In Retrospect

Jamie Lange
March 25, 1999

Editor’s note: In Retrospect will feature articles from significant points in the lifetime of Iowa State’s student-run newspaper. This week, articles appear from the first issue of the Iowa Agricultural College (I.A.C.) Student, as it was called at its inception on Aug. 7, 1890.

Are Our Courses Too Heavy

We have heard many students complain that too much work was required of them. They make comparisons between the work required here and at other schools, which do not require more than one-half as much of their students as is required by our faculty. This is no argument against our course. If these same grumblers will but look at the records of I.A.C. graduates and compare their success with those of the graduates of these other schools, they will find the odds all in favor of the I.A.C. It does seem however that students of some of our courses have more required work than others.

15 hours without laboratory work is hardly on a level with 16 hours, and seven laboratories.

We think, however, that instead of the latter course being made easier the other should be made more difficult.

That as much work should be required to obtain a degree in the general as in the engineering courses.

What Are You Here For

No doubt most of our students would answer, if asked this question — work. But would not some at least think that their object in coming to college a very vague one. When we see students trying to shirk their work or selecting an easy course, we have serious doubts of their success. They seem to be seeking a good time, little dreaming that they injure themselves. Were you sent there, or did you come? Are you searching for a royal road to learning, or are you willing to toil weeks, months, and years in training and developing those faculties which nature has most bounteously bestowed upon you? This is no place for idle dreaming, but a place for effort, for work; sincere, honest and faithful work.

Christian Association Notes

The Y.M. and Y.W.C.A.’s of the I.A.C. are the last societies organized here, but not the least. They are destined, here as in other colleges, to become prominent factors in the affairs of the institution. They will, as nearly as possible, take the place of the church, which the student enjoys at home, but of which he is deprived here. They like the church bringing up the standard of morality in localities, will raise that standard at college. Then as the standard or morality raises, the need of strict rules becomes less. A little observation among different colleges, will show how much more pleasant for both faculty and students it is when the students are governed by the desire to do right, rather than by proctors and ironclad rules.

Although these associations may not in every respect take the place of the church, as one of the principal means of growth in spirituality, they surpass the church. A splendid opening is here afforded for active Christian work.

To confine ourselves to our own associations, we may say that they have made a good start in their work. They organized near the close of last term, the Y.M.C.A. with a membership of 92, which has since been raised to 116, and the Y.W.C.A. with about 60, which has also been increased.

A full set of committees have entered upon their work. The Wednesday and Sunday evening meetings have opened with good attendance, which should however be increased.

In truth, the associations have taken up with ready hands and hearts the work which destiny has designed they should advance. THE STUDENT wishes them God-speed.

When the Y.M. and Y.W.C.A.’s were talked of here, some were opposed to organizing, preferring to run along awhile in the old rut. They doubtless think differently now.

Receptions, like the one given at the opening of every term. They are just formal enough to be worthy of an intellectual and moral set of students, and informal enough to gain with ease the object of their inauguration.

The Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. gave their first reception on Friday evening July 25th, to which a most cordial invitation was extended to all the students.

The reception was held on the first floor of the Main Building.

The balls were elegantly decorated, and the artistic arrangements of the decorations made them more inviting than ever before showing the taste of the ladies of the Y.W.C.A.

The reception committee were Misses Morrison, Milles, and Roberts assisted by Messrs Reynolds, Norton, Merrill and Shoemaker, and the hearty welcomes which were extended to all insured each one of other than an unpleasant time.

The principal feature of the reception was the tendency on the part of everyone present to be entertaining and in this way all were made to enjoy a pleasant evening. An appropriate program was carried out consisting of the following: