Newspaper Page Text
C AM PIS MIRR0 R
C la A A J4i$tory.
DOLORES E. JONES
Four \ears ago a group of newcomers entered the portals of Spelman College as Freshmen.
We were struck with wonder and bewildered at our unfamiliar surroundings, sympathetic w ith our
fellow sisters who had come from far and near, touched In the kindness and helpfulness of our
upperclass sisters who received us, and overwhelmed h\ the whirlwind of “initiation activities
which were planned for us.
After a week of mixers, parties, and other forms of “getting-acquainted activity, we settled
down to nine months of growth—intellectual and emotional. Our sieges of homesickness over, we
began to make friends with the little creatures in the biology lab, and to invent our own special
shorthand for keeping up with history and biology lectures.
^ es, we were growing. The first year of our college career laid the foundation for those prin
ciples of human dignit\ and personal development which now we hold so dear.
Eager to prove our worth as Spelman citizens, we plunged wholeheartedly into the campus
activities. Our first trial came on the “A Talent Show r —and we won first prize. Again we won
acclaim for our first independent presentation: three one-act plays, which laid the audience in
the aisles and increased our merits for dramatic ability. But the real test for spirit and initiative
came with the Founders Day rally and we came through with flying colors—on top.
On the social side, the event of the year was the famous Maroon and White dance. I he memory
of this affair will ever remain one of the most sparkling of our freshman year.
Three years ago w r e came back as sophomores. We felt like old-timers now. Into our new
rooms in Packard Hall we moved with new roommates, new ideals, new purposes. Our number had
diminished, hut the spirit was still there, and we worked zealously, not only for academic achieve
ment. hut for distinction in extra-curricular activities. Several of our members made us proud with
their work in the l niversity Players, while others made our triumph more complete by winning
the basketball trophy.
The vear had swiftly flown, and the half-way mark found us determined and confident.
Two years ago we returned as juniors. By now we had developed a greater sense of responsi
bility to our community. We held with dignity important offices in the Students Association and the
'i .W.C.A., and our new upperclassman privileges with discretion.
Our junior vear furnished us with a new experience where personalities are concerned. 1 lie
appearance of John Jacobs iNiles, famous folklorist, on our campus was a memorable occasion.
This year cemented the foundation of our remaining college life, as we realized more and more
the importance of our position as juniors. We received a new thrill from the Founders Day celebra
tion. not only because at long last we had moved up to the position behind the seniors, but we had
the privilege of witnessing the passing of another milestone in the history of the Atlanta l niversity
Center the dedication of the Trevor Arnett Library.
The year was ending. We participated in the Class Ba\ activities, swelling with pride on receiv
ing the cap and inheriting the right to sit on the senior bench. In high anticipation our thoughts
jumped ahead to the next vear, and we became humble, realizing our challenge as new seniors.
Our ranks are small, now. With our return in September, 1949. we were possessed of a new
vigor, a new determination to prove ourselves faith r ul hearers of the lamp. Diligently we worked.
TenderL we cherished our campus experiences as the\ unfolded before us in a new light. Ibis was a
vear of “seconds for us. For the second time we welcomed Dr. Ralph Bunche and John Jacob Niles
to our campus; for the second time we saw historv being made for the l niversity Center, with the
dedication of the Atlanta l niversit\ Administation Building as Darkness Hall. A distinction was
given us when Bessie Strong Hall became the first senior house in the histor\ of the college.
In spite of our small number, we managed to hold our own as seniors. I he senior project, the
"I'ogpateh Carnival", w as a huge success and w ■ w on the SS A quiz contest.
The growth is now complete. I he time which once seemed so remote is now upon us. and we
are fired with a new resolve as our dreams for bountiful futures become more vivid. With the new
faith, confidence, and abilities which were cultivated in us here at Spelman. we shall make these
dreams a reality.
w e