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science were conferred in 1875 upon all graduates of the first five
classes who had qualified for the diploma.
About a month before the graduation of the first class, Stephen
Salisbury gave the Institute another pleasant surprise, and again
demonstrated the constructive character of his philanthropy. He
reminded the trustees that some of the best students "are tempted to
withdraw before they have passed through the course which has been
carefully arranged for their greatest benefit. There is more danger of
this, because many students come for a certain preparation, which
partial instruction may give them confidence to acquire, and the
talent that is unexpectedly though partially developed will invite
such liberal offers of employment as may lead them to forego the
advantages of the complete course." It was his desire "to establish an
inducement for the continued attendance of students to the end of the
required course of the Institute, which will be honorable, tangible,
and acceptable, and if not large, it may be in some cases sufficient
to give a right turn to the scale, and by future contributions it may
be increased."
To this end, Mr. Salisbury offered the sum of $10,000 to be invested
as a Graduates' Aid Fund, the income to be distributed "to students
who shall finish the prescribed course of this Institute with the
greatest faithfulness and excellence." To the trustees was left the
devising of rules for the distribution of this aid. They directed that
it should be given to six of the most meritorious students, each to
receive not more than $100 nor less than $90. These rules were in
effect until 1885, when the individual award was reduced to $75. In
1929 it was again restored to $100, through the generosity of
Dr. M. B. Kaven, who led the "first six" of 1885, the last group to
receive the larger sum.
The graduation and almost immediate employment of the first class
inspired the trustees and faculty with a feeling of satisfaction and
confidence, akin to that of a manufacturer who has successfully
marketed the first products of his plant. Favorable comments from the
press, visitors, and parents
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