1924 Cedrus Yearbook

.041•11.•••••••••••• The CEDRUS 1924 Forecast of Commencement E PEOPLE of an ancient nation say that a person has not reached the time of usefulness in life until thirty years have been completed. If the same standard prevailed in America, Cedarville College would be nearing the time when it could with propriety ask for recognition and consider- ation. If American ideals were the same as those of China, Cedarville College would at this time announce her debut, to be made during Commencement Week this year. On May 18, 1894, under the presidency of Rev. David McKinney, D. D., the college began its career of Christian service to humanity. Since that date two hun- dred and sixty-three persons have been graduated, some with high honors, and have gone forth to fill such positions in world affairs as to make them an honor to their Alma Mater. No! Cedarville College is not just beginning her career! However, may it not be that as the thirtieth year slips into history a greater period of useful- ness and achievement shall begin? Commencement Week, which will bring to a close Cedarville's thirtieth year, gives promise of being prophetic of coming years. Since September, 1920, a group of students, then Freshmen, have eagerly anticipated the closing week of the year 1923-1924. It can •be safely said that in their visions of that week they have seen the time honored events which custom has decreed must occur. These events have been alluring because the members of the afore-said group have seen themselves as the class on which all eyes have turned as they entered the church on Sabbath night in order to hear the baccalaureate sermon. They have seen themselves as chief marchers in the long line of black gowned and capped figures moving slowly and solemnly from Library to Opera House, where, at the conclusion of the Com- mencement program they are to receive the documents that will proclaim, to all who May read, that they are graduates of Cedarville College. Cedar Day, now a regular part of Commencement Week festivities, is Home- coming Day for alumnae and alumni. It is a day for reunions and recreations. It is a day when many prospective wearers of the Orange and Blue are introduced to college life. Whatever may be true of past Cedar Days, that of 1924 promises to be the best of all. Representatives of former graduating classes are promising their aid in an endeavor to have a one hundred per cent attendance of all graduates for Cedar Day, June third, when we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Cedarville Col- lege and bid her God-speed for the future. Alumnae and alumni will not merely be present but will participate in the festivities of the day and help make it notable in college history. What class of all the twenty-seven that have preceded it looked Forward to Commencement Day with such pleasing prospects as does now the class of 1924? Great and good speakers have honored former classes with their presence and coun- sel, but the class of 1924 is to honor its Alma Mater by having for commencement orator one of the best known and most highly honored men in America,—Edgar A. Guest, the poet of the home. Truly a fitting climax for such a week! Degrees are conferred and Commencement Week has ended! The members of the Senior Class have become graduates! Class of 1924, as you go out to become leaders in the affairs of men, your Alma Mater gives you her benediction and bids you God-speed. Your work in Cedarville College has closed; may your work for Cedarville College increase as year is added to year. During the next thirty years your College may merely mark time. During that period of time it may grow in power and influence. You can permit the former. You can help to realize the latter. Will you accept the challenge of the latter. Those who stay to Carry On when you go forth to achieve are listening to hear,you answer, "WE WILL!" B. E. R. Seventy-two