Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/150

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144
F. G. Young.
144

144 JAMES R. ROBERTSON. funds for the erection of a large brick structure, to be used mainly for distinctively college purposes, built at a cost of about $50,000. It was named "Marsh Hall" for the first president. The endowment was increased also by the addi- tion of over $150.000. Both for the building and the en- dowment Dr. D. K. Pearsons of Chicago gave largely upon condition that other funds be raised, and extended the time until the result was accomplished, notwithstanding the period of financial depression when the solicitation was made. By means of this added endowment several chairs that had been partially endowed were filled out, a chair in Latin begun by a gift of Mrs. Gushing Eells in the form of land, and a chair in Philosophy begun by Doctor Marsh in the early years of his presidency. A new pro- fessorship was established in Mathematics, called the Vermont professorship, and plans were laid for the com- pletion of still others, notably a partially completed pro- fessorship started by Mrs. Tabitha Brown and another by Mrs. Horace Lyman, wife of the early professor. The latter however were not completed. The vacancies in the faculty were filled by teachers selected by President McClelland before coming West. During the period of his administration there were a good many changes which belong rather to the later history than the founding, and need not be mentioned in this paper. It may be said, however, that more attention was given to subjects that had formerly received less attention relative to the classics, mathematics, and philosophy. The courses were strengthened by making possible a wider range of work and more continuous courses in various branches than previously had been possible. The prin- ciple of election was recognized to the extent of about one third of the last two years. It was during the presidency of Doctor McClelland that more attention was paid to distinctively student features