OCR Text |
Show HISTORICAL President Beal by students who knew him: "A man of much reserve power who wisely does not carry his true values on his coat sleeves." During the school year 1919-1920, Henry Aldous Dixon was president. He was another leader who worked for the improvement of Weber. He is remembered for his close cooperation and intimate association with the students. During this year the college class was first organized with Floyd Stuart as president; Norma Hussey, vice-president; and Thelma Stephens, secretary- treasurer. This organization sponsored a number of very successful activities. Joel E. Ricks became president in 1920 and held the position for two years. The following tribute is given him in in THE ACORN: "Whatever he does, no matter how small, he does seriously, weighing all chances of success and failure." In 1922, Aaron W. Tracy became president. In the fall of that year the school included high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors; also two college grades. At this time the name of the college was changed to WEBER COLLEGE. The scope of the college was enlarged, including Morgan, Summit, and North Davis Stakes as well as the four in Weber County. To conform with this condition, the Board of Trustees was reorganized to include the presidents of the seven stakes as members of the Board. Thomas E. McKay of the Ogden Stake was made chairman and John V. Bluth, George E. Browning, Robert I. Burton, Henry H. Blood, Howard Randall, and William O. Stevens were members. The Church Commissioners of Education decided to confine the educational program at Weber to college work only; accordingly, the high school department was discontinued in May, 1923. In 1922, the erection of the gymnasium was resumed after two years of difficulty following 1920. Early in the history of Weber Academy there had arisen a demand for a gymnasium suitable to needs of an energetic student body. It had been the desire of Principal Moench to provide a place where students of the school, as well as others, might receive proper instruction and training in physical culture. Students at the time were forced to use the Lester Park Pavilion and later, some unheated buildings down town. A student association attaining the success that had characterized Weber, yet working under such adverse conditions, demanded better equipment. The faculty and students, under the direction of Principal McKay, began a drive to obtain sufficient funds for a building. Their efforts resulted in the completing of the additions to the original building in 1907. This new addition improved conditions materially, but after being used for a number of years, it was found unsatisfactory for many occasions. Again the demand for something better was made, and progress began. Every- one was enthusiastic; regular gossip was laid aside, and the subject of a gymnasium was discussed far and near. Rallies were held, orations given, and HISTORICAL committees elected to investigate. A canvassing program was begun, and some money was collected. Soon, how- ever, there came a change in school administration. Later the World War and other adverse conditions put a damper on the enthusiasm of the students. In 1920, some further progress was made, and in the summer of that year, the foundation of the building was completed. Depressing financial conditions during the latter part of 1920 and during 1921 caused another halt in the erection of the gymnasium; money could not be collected, and operations ceased. When President Tracy began his administration, construction was resumed, and through the earnest efforts of the school, the quorums and organizations of the four Weber County Stakes, as well as the business men of Ogden, $150,000 was raised. The Church had agreed with David O. McKay to pay fifty percent of the cost of the gymnasium. Thus, this new edifice, providing adequate room and equipment for the use of many people, was completed at a total cost of $300,000. It was form- ally opened January 9, 1925. The Inter- mountain Junior College basketball tournament has been held in the Gym each year since that date. Another step toward a better college was the organization and operation, during the year 1922-1923, of a distinct College Board of Control. J. Willard Marriott was president of the associated students of WEBER COLLEGE, Francis Cragun, vice-president; and Ray R. Scoville, secretary-treasurer. Although the college membership was small, the officers conducted a number of successful activities. The college and high school officers had been working together previously, but such an arrangement was found unsatisfactory; and for this reason, a separate Board of Control, conducting college activities only, was elected, a Board which operated very successfully. The Associated Students of WEBER COLLEGE have been well organized each year since, the officers being in direct control of all student activities. It has been the desire of President Tracy to provide beautiful surroundings and comfortable rooms for the members of the college. He has striven to develop a college that will serve the community and students socially, intellectually, and spiritually, and one that can call for the support and admiration of the community. Departments of Education and Psychology, Political Economy, History and Political Science, Sociology, Bible Literature, Home Economics, Music and Art, Modern and Ancient Language and Literatures, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Geology, Botany, Zoology, Hygiene, Physical Culture and Athletics have been instituted to give this service to the students and citizens. The first College Prom, a strictly formal affair, was inaugurated in the Berthana, March 28, 1924, and the precedent has been continued each year since then. Many other social events of the highest type have been conducted |