p. 400 | UNION COLLEGE by W. T. Bland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1901

UNION COLLEGE.

By W. T. Bland

Closing of a Prosperous Year.

The tenth year, which was one of the most prosperous years in the history of Union College, closed with pleasant and appropriate exercises, May 27. Diplomas were awarded to thirty earnest young men and women who had completed courses of study from the English, German, and Scandinavian departments. This was the largest class ever graduated from the college.

While the exercises were simple in nature, they were made impressive by the earnest addresses that were given by those on the program, and because of the good spirit pervading the entire student body.

Although a few of our students made no profession of religion, or were not of our faith, yet during the entire twelve years of my connection with our educational work, I have not seen our young people do more earnest work, nor have I seen them filled with a greater desire to fit themselves for some place of usefulness in the cause of the Master.

ENROLLMENT.

During the first year four hundred and twenty-five students matriculated, and about one hundred others received instruction at the college, though they were not enrolled as had been the custom in the past, and as is now being planned for the future, thus making the total number receiving instruction in the college five hundred and twenty-five; or about the same as the entire enrollment for last year. The entire dormitory room of the college was occupied, and nearly one hundred students not living in College View were permitted to secure private boarding places. Arrangements have now been made with the sanitarium managers for rooms for about one hundred students in the building commonly known as North Hall, and next year all unmarried students will be required, as formerly, to room and board in the college dormitories.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The financial condition of the school depends largely upon the number of students in attendance, especially is this so in regard to the running expenses, as these are practically all met from the tuition. For several years when the attendance was low, it was necessary to keep the expenses down to the lowest mark possible. This was done by making no improvements or repairs, adding nothing to equipments, and even withholding portions of the salaries. The large increase in the attendance during the last two years has greatly relieved the situation. All back salaries have been paid, some improvements have been made, and a number of needed repairs have been looked after. This has been a great help to the institution, and has given those in connection with it much courage for the future.

During the last year the old indebtedness has been reduced, through the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons," about seventeen thousand dollars.

INDUSTRIALS.

Some work is carried on in connection with the college. This is largely done by the students, for which they are paid from five to eight cents an hour, depending upon the character of the work done.

The college farm consists of about one hundred and fifty acres of good land. Besides this, about as much more is rented, and all under cultivation. The various grains and vegetables are raised, and readily marketed. During the last three years the proceeds from the farm have paid for all machinery, a large stock barn, ten horses, and a dairy herd of more than twenty cows. Profitable work is also carried on in the broom factory, printing office, college bakery, and sewing department.

CHARACTER OF COLLEGE WORK.

In all departments of the college it has been the aim to do thorough work. The courses of study have been carefully outlined, and students have been kept busy at profitable work. High ideals have been kept before them, and they have been encouraged to plan their work with some definite object in view. This has greatly encouraged the young people, and they have been anxious to fit themselves for greater responsibilities in the Lord's work. It was a noticeable fact that a large number of the delegates to the late General Conference were former Union College students, and that one fourth of the foreign appointments was from the same number.

The college is generally recognized throughout the West as doing a high grade of work. This, combined with the religious instruction and the missionary spirit pervading all departments, tends to fit the students both intellectually and spiritually for the work of life. The last year has been marked in a special manner by a spirit of earnestness and fixed purpose on the part of the students, with a deeper interest than usual in social meetings, missionary societies, and Sabbath-school work.

IN CONCLUSION.

In severing my connection with the college, I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the patrons of the school and to the students of the past, for the encouragement and assistance rendered. While the school is now enjoying a good degree of prosperity, there seems no reason why, under careful management, it should not continue to make advancement.

Elder L. A. Hoopes, former General Conference secretary, has been elected president of the college for the coming year, and all letters pertaining to the school should in the future be directed to him, at College View, Neb. W. T. BLAND.