Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Seventy Years

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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