The Closing Exercies Last Week - The Graduates (The State - June 25, 1894) The Junior contest for the medal in oratory was held Monday night, and as this contest is made obilgatory on all members of the class, there were eighteen speakers, or rather seventeen as one of the young gentlemen was sick and unable, therefore, to make a speech. It is the largest class that has ever appeared on the rostrum at Newberry, and all the speeches were well delivered, and none of the boys had to hesitate in the least in the delivery of the speeches. But only one could get the medal, and the committee to award the prize dedcided that Mr. A. F. Lever of Lexington was the successful competitor, and the beautiful gold medal was therefore given to him. The address before the alumni association was delivered on Tuesday morning by Rev. W. W. Danile of Florence, and a member of the class of 1879. His theme was "Christian education, the solution, possibly the only solution, of the great and intricate problems now confronting civilization." He has many friends in Newberry, having been pastor of the Methodist church here for three years, and he was greeted by a large and appreciative audience, and his address was a strong and scholarly one. Immediately after the address the association held its annual meeting and elected the following officers: Rev. W. K. Sligh, president; Dr. W. G. Houseal, vice president; R. L. Tarrant, secretary; Arthur Kibler, treasuer. In place of the annual oration it was decided to have a symposition next year, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. The address before the literary societies was delivered on Tuesday night by Rev. Dr. C. S. Vedder of Charleston. He spoke for an hour in a very entertaining manner, without written manuscript, on the subject of Books. He asked and answered the questions, why we should read; when we should read; how we should read; and what books we should read". In the course of his remarks he said that one of the greatest foes of logical reading was the average newspaper of the day, but, said he, the man who does not read the newspapers had better seek some ? museum and place himself there as a fossilized mummy. It was a strong presentation of the subject of books, and Dr. Vedder seemed to have a regular store-house of information from which he could draw without the least trouble or inconvenience. He made a very favorable impression upon our people. The regular commencement exercises took place on Wednesday morning. There were nine young gentlemen in the graduating class. Mr. C. J. Ramage of Edgefield, the second honor man, delivered the salutatory. Mr. A. E. P. Bedenbaugh of Newberry spoke on Iconoclasm. The subject of the address of Mr. J. W. Black of Edgefield was "Temperance Reform," Mr. W. B. Hillter of Dawson, Ga., spoke on the power of character. The remarks of Mr. T. D. Jones of Newberry were based on the crucibles of college life. Mr. C. L. Trabert of Minnesota told of the relation of theory to applied science. Mr. Jacob S. Wheeler of Newberry spoke of American's idle. The valedictory was delivered by Mr. James A. Bowers of Newberry, the first honor man of the class. The degree of doctor of divinity was conferred on Rev. J. P. Margart of Alabama. The degree of master of arts was conferred on the following gentlemen: Arthur Kibler and A. W. Fogie of Newberry, E. B. Setzler of South Carolina, they having pursued the prescribed couse of study leading up to the degree, and on W. J. Cherry of Rock Hill, J. M. Kibler, W. G. Houseal, J. M. Sease, E. O. Counts, W. D. Senn, W. W. Berly of Newberry and G. E. Werber of Washington, and P. H. E. Derrick of Lexington, all being graduates of the college, and on Dr. O. B. Mayer of Newberry. The degree of bachelor of arts was conferred on all the members of the graduating class. Then came the awarding of medals. No award was made of the Freshman prize. Three of the class stood perfect examinations in all the studies of the year. Their names are Robert A. Abrams, Rufus C. Banks and E. A. Hentz. Two others were perfect in everything except history, and so nearly perfect in that that honorable mention was made of them. Their names are William B. Aull and Jacob M. Long. The Sophomore Greek medal was won by Clarence L. Kibler. There are two medals in the Senior class. One for the best essay on an assigned subject, the subject this year being "Independence of Thought." The other is for the best examination on some subject in history. The subject this year was "Schiler's Thirty Years War." Both these medals were won by Mr. C. J. Ramage. The past session of the college has been a very prosperous one. The enrollment has been good and the work done excellent. There was a large attendance on all the exercies of the commencement. The commencement closed with a delightful reception at the college on Wednesday night. The corner-stone of a new building on the college campus was laid on Tuesday afternoon with appropriate ceremonies, the address being delivered by Rev. Dr. Hawkins. It is to be known as the Keller Memorial Hall, a donation being given to the college by Mrs. Frances Keller of Orangeburg, in honor of an only son who was at one time a student in Newberry College, and who died while a student. Commencement June 21, 1899 (The Weekly News and Courier, Charleston, SC, June 28, 1899) Newberry, June 22 - The commencement of Newberry College ended yesterday. It was a successful and a very pleasant occasion. Of visitors, trustees, alumni, fair ones and others the town was too full for description through the "corresponding press." All the standing room at the Opera House was occupied during the exercises, which house, although commodious enough for every day affairs, is not sufficiently large for commencement season. The Sunday music was furnished by a choice choir, as follows: Soprano, Mrs. P. Robertson, Miss Bettie Land, Miss Neville Pope; alto, Mrs. S. B. Jones, Mrs. W. P. Houseal, Mrs. M. A. Renwick, Miss Delle Land; tenor, the Rev. J. W. Speake, Prof. A. J. Bowers, Mr. Ed Scholtz; basso, Dr. E. C. Jones, Mr. S. B. Jones, Prof. W. K. Sligh. Mrs. S. B. Jones presided at the organ. The morning service was conducted by the Rev. W. C. Schaeffer, pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Savannah, with prayer by the Rev. George A. Wright, of the First Baptist Church. The baccaluaureate sermon was preached by the Rev. W. L. Seabrook, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Winchester, Va. On Sunday night the address to the students was delivered by the Rev. J. A. B. Scherer, pastor of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Charleston, with an opening prayer by the Rev. W. I. Herbert, of First Methodist Church. Junior Prize Medal - On Monday night, after prayer by the Rev. S. C. Ballentine, of White Rock, the junior contest for the prize medal in oratory was held, at which eight of the twenty members of the class delivered addresses as follows: J. E. Boland, of Little Mountain, subject, "Freedom's Battle;" J. E. Brim, Dawson, Ga, "The Problem of the Ages;" D. J. S. Derrick, Leesville, "Uncrowned Heroes;" J. B. Kilgore, Newberry, "The Survival of the Fittest;" J. D. Luther, Prsoperity, "Reunited;" J. R. Unger, Mount Willing, "What is thy Cuntry?" L. L. Wilson, Ehrhardt, "Altruism," One of the eight, whose subject was "Heroism in Unsung Battles," was unable to speak on account of sickness. All did well. The medal was awarded to Mr. Wilson. The Rev. Messrs Scherer, Schaeffer, Wright and Herbert, and Mr. J. D. Cappelmann were the committee, the Rev. Mr. Scherer presenting the prize in a happy little talk. The junior medal is given yearly by Justice Y. J. Pope and Col. O. L. Schumpert, members of the college board of trustees. After the Alumni Address the following officers were elected: E. A. Carlisle, president; Z. F. Wright, vice president; E. B. Setzler, secretary; W. K. Sligh, treasurer. Dr. James H. McIntoch, of Newberry, class of '84 was elected orator for 1900. The Rev. Mr. Epting was tendered a vote of thanks for his scholarly address. On Tuesday night the address to the literary societies was delivered by the Rev. H. C. Hathcox, of Abilene, Kansas. Class day exercises were held on Wednesday morning. After prayer by the Rev. H. J. Mathias, of Selwood, eight of the fifteen members of the graduating class delivered their graduation speeches as follows: H. K. Body, Newberry, "Disarmament;" J. O. Cassidy, Weimer, "The White Woman's Burden;" B. B. Hare, Etheridge, "Universal Empire;" S. P. Koon, Chapin, "Shams;" Robert Norris, Newberry, "Militarism;" D. S. Quattlebaum, Newberry, "The Tyranny of Ancestry;" W. A. Rust, Cameron, "Aguinaldo;" J. F. Stillwell, "The Educated Man." The 90 speeches were able and excellent. The other members of the class are as follows, with the subjects of their speeches, which were prepared, but not delivered: J. W. Jenny, Barnwell, "Misfit Professional Men;" T. P. Johnson, Newberry, "Municipal Government;" W. H. Miley, Hampton, "Intolerance;" J. W. Nease, Ebenezer, Ga, "The Home;" O. C. Petersen, Charleston, "Bismarck;" Aumerle Schumpert, Newberry, "Manifest Destiny;" M. L. Wheeler, Lexington, "Enterprise." At the conclusion of the speeches President Cromer announced that the board of trustees had conferred the honorary degree of doctor of divinity upon the Rev. J. W. Daniel, of Abbeville; the Rev. W. W. Daniel, of Anderson and the Rev. E. P. McClintock, of Newberry. The degree of bachelor of arts was conferred upon all the members of the graduating class, except Mr. Thos. P. Johnson, who received the degree of bachelor of science, and Mr. Aumerie Schumpert, who was awarded a certificate of proficiency in the departments of English, Greek, natural science and mental and moral science. President Cromer, in his usual happy and sensible way, gave the graduating class a few parting words. Awarding the medals and prizes: The George S. Mower senior essay medal was awarded to Mr. J. O. Cassidy, of Welmer; presentation by the Rev. Mr. Seabrook. The J. E. J. Caldwell senior history medal was awarded to Mr. D. A. Quattlebaum, of Newberry; presentation by the Rev. Dr. Hathcox. The Thos. W. Holloway and Wm. A. Moseley sophomore Greek medal was awarded to W. C. Schaeffer, Jr. of Savannah, with honorable mention for H. C. Lorrick, of Calla; three young ladies of Newberry, Misses Annie Riser, Annie Suber and Agnes Summer, being specially mentioned for admirable stands in Greek, as members of the sophomore class; presentation by Prof. J. B. O'N. Holloway, of Bellwood. The O. B. Mayer freshman prize ($10 in books) to John K. Aull, of Newberry; presentation by the Rev. Mr. Ballentine. The S. J. Derrick senior preparatory prize (Webster's International Dictionary) to Gerald C. Merchant, of Jalapa, with honorable mention to C. W. Riser, of Etheridge; presentation by the Rev. H. A. McClullough, of Cameron. Commencement was closed with President Cromer thanking all those who supported the college. A ball was held on closing night. Newberry College Closes the Year Ninteen Young Men and Women (The State - June 13, 1907) Newberry, June 12 - 13 young men and six younger young ladies='lucky 19', breaking the "13 Hoodoo", this graduating year. The number 'Thirteen' had played an active part in graduating classes at Newberry from 1905-6 with 13 in the class; graduating on the 13th day of the month and 13 men with 13 of the class receiving degrees and other who were special students, received certificates. Col. John F. Hobbs, president of the "13 club" of New York, was a spectator. Year 1907 was the 51st commencement. The exercies were presided over by Dr. A. J. Bowers, vice president of the faculty, in the absence of President James A. B. Scherer, who was in Europe. Six members of the class were selected to speak at the commencement: E. L. Halfacre, Newberry, W. F. Hipp, Newberry, O. C. Kibler, Newberry, I. E. Long, Prosperity, W. E. Monts, Prosperity, and P. E. Shealy, Prosperity. The following received medals: The sophomore Greek medal, given by Rev. C. P. Boozer and W. A. Mosely, was won by Mr. C. B. Mills (not present). Rev. W. P. Cline announced the winner. Honorable mention was made of Mr. George E. Lever. The George S. Mower essay medal was given to Mr. I. E. Long by Rev. J. H. Harms. The O. B. Mayer history medal was presented to Mr. W. F. Hipp by Rev. J. J. Long. Honorable mention was made of Miss Mary Alice Swittenber. The freshman medal was given by John M. Kinard, presented by Rev. J. D. Kinard to Mr. Alan Johnstone. The German medal, given by Rev. C. E. Weltner, was awarded to Miss Mary Alice Swittenberg, the presentation beging made by Rev. V. Y. Boozer. The senior science medal, given by Mr. J. M. Long of Colgate, Cal., was awarded to Mr. Arthur Ballentine by Hon. W. H. Hunt. Honorable mention was made of Misses Swittenberg and Bickley and Mr. W. F. Hipp. The George W. Holland philosophy medal, given by Hon. A. J. Lever and Mr. C. J. Ramage, was presented to Mr. W. F. Hipp by Col. John F. Hobbs. The best piece published in 'The Stylus', the college magazine was awarded to Mr. J. B. Moose, presented by Prof. W. A. Stucky. The first honor of the class was given without distinction to Miss Mary Alice Swittenberg and Mr. W. F. Hipp. Bachelor of arts degree were given to: Arthur Wellington Ballentine, Odu Clyde Kibler, Wilbur Edward Monts, Perry Edgar Shealy, Robert Lee Swittenberg, Miss Mary Alice Swittenberg, John Dedrich Capplemann, Edgar Lee Halfacre, William Franklin Hipp, Irving Ernest Long and Gernie Willis Nichols. Bachelor of science degree were given to John Oliver Havird and the degree of bachelor of philosophy was given to Miss Nora Lee Bickley. Special students who received certificates of proficency are: Misses Mary Ethyl Bowers, Myrtle Robert Dennis, Lucille Dickert, Mabel Bate Tarrant and Jacob Forest Crouch and Thomas Paysinger Wicker. Newberry Closes Year of Success Lutheran College Commencement Come to an End Diplomas for Twenty - five (The State - June 9, 1910) Newberry, June 8 - There is no commencement like Newberry's. In fact, some of the good Lutherans (and others, too) around here will vouch, that there is no commencement but Newberry's. The 54th commencement - twenty-five young people graduate. the graduation excercise was held in the opera house. The anounnouncer was Dr. George B. Cromer. The college orchestra led by Prof. Thomas (the conductor played music. Six members of the graduating class made speeches. H. R. Schaeffer, salutatory; C. J. Sealy, "The Student Awakening;" P. J. Blame, "The Mission of the Denominational College:" W. B. Wessinger, "The Crime of Technicalities;" H. A. Lubs, "The Debt We Owe the Modern Chemist;" Allan Johnstone, valedictorian. Medals were awarded to the following: Allan Johnstone, Jr. of Newberry, received a gold medal as a token. The medal was the donation of J. H. Summer of Newberry, and was the first year a first honor man has been awarded a medal. P. J. Bame and C. J. Shealy were given honorable mention. Charlie P. Barre of Prosperity received the German medal, honorable mention being made of M. E. Roberts and G. E. Fink. Herbert A. Lubs of Savannah took two medals, the science medal and the history medal, both hightly prized medals of the college. The philosophy medal went to first honor man, Allan Johnstone, Jr., two others, P. J. Bame and H. B. Schaeffer, coming in for honorable mention. H. Brent Schaeffer of Greenville, Tenn., received a metal for writing the best essay on "The Rise of Germany". P. J. Bame ran a close second and was given honorable mention. A first time medal - mathematic medal - went to A. Chris Garlington, from Newberry. It was given by Dr. Dreher The Greek medal was won by N. B. Hendrix of Leesville, honorable mention being made of Grady H. Hipp and Rovert W. Houseal, both of Newberry. Five candidates were considered for the freshman medal. Jesse B. Balentine of Chapin won, while Miss Gladys Chapel, G. B. Setzler, Vernon H. Wheeler and C. M. Wilson were made mention as the race was close. C. P. Beard was given a scholarship for one year for contributing to the college magazine 'The Stylus' . Those who graduated were: Degree of A. B. - Paul Jones Bame, Joseph Augustus Dennis, Cleburne Blair Epting, Eva Gray Goggans, Lloyd Bates Houck, Allan Johnstone, Jr., Alonzo Emanuel Lown, Herbert A. Lubs, Edwin Franklin Kaiser Roof, Harry Brent Schaeffer, Charley Jackson Shealy, James William Shealy, John Henry Sligh, Marie Muriel Summer, Arthur West, Henry B. Wessinger, Mary Vanessa Williams. B. S. Degree - James Albert Burton, Jr., Albert Christopher Garlington, Ralph Reinhardt Rugheimer. Special Courses - Beaufort M. Scurry, Leffie C. Shealy, Oscar Cleveiland Shealy, Lallah Rook Simmons.