Kylgnes Scott (^oUege Ujuuetin The Growth of Agnes Scott College 1889-1955 By JAMES ROSS McCAIN AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE BULLETIN SERIES 53 APRIL, 1956 NUMBER 2 Published quarterly by Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia, entered as second-class mat- ter at the Post Office at Decatur, Georgia, ac- ceptance for mailing at the special rate of post- age provided for in section 1103 of October 8, 1917, authorized on July 18, 1918. DECATUR FEMALE SEMINARY Agnes Scott College, under the above name, started in this rented building in 1889. The total assets of the School were then $5,000. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from LYRASIS IVIembers and Sloan Foundation http://www.archive.org/details/agnesscottcolleg532jame The Growth of Agnes Scott College A Small Beginning Agnes Scott College was at first a grammar school. It was founded in Decatur, Georgia, its present location, which was then a town of about one thousand people. In 1888 Dr. Frank Henry Gaines moved from Virginia to serve as the pastor of the Decatur Presbyterian Church. He soon became interested in improving the educational opportunities of the town, and talked about it to some of the leaders of his congregation. He discovered a real interest in the subject, particularly on the part of Col. George W. Scott, an elder in the church and a prominent business man, who was already aware of the school needs of Decatur. In the summer of 1889 it was agreed that a school be established, and it was decided that it would be primarily for girls and young women. Dr. Gaines believed that education might make a man into a good citizen, but he felt sure that the proper education of a young woman would influence a whole family. It was decided to call the school by the name of Decatur Female Seminary; and yet it was agreed that six small boys under the age of twelve years of age be permitted to attend for the first session. The whole educational program was of seventh grade level or below. In order to finance the venture, it was voted to issue stock at a par value of $50 per share. In a short time, one hundred seven shares of stock were sold to thirty-six individuals for a sum of $5,350, the total assets of the seminary. Col. Scott took forty shares, an investment of $2,000. Since no one in Georgia seemed available to serve as Principal of the school, Dr. Gaines was authorized to seek one in Virginia. His choice was Miss Nannette Hopkins, of Staunton, Virginia. She had graduated at Hollins Institute and was planning to complete her degree work at Vassar College. She came to Georgia with the thought of staying only one year, but she was to continue with the school for forty-nine years, not only the first teacher employed, but one of the great influences in the life of Agnes Scott. Three other teachers were employed. There were sixty-three students, of whom three were boarders. From the first the school won the confidence of the community. In the spring of 1890, Col. Scott called his pastor into his parlor one day and said, "Mr. Gaines, the Lord has greatly prospered me in my business, and I don't want it to harden my heart. I have decided to give $40,000 to provide a home for our School." It was a large sum for that day. Newspapers in Atlanta and in the South announced the gift in headlines, and there was much enthusiasm in Decatur. The Board of Trustees gratefully accepted the generous offer of Col. Scott, and in recognition of his gift they changed the name of the school to Agnes Scott Institute in honor of the donor's mother. Col. Scott had set his heart on erecting the best educational building in Georgia. He traveled widely and studied various types of architecture. He found more and more additions and refinements that would be helpful, so that his total investment in land, building and equipment was $112,500, nearly three times his original offer, a truly notable gift for that day. Aims and Ideals The founders of the new school were determined that it would be an institution of high character and of sound scholarship. Al- though its first work was of only grammar grade level, they wished it to become a college for women which would be as well recognized and as fully equipped as any in the United States, a remarkable goal. Combined always with the thought of sound scholarship was the earnest desire that spiritual training would be a chief objective. In the early days of the Institute, Chairman Gaines of the Board of Trustees formulated the Agnes Scott Ideal. It was the Magna Carta of the institution which guided all the developments of later times. It is as follows: "1. A liberal curriculum, fully abreast of the best institutions of this country. 2. The Bible a textbook. 3. Thoroughly qualified and consecrated teachers. 4. A high standard of scholarship. 5. All the influences of the College conducive to the formation and development of Christian character. 6. The glory of God the chief end of all." The early leaders of the school were very closely associated one with another and all strongly believed in the power of prayer. The following prayer covenant was drawn up and signed in the early days of the Institute, and sets forth the practical emphases through which it was hoped that the great Ideal might be attained: "We, the undersigned, believing the promise of God concerning prayer (Matthew 18:19), and having at heart the largest success of the Agnes Scott Institute in its great work for the glory of God, do hereby enter into covenant with each other to offer daily prayer in our 'closets' for the following specific objects : 1. For each other in our work in and for the Institute. 2. For the Board of Trustees and the Faculty. 3. That God would convert every unconverted pupil before leaving the Institute. 4. That He would graciously build up in faith, and prepare for highest usefulness, all who are His. 5. That He would baptize the institution with the Holy Spirit, and make it a great fountain of blessing. 6. That He would give it so much of endowment and pros- perity as He sees would be for His own glory. 7. That He would have the institution constantly in His own holy care and keeping, that His name may be glorified." This covenant was signed by some of the great ministers, laymen, and women of the Atlanta area of that time. While all who signed the original paper have passed away, others have added their names, and the Covenant in substance continues to be the prayer of many who still desire that Agnes Scott may become just so useful and so great as may be pleasing to God. The College has no right to exist except for Him. From the earliest days, the customs and services were established on a basis to express the institution's loyalty to God and His ordinances. The study of the Bible, chapel worship, the observance of the Sabbath, vesper services led by the faculty, encouragement to attend Sunday School and church, a high level of individual conduct, and similar emphases started early and have continued through all the years. Dr. Gaines As President As has been previously noted, it was the Rev. F. H. Gaines, Pastor of Decatur Presbyterian Church, who conceived the plans for Agnes Scott Institute and led in its founding. For seven years he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, taught the Bible, employed teachers, and served as the off-campus head of the school, while Miss Hopkins was Principal for regular academic matters. In the spring of 1896, the Trustees requested him to resign his pastorate and accept the presidency of the Institute. It was with reluctance that he gave up the active ministry, but he threw himself wholeheartedly into his new responsibilities. The Board was re- organized, and Col. Scott became its chairman. The first recom- mendation of President Gaines was that the control of the Institute by stockholders be discontinued. Col. Scott at once purchased all the outstanding shares and cancelled the stock. The Institute was then organized by a self-perpetuating board of trustees, all of whom were to be Presbyterians. On October 3, 1903, Col. Scott passed away. His vision of making Agnes Scott a great school and his generosity in giving it a fine start, fully justified the action of the Board of Trustees in naming him as "Founder" of the college and in celebrating his birthday on February 22 each year as Founder's Day. He not only gave the land and building and equipment for the Institute, but he paid annual deficits in operation for thirteen years. When he died the Institute had two hundred seventy-six students, a staff of officers and teachers of twenty-four, and an annual budget of $30,000, six times that of the first year. Agnes Scott Becomes a College At a meeting of the Board of Trustees on October 13, 1903, Mr. Samuel M. Inman was elected Chairman. It was a fortunate choice. He was easily the "First Citizen" of Atlanta, and his leadership guaranteed success. He worked as happily and devotedly with Dr. Gaines as did Col. Scott. Their attention was first given to improving the physical plant. More land was purchased, some buildings which later proved to be temporary were erected, and in 1906 Rebekah Scott Dormitory was completed and ever since has been one of the popular residence halls. The second task was that of developing Agnes Scott into a full college. It was no simple process to grow from a grammar school into a first-class institution of higher learning. The plan followed was to eliminate from time to time the lowest grade and to add a higher one at the top. This was disheartening to many of the pupils. Some of them were seniors in the school for four consecutive years without being able to graduate. It is a small wonder that of the 1663 students who attended Agnes Scott Institute, only 68 received diplomas. In 1906 the institution was officially organized as Agnes Scott College ; and the preparatory work, which was to be continued for a few years, was designated as Agnes Scott Academy. The first B. A. degrees were conferred in 1906. It is a remarkable tribute to the type of work done by the Institute that the very first year after it declared itself to be a college it was admitted into full membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. At this time the Student Government Association was formed and has been a powerful factor through the years in maintaining the ideals of the College. At this time also, the Young Women's Christian Association was established as a college-wide emphasis; and, in its present form as the Christian Association of Agnes Scott Col- lege, it greatly promotes the spiritual life of both students and faculty. A third emphasis at this time on the part of Mr. Inman, Dr. Gaines, and their associates was the raising of endowment for the College. Through the influence of Mr. Inman, Dr. Wallace But- trick, President of the General Education Board of New York (recently founded by Mr. John D. Rockefeller), became interested in Agnes Scott and volunteered an offer of $100,000 from the Board if other friends of the College would raise an additional $250,- 000. The campaign was conducted under the leadership of Mr. J. K. Orr, a recent addition to the Board of Trustees, and it was entirely successful. The campaign provided $175,000 for endowment and also money for Inman Dormitory, Lowry Science Hall, and Carnegie Library. The science hall has been replaced and torn down. The library has also been replaced and the building is now used for student activities Murphey Candler Building. In- man is still a popular residence hall. Years of Growth The period from the great campaign of 1909 to the death of Dr. Gaines in 1923 was marked by a steady advance in all phases of college activity. In 1913 the Academy was discontinued and all pre- paratory work ceased. In May 1914 the College celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary with exercises which were colorful and im- pressive. It was recognized by all that Agnes Scott had passed the experimental stage and was now on the road towards becoming a great institution. Just after the opening of the World War in 1914, Mr. Inman became ill and insisted that his resignation as Chairman of the Board be accepted. Mr. J. K. Orr was unanimously chosen to succeed him. Mr. Inman died early in 1915. His last request was that the debt which the College had gradually accumulated be paid, and he personally contributed one half of the $50,000 needed. He had erected Inman Hall as a personal gift to the campaign of 1909, and he influenced others to become donors. The first act of Mr. J. K. Orr as Chairman was to secure the services of J. R. McCain in 1915 to assist Dr. Gaines with the administrative work of the College. His special duties were to in- crease the number of students and to raise money for endowment and development. In 1919 the General Education Board offered Agnes Scott $175,- 000 if it would secure $325,000 additional, the whole to be used for endowment. Before this campaign was complete, the General Edu- cation Board offered another $100,000 on condition that the College increase its goal by $150,000 more. For the first time, Agnes Scott appealed to people throughout Georgia and in many parts of the South to aid in its development. Approximately 10,000 friends as- sisted in raising the needed funds. More than 100 counties in Georgia, many of them without a Presbyterian church, raised assigned quotas in order to have a strong college for women in Georgia. In addition to raising funds this wide appeal helped to make the College known and to increase the number of applicants for admission. In 1922 the College had become so fully recognized for its edu- cational and spiritual leadership that the Synods of Alabama, Geor- gia, and Florida of the Presbyterian Church in the United States asked to have representatives on its Board of control. The Trustees of Agnes Scott responded favorably, and the charter was amended so as to provide for eleven of its trustees to come as representatives of these Synods, thus tying the College closer to the Church than ever before. During this period, a considerable amount of real estate was purchased by the College so as to bring its holdings as of that date to approximately twenty-five acres, or five times the size of the original tract donated by Col. Scott. The Anna Young Alumnae House was erected in 1922. It was the first building of its kind among the colleges for women in this country, and has served a most useful purpose. A New President On April 14, 1923, Dr. F. H. Gaines passed away after a brief illness. He was in the midst of his active duties, with faculty and students around him and with the work of the College running smoothly. The story of Agnes Scott and the life of Dr. Gaines are Inseparable. For thirty-four years, he was the guiding spirit in the making of plans and in carrying them to a successful conclusion. The audit of July 1, 1923, shortly after his death, showed that the College then possessed fixed assets, including buildings, grounds and furnishings to the value of $559,142.83 and endowment to the extent of $330,825.41. In addition the payments on subscriptions were in progress so that the total assets would be really larger than the actual audit figures. Dr. Gaines had frequently remarked that he would be assured of the permanence of the College and would die content if he could see it worth $1,000,000. He lived to see not only the substantial fulfillment of this financial dream, but also far more valuable, though intangible, assets in its spiritual growth and in- fluence. He was a great man. In 1915 President Gaines and Chairman Orr had brought James Ross McCain to the College with a view to training him as a successor to the President. He was at first Registrar and part-time teacher and was later made Vice President and given charge of the campaign work. In 1920 he was elected a member of the Board of Trustees. After the death of Dr. Gaines, at the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees on May 25, 1923, he was elected President. His years under the guidance of Dr. Gaines were invaluable. The latter left a very able and loyal staff with years of excellent service, including Miss Nannette Hopkins, the Dean, Business Manager R. B. Cunningham, Treasurer J. C. Tart, and Registrar S. G. Stukes. One of the first privileges of the new administration was to receive a legacy of Miss Jane Inman, sister of Mr. S. M. Inman, which amounted eventually to about $200,000, the largest single gift which had been received by the institution to that date. It was used to establish an endowment fund in honor of Mr. Inman, as requested by the donor. In 1925 the Board of Trustees approved a development plan for long range objectives, particularly emphasizing buildings that should be erected. Of necessity through the years, lack of funds had resulted in using a type of architecture that was utilitarian, but lacking ornamental features which all felt that a college for women ought to emphasize. The new plans stressed beauty as well as usefulness. The first item undertaken in the new program was a gymnasium which would also serve as an auditorium and health center. This was named in honor of Mr. G. B. Scott, for many years chairman of the building committee. It cost $160,000, and the largest gift towards its erection was $1,000, for it was made possible by popular subscriptions from many donors. At the same time, several tracts of land were acquired bringing the campus holdings to approximately forty acres. Restating the Ideals The original Ideal for Agnes Scott was published in the early days of the Institute and has steadfastly been maintained, but in 1925 the statement was revised in more modern terms, and the summaries given below are presented to all students of the College and their loyalty to them is expected. The Agnes Scott ideal was conceived by the founders of the institution. The spiritual element was dominant in the minds of those leaders. They earnestly desired to advance the kingdom of God, believing that nothing else would be so effective as a strong institution for women. They believed that if the College was to accomplish its aim the individual must have an all-round personal development, and they planned for a four-fold emphasis in the work of the campus life. The basic principles of the founders have fur- nished a continuity of aim and endeavor throughout the existence of Agnes Scott. These four very definite emphases are intimately related. The first is high intellectual attainment. The standards of scholarship at Agnes Scott are equal to the best for either men or women in this country. The search for truth, avoidance of shams and short-cuts, maintenance of the honor system, fearlessness of purpose, and effi- ciency in the performance of every duty are expected to characterize those who study here. The College aims at stimulating scholarship and making it attractive to the student. The second emphasis is simple religious faith, stressing an attitude that is not childish, but child-like. The intellectual attitude at Agnes Scott does not oppose religious impulses ; the atmosphere tends to confirm and strengthen faith and to give the religious emphasis its proper place. Religious services are marked by simplicity and ear- nestness, their aim being to make religious life wholesome and sincere without being ostentatious. Physical well-being is the third part of the Agnes Scott ideal. The College believes that a sound body is essential for happiness and efficiency in any kind of educational program. The fourth emphasis is the most indefinable. It includes the development of personalities with such qualities as attractive ap- pearance, charm, poise, dignity, frankness, simplicity, and the avoid- ance of extremes. The democratic student life on the campus is a good foundation for a sane attitude toward other people. Every graduate should make some definite contribution to the community in which she lives, and maintain an educated concern for the social and economic world of 8 PRIVATE COLLEGES FOR WOMEN WITH PHI BETA KAPPA EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER JULY 1, 1955 NAMES OP COLLEGES 1. Agnes Scott 2. Randolph-Macon 3. Swet Briar 4. Goucher 5. Wilson 6. Barnard 7. Vassar Mt. Holyoke 9. Smith 10. Wheat on 11. Wellesley 12. Radcliffe 13. Elmira 14. Wells 15. Rockford 16. Milwaukee-Downer Agnes Scott College is near the center of seven Southeastern states in which it exerts a strong educational influence. today. An educated, well-rounded person is best prepared to do this, Agnes Scott sets this ideal for each of its students. It was the confidence of the educational world in these ideals and in Agnes Scott's loyalty to them that led to much of the national and international recognition that came to the College. It was placed on the approved list of the Association of American Universities without any formal investigation. It was invited to be one of the founding institutions for the American Association of University Women. The only distinction yet to be attained was to secure a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the most selective national honor society. The College had never filed application for this; but in 1925 the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa adopted the policy of inviting worthy institutions to join. On the nomination of neighboring institutions in the South Atlantic District, Agnes Scott was voted the first chapter on the invitation plan, and its friends were very grateful for the friendship and confidence of its neighbors which made possible this great honor and recognition. In 1931 a chapter of Mortar Board was installed at the College. It is the leading national honor society for service and leadership among colleges admitting women. There is now no desirable recog- nition of any kind which a college may have that Agnes Scott has not already attained. Relationship to the Presbyterian Church As has been pointed out, Agnes Scott grew out of interest in Christian education on the part of the pastor and members of the Decatur Presbyterian Church, but it was organized as a stock com- pany. When this form of ownership was discontinued, the question of putting the institution under the Synod of Georgia was seriously considered. All the trustees were either ministers or elders in the Presbyterian Church in the United States and thoroughly loyal to their synod and to the denomination, and they were determined that Agnes Scott should be for the glory of God. However, before this time in Georgia there had started nineteen schools under presbyteries or the synod, all of which had died. For this reason the founders did not use the synodical control, but specified that all trustees be Presbyterians. By 1922 the Synods of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida of the Presbyterian Church became interested in Agnes Scott and separately made overtures for a part in its support. At their request, the charter of the College was revised so as to provide for a maximum number 10 of twenty-seven trustees, of whom four would be elected by the Synod of Alabama, four by the Synod of Georgia, and three by the Synod of Florida. The charter also provided that two trustees be elected by the Agnes Scott Alumnae Association. All the trustees were to be nominated by the Board, and fourteen elected directly by it. The charter specified that all trustees must be members of some evangelical church, and all but the Alumnae members must be members of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Later this requirement was modified so that three-fourths of the trustees, whether Alumnae members or not, must be Presbyterians, and the others must be members of some evangelical church. The President must be a Presbyterian. Of the twenty-six trustees now in office, twenty-five are Presbyterians. This form of control, in line with the judgment of the founders, has worked admirably. Agnes Scott has served the Church as fully as any other institution which is technically 'Tresbyterian." It draws from the best Presbyterian homes, and its alumnae are leaders in all phases of missionary and other spiritual services. It does not compete with other causes in the synodical budget, because it depends for its support on student charges, on income from endowment, and on gifts from individuals. The College has had as students the daughters of many of the leaders of our denomination ; for example the following Secretaries of Christian Education, Dr. Henry H. Sweets, Dr. Wade H. Boggs, Dr. John L. Fairly and Dr. Marshall C. Dendy. Dr. Janie W. McGaughey, until recently Secretary of Women's Work, is an Agnes Scott alumna, as are many others in the leadership of the women in the assembly, the synods, the presbyteries and the local churches. Among the ministers of the denomination having daughters at Agnes Scott during the years 1955 or 1956 are the following: P. H. Biddle, Oswego, S. C; H. H. Bryan, Huntington, W. Va. ; S. W. Dendy, Dalton, Ga. ; A. K. Dudley, Concord, N. C. ; J. C. Frist, Mobile, Ala.; A. H. Glasure, St. Petersburg, Fla. ; H. C. Hamilton, Orlando, Fla.; D. F, Helm, Hot Springs, Va. ; H. K. Holland, Marietta, Ga. ; T. P. Johnston, Dunedin, Fla. ; J. A. Jones, Char- lotte, N. C. ; J. I. Knight, Houston, Tex. ; C. E. S. Kraemer, Richmond, Va. ; H. P. J. L'heureux, Baton Rouge, La.; N. R. Mc- Geachy, Statesville, N. C; F. H. Olert, Richmond, Va.; W. H. Pruitt, Spindale, N. C. ; J. A. Redhead, Jr., Greensboro, N. C. ; W. T. Smith, Charlotte, N. C. ; J. N. Thomas, Richmond, Va. ; E. T. Wilson, Atlanta, Ga. ; E. D. Witherspoon, Wilmington, N. C. From the standpoint of educational recognition, plant, equip- ment, and endowment, Agnes Scott ranks first statistically among 11 all the Presbyterian-related colleges for women in the entire world. In the quality of its spiritual ministry, it strives to rank well, not in any competitive sense, but in thankfulness for all blessings God has given to it. Financial Campaigns The audit of July 1, 1928, showed that the College had assets of $2,133,151.23. Endowment composed slightly more than half of the sum, but buildings and grounds were valued at nearly $1,000,- 000. Several strong colleges for women both in the South and elsewhere had comparable assets. The question was raised by Agnes Scott friends as to whether it would continue to be a good college on a level with many others or whether its mission might be to go forward to distinction in its field, and thus become a real leader. It is an interesting illustration of God's providence that a political election in Wisconsin had a decisive influence on the future of Agnes Scott. In 1928 the Republicans carried Wisconsin and elected as governor a business man, who immediately needed a good executive to handle his manufacturing enterprises. He turned to the General Education Board in New York and took its Director for College Affairs, Dr. H. J. Thorkelson, to manage his business. Dr. Thorkel- son was so committed to large coeducational universities as desirable in education that he did not encourage Agnes Scott even to file an application for further aid. However, his successor. Dr. Trevor Arnett, believed strongly in the type of work done by Agnes Scott and promptly recommended aid for its development. This change in administration for the General Education Board, due to the elec- tion in Wisconsin, was one of the truly significant steps in the growth of the College. The General Education Board made a series of conditional offers from 1929 through 1944 at various times for the following sums: $300,000, $200,000, $100,000, $500,000, $50,000. All these came at strategic points of need ; and in every case the terms were fully and promptly met by the College. Another foundation later offered $500,000 in 1948, Such gifts stimulate the generosity of other donors. These offers meant at least five major campaigns, and these re- sulted by July 1, 1951, in bringing the total assets of the College to the sum of $7,022,537.60, a gain of some $5,000,000 over the 1928 figures. In some respects the campaigns of Agnes Scott have been unique, and so a few general details are given rather than to provide a history of each separate effort. In all of these Mr. George 12 Winship has had a very important influence. Chairman J. K, Orr brought him on the Board of Trustees primarily to help in the campaign of 1929. On the death of Mr. Orr in 1938, Mr. Winship was unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and he has continued as a distinguished leader through these important years. Agnes Scott has had eight major campaigns, three before 1929, and five since then. In each of these subscriptions were sought on the understanding that the whole amount sought must be pledged and also paid in full ; and it is truly remarkable that every ofie has been one hundred per cent successful! This tradition has given the public confidence that any effort undertaken by the College will succeed, and it has helped especially in winning large donors. All the pledges taken have been subject to cancellation at the will of the subscribers, but very little has been lost on that account. All the campaigns have started on the campus with officers, faculty, students, and even servants fully participating. It has been traditional that the president make the first gift. A committee of faculty and students have usually set the campus goal, and this has never failed of attainment. The effort in 1929 is a good illustration. The committee suggested $40,000 for faculty, students and servants, and more than $120,000 was pledged. It has been customary to give a holiday if the campus wins its goal, and this has always been a very exciting conclusion. Friends have commented that the stu- dents would probably give thousands of dollars at any time for a holiday! In all the campaigns, each individual on the campus has given a pledge, which might be as small as even ten cents, but there has been one hundred per cent cooperation. Many students have said that no generation of students ought to be allowed to graduate with- out having a campus campaign, which provides enthusiasm, self- sacrifice, friendship, and loyalty. The initial successes by faculty and students have had excellent results in securing support by others. The trustees and alumnae have usually followed the campus lead. It has been only after the "college family" have shown their faith that campaigns have been taken to the public. These many financial efforts have had interesting results aside from raising money for immediate needs. These include increase in student applications, greater willingness to give one's self to every day duties, favorable publicity, and the writing of wills in favor of the College. Within the past three years, five wills of major im- portance have left money to Agnes Scott. So far as can be ascer- 13 AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE Total Assets $12,400,000 $7,100,000 $3,865,000 $2,764,000 $113,000 $150,000 $499,000 $822,000 1891 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1955 TOTAL ASSETS Eight Independent Colleges for Women The best showing possible is made for Agnes Scott, and it is still behind these other great colleges, though it has made fine progress in recent years. $41,176,244 $34,800,000 $33,500,000 $18,978,745 $16,578,900 $15,319,636 $13,331,760 $12,400,000 Agnes Scott Barnard Radcliffe Bryn Mawr Mount Holyoke Smith Vassar Wellesley tained each of these donors made her first gift to Agnes Scott in the campaign of 1922 more than thirty years before the wills were probated. The campaigns have resulted in most of the important build- ings on the campus, many of which are as beautiful and adequate as may be found at any other college in the world. These include Buttrick Hall, classroom and administration; the Library; Presser Hall, chapel and music activities; the Bradley Observatory; the Walters Infirmary; Evans Dining Hall; and Campbell Science Hall. All of these were erected with the view to accommodating as many as one thousand students, if there should ever be that many, but with the hope on the part of the builders that future administrations would choose still to limit the enrollment to that of a small college, possibly from five hundred to six hundred. These campaigns also added some fifteen acres of land to the College holdings, bringing the total to approximately fifty-five acres. Approximately twenty thousand donors have built the College. Many were not financially able to send their own daughters to Agnes Scott, but felt that the College has an important work to do for the Kingdom of God and gave to it for Him. Very few colleges have had such general support in their campaigns. Agnes Scott has been made possible by the sacrificial giving on the part of people of very moderate means. University Center From the earliest days in 1889, the founders of Agnes Scott planned to have eventually a small college for women with a care- fully selected student body and faculty and a limited curriculum, thoroughly taught and administered. Its trustees have never had ambition for it to become a university or to give professional or graduate work. At the same time, Agnes Scott officials have realized that the South needs first class education in these advanced subjects, and as early as 1929 suggested that the institutions in the Atlanta area cooperate with one another so as to avoid duplication and over- lapping and to provide training in subjects not then offered. A survey was made under the auspices of Emory University and Agnes Scott with funds provided by the Beck Foundation. High educa- tional authorities from many parts of the country united in the study and unanimously agreed that a real University Center might be helpful. After several years of negotiations, Agnes Scott College, Co- 16 lumbia Theological Seminary, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Art Association, and University of Georgia signed agreements for a concerted program of advance in the educa- tional opportunities of the state. The movement was entitled "The University Center in Georgia." A joint union catalogue of twenty-six libraries in the Atlanta area was established, making accessible more than a million volumes to the students of any of the cooperating institutions. A program of visiting scholars and of financial grants to faculty members for study was set up. Valuable exchange of teachers and students has been arranged, and many new fields of study have been initiated. For example, the erection of the Observatory and giving emphasis to Astronomy by Agnes Scott grew out of the University Center's request that this be done. Agnes Scott students may take any subjects at Emory University without charge, for example, and so may Emory students at Agnes Scott. This plan helps to enrich the whole curriculum without the necessity of duplicating expensive courses. Joint programs in Music and in Dramatics are given by Agnes Scott girls in cooperation with boys from Emory, Columbia Seminary, or Georgia Tech. Many joint recreational events are likewise planned on an inter-institutional basis. There has been no thought of trying to combine or merge insti- tutions. Each keeps its own identity and distinctive educational em- phasis, but in many areas of common interest the University Center gives advantages only possible where a large number of institutions are located within convenient distances from one another. Agnes Scott Service While Agnes Scott has deliberately chosen to continue as a small college, its officers and faculty have had the privilege of rendering extensive service in educational and religious activities. For many years it held the chairmanship in the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of such important committees as those on Standards, on Reports, and on New Members. It was one of the organizers of the Southern University Conference for seeking better standards in the South and has held the positions of Secretary-Treas- urer and of President. It has been represented in the Senate of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. It has twice held the office of Vice President and once the office of President of the Association of American Colleges. It was represented for some years among the trustees of the General Education Board (Rockefeller) of New York. 17 An officer has served as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, The 9,000 students who have been enrolled at Agnes Scott have come from all the states of the Union, the District of Columbia, and from twenty-seven foreign countries. A great majority have come from the southeastern states, being well distributed among these. The faculty and staff of one hundred represent more than fifty first- class universities or colleges in their degrees. Approximately twenty per cent of those taking degrees go on for graduate work in the best universities of this country and abroad. They have been unusually successful in securing large fellowships from the Fulbright, Woodrow Wilson, or other such funds. Agnes Scott alumnae have been successful in more than sixty of the leading occupations, and they are found all over the United States and in many foreign lands. It is impossible to give accurate statistics for various professions, for these are constantly changing; but, based on extensive samplings, some fair estimates may be given of the leading services rendered. More than 6,500 have married and estab- lished homes of their own. About fifteen per cent of the present students are daughters of alumnae. Approximately two-thirds of the graduates marry within ten years after commencement. A remark- ably small per cent of divorce or broken homes may be found among these. Some 3,200 have gone into educational work. Agnes Scott grad- uates are in great demand. More than 1,100 have engaged in social service work, including the Red Cross, Y. W. C. A., and various governmental agencies. Approximately 1,000 have gone into business or into specialized professions, and this number is increasing. About 500 have gone into religious work, including foreign mis- sionary service, home mission fields, religious education workers, and church secretaries. Most of the alumnae are active in their local churches and take an active part in the spiritual development of their communities. The classifications given above are not mutually exclusive. Many graduates teach or do church work before getting married, and many also continue to serve in various ways after marriage. As the present trustees observe the results, they are sure that the founding fathers must be happy in the products of their dreams and sacrifices. 18 PREsroENT Alston Agnes Scott has had almost a continuous administration. Up to 1951, a period of sixty-two years, it had only two presidents, and there was an overlapping of eight years of service. It had only two deans, and their terms overlapped twelve years. There were only two registrars, and here again there was a period of joint service. As the time approached for President McCain to retire, the prob- lem of finding a successor was studied carefully by committees of the trustees, of the faculty, and of the alumnae. It was agreed that it would be most helpful if the nominee might come as a member of the faculty for a period. After a study for at least two years, and after considering at least a hundred suggestions, there was unani- mous agreement that Dr. Wallace M. Alston, then Pastor of Druid Hills Presbyterian Chuch in Atlanta, be sought for the position. To the great satisfaction of all, he felt the invitation to be a call from God and agreed to accept. In the spring of 1948, he was elected President of Agnes Scott College, to take effect not later than July 1, 1951. In the mean time he was to serve as Vice President and as Professor of Philosophy. Dr. Alston brought to his new work a rich background of ex- perience. He was born adjacent to the campus, and he grew up in the college community. His mother and wife are Agnes Scott alumnae. He had been a teacher, had served as Director of Young People's Work for the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and had been a most successful pastor. For three years, at Agnes Scott, he had further opportunities to prepare for the presidency. During this time, he became acquainted with the faculty and students, visited alumnae groups in all parts of the country, studied education in perhaps one hundred of the strong institutions through personal visits, and spent some time in Europe. At the same time, he carried a teaching load and was at home as a member of the faculty. He became the third President of Agnes Scott on July 1, 1951. His inauguration in the autumn of 1951 was one of the most color- ful events in the history of the College and brought to the campus a group of distinguished educators and other friends. Dr. Alston at once gave special attention to the internal admin- istration of the College, including the enlistment of students and the problems of selection. It became a requirement that prospective students take the Scholastic Aptitude Test of the College Entrance Examination Board, and this gave another safeguard for the quality which the College has always sought in its students. He also stressed 19 the increasing of faculty salaries and has made gratifying progress towards this objective. One of the most encouraging developments in this work was a grant from the Ford Foundation of $285,300 in December of 1955. In order to provide quarters for additional boarders, Hopkins Hall was completed in 1953, and Walters Hall is in process of erec- tion at this time. When it is completed, boarders may be moved from cottages, which have been necessary for residence purposes, and the College will be able to meet its objective of five hundred boarders, with from fifty to one hundred day students. During 1953 and 1954, the College received five bequests that have been a great blessing in its work. Mrs. J. B. Waterman, an alumna and a trustee, provided for a balance of $100,000 which she had agreed to give for endowment. Mrs. Lettie Pate Evans, a trustee, left $100,000 to endow the operation of the dining hall that bears her name. Miss Elizabeth F. Jackson, Associate Professor of History, left $80,000 principally to help worthy girls. Dr. Mary F. Sweet, for many years the beloved college physician, provided $175,000 for endowment. The largest by far of all gifts made to Agnes Scott was provided in the will of Mrs. Frances Winship Walters, an alumna and a trustee, who had already helped in many ways, leaving the sum of $4,500,000 to the College for its general endowment. Her will provided that half of this sum be turned over to the College at once, and the other half must be matched dollar for dollar in order to come into the College portfolio. This gives a great challenge for the next years. On the suggestion of Dr. Alston, Chairman Winship appointed in 1952 a steering committee to outline needs of the College for a period of years and to help in promoting the achievement of the goals. This committee recommended the securing of at least $10,025,000 by 1964, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the institution. The sum was not suggested at a venture, but as a result of careful studies as to real needs both in endowment and in permanent improvements. The goal is very large and its achievement may be difficult; but the friends of Agnes Scott are facing the opportunities ahead with thankful hearts and with confidence in the blessing and guidance of God, to Whom the school was dedicated in even its opening days. It is believed that the best is yet ahead, and that the College is still in His hands. 20 Further information about the College or any details regarding admission requirements, financial aid, or educational programs, may be obtained by writing to The Registrar, Box C, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia.