the var
ous classes, the classes Of SO and II
eading the joyous proceedings with a
Arge number Of their members on hand
;or the reunions. The class Of 1914. hold
ng it's fifth reunion. had a very unique
headgear worn by all its members, and
displayed considerable spirit Many other
classes were heard from. even the class
Of $50, with only one member present, com
ing in strong on the class yell
PORTRAIT PRESENTED
Darwin p Kingsley, in presenting the
portrait Of Dean Perkins to the Uni
versity spoke very briefly Of the work
which Professor Perkins has done In the
State and in the college. He told in a
pf no 6rat mi q
seen Dean Perkins, who came to speak
IN one of the small district schools of the
State, and who told the people there of
many new things which they had never
thought of before.
1Ir. Kingsley went on to tell of the as
sociations which 1t had been his pleasure
to have with Dean Perkins as a pupil
under his instruction during college.
He put God right into the world for
me- said Mr.. Kingsley.
In his talk, Mr.. Kingsley referred to
Dean Perkins as Little Perk," term
which the boys affectonately called the
professor. and which the instructor never
seemed to resent
1.-THE boys loved that kind Of char
then as they have all through the years,
said the speaker.
lndulgng in retrospection, Mr.. Kings
rich, Torrey and Perkins
II think we may challenge any college
In the United States to show so fine
group Of men who have served through
SO long a time" he said.
Briefly, he told of the efforts which
had been made to select the very bes
portrait painter who could be found t
paint the picture Of Dean Perkins, anC
the painting was then unveiled.
I'VE are not honoring to-day So mucl
the man who has been great in the work
Of letters said Mr.. Kingsley in closing
I'VE are honoring Little Perk,' instructo
and friend the man we love and honor
. simple, useful. great man"
PORTRAIT ACCEPTED
Ralph A. Stewart, accepting the por
trait in behalf Of the trustees of the Uni
veTsity, said in part:
Dean Perkins has been first of all
great teacher, but we have known hin
Is more than that, We have known hin
- a kindly friend and counselor-alway
kind always helpful,
"In behalf Of the University, I CRATE
fully accept this portrait Of this wonder
full teacher. this kindly Christian gentle
man, this longtime friend"
DEAN PERKINS RESPONSE
Dean Perkins, when called to the plat
form, responded fttingly to the man
compliments which had been paid him.
II never felt as l have been feeling to
day except once before" said Dean Per
kins "On the morning of my weddin
day, felt that l was having committe
to my care O treasure which / must kee
and love and cherish To-day have bee
feeling that same way. l must live
higher life, truer lfe, more useful If
because of it. This day will sink II
memory into my heart"
In retrospect, he said
II remember nearly all the student
who have been in my classes. There wer
less students in the whole institutio
when / came hero than there are In tn
present graduating class. There were onl
six members on the faculty then"
When Dean Perkins had finished. NJ
Kingsley said:
at has been said that 20 years take
out of mans life leaves very little. Her
is a man out of whose life the State an
the University have taken 30 years. an
you can tell that there Is lot left"
BRIEF SPEECHES FOLLOW
In the absence of both the presider
and the vice-president Of the Alumni al
eociation. 40 speaking program had bee