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not only for contributions to the gymnasium fund but for payment of
annual dues, subscriptions to the journal, Tech News, and Student
Y.M.C.A., or payments toward a life membership in the
Association. As in the previous campaign he drove through to his goal,
which was achieved by the end of the year 1915. The collection of
pledges was not without its disappointments and frequent
embarrassments. Much pressure was brought to bear on alumni who were
delinquent, which caused hard feelings in some cases, but construction
bills had to be paid. It was necessary on only one occasion to secure
a bank loan to provide funds for the contractor.
The field and gymnasium projects, quite the most significant
contributions to student welfare in the Institute's history, were
happily timed to fit into the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary
of the Institute's incorporation. Plans for this event had been in the
making for nearly two years by a general committee of trustees,
faculty and alumni. The executive committee that carried the plans
into effect was composed of Zelotes W. Coombs, secretary of the
faculty, Charles Baker, secretary of the Board of Trustees, and George
1. Rockwood, president of the Alumni Association. Elaborate
preparations were made for this jubilee, and invitations were sent to
colleges, scientific and engineering institutions, and to many persons
of importance in technical and political circles. The man whose
attendance was most eagerly sought, and for some time anticipated, was
President Woodrow Wilson, for he had been the Commencement speaker at
the time of the twentyfifth anniversary. His letter of regret
contained assurance that but for the uncertainties of the European war
trends he would have been present. Another disappointment came when
General George W. Goethals, one of the speakers whose message was most
keenly anticipated, was called to the west by Panama Canal business on
the eve of his departure for Worcester. The array of speakers for the
week was still ample.
Ceremonies began, in a torrent of rain, with the Baccalaureate service
on Sunday, June 6, 1915. Those of scientific
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