The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-03
M E N " Q M E N
 A ND T HIN G s

nave been going to Howard college commencements for years, but I un- hesltatingly say that the one closing on Wednesday was in many respects the best I have ever witnessed. I Say this because it was so unsuspected.
 
 There is no use trying to hide the fact that for several months past there were disagreements among the govern ing and student bodies which made the situation, to say the least, of it, most unhappy; but it ds not my pur- pose to reopen question which to a large extent has been composed
 Knowing these facts, however, l Esomehow dreaded the closing exercises, as I feared that a damper would be cast over the faculty. the trustes. the graduating class, the patrons and the public. It was therefore most pleas ant to find that such was not the case, but that everything went off with en- thusiasm. There was a gala air about the whole proceedings which was most refreshing,
 
 think I know something about am an expert 'commencerite," if such word be permissible to man who takes many liberties with his mother tongue; but should any one take offense, please be kind enough to bear in mind that I have not yet had time to get over my commencement spree, which began nearly month back, and will probably last a few weeks longer.
 Having said this, l now make the announcement that for quiet dignity and good form, the Howard com mencement was noteworthy, and par ticularly so as it was in the hands of young men, who, while they have made their mark in the educational world, have not as yet, to use French term, arrived" in that they have not been promoted to the highest prizes offered in collegiate circles.
 From the invocation by pr. Hen dricks to the benediction by Dr. Rush. brooke the exercises were most inn pressive. Some people object to the wearing of. the cap and gown by presi- ident, professors and graduating class, custom. as for the moment it certainly adds just that needed touch which separates the college life from the busy outside world with its every day back, when in a sister city, the ques- ton was warmly debated of the grad uating class in the high school wear ing evening dress that I sided with those who frowned upon such an inno- vation.
 Dean Eagles and Professors Dawson and Burns, who took an active part in the closing exercises, went through their duties with grace and ease. I never saw diplomas presented so sfra> ply, yet so impressively. have been told by some of my younger friends that it is now the custom for some maidens to roll their stockings" but whe ther it be true or not this deponent answereth not. All that I can say is that rolling diplomas is out of style, for they were delivered at the Howard flat. small thing, it is true. but an innovation in the collegiate world, so far as I know.
 The music of the orchestra was good, the solo of Professor Erickson fine ana the baccalaureate address of pr. Kess- Ter of Vanderbilt university most ln- spring; but to me the most touching thing of all was the class presidents S address by Virgil Gardener, when he said: q owe much to my professors. much to my college, much to the Bap- lists of Alabama, but owe most to my papa and mama whose sacrifices made it possible for me to graduate. My papa is here, and the only regret is that mama was unable to come.'' Spoken like worthy son. and the credit placed where it was due.
 
 I have always felt that some grau-
 
 uate ought to make such a statement, but he was the first one I have ever heard do it. I sometimes fear that many young men who are put through college by the hard work and savings of their parents fail to realize at what ost they have been fitted for life of service by those who gave them being, or if they do are entirely too re- ticent in acknowledging publicly their gratitude and indebtedness. It was jus, because Virgil Gardener did it in a simple, straiu htforward. and affection ate manner that he warmed my heart and made my blood jingle. The man who hcnors father and mother has the right stuff in him.
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