The University of Washington’s First Alumni Reunion
A modest gathering of nineteen graduates reflects on their time at the young university with essays, music, and an unexpected appearance of the next generation.
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The Alumni of the University of Washington gave their first annual reunion last evening. The old chapel, the scene of their former conquests and defeats, was nicely filled with the friends of the nineteen graduates who, from time to time, have bid good-bye to the halls of their Alma Mater. The program was commenced by the orator, H. O. Chipman, B. S., Class '83. This was followed by a vocal solo by Miss Etta Whitworth. Mrs. Pearlman presided at the piano, and the selection was, 'It was a Dream.' Mrs. Carrie V. Palmer, B. S., Class '83, read her essay entitled 'The Women of Shakespeare.' This effort was very well received. The 'Fisher,' a vocal duet, was nicely rendered by Miss Dora Hall and Mr. C. E. Bowman. The poem, 'A Dream,' by Miss Edith Sanderson, B. S., of Class '81, was followed by a song by Mr. Young. Next came the class annals, compiled by Miss Eva Lombard, B. S., Class '80, featuring many funny anecdotes concerning the members of the association. During the day the association held its business meeting. They were surprised to see two of the tardy ones walk in, each with a youthful 'honorary alumnus' in her arms. Miss Lula Koot and Miss Anna Sparline were elected members as they graduate this year.
“The old chapel, the scene of their former conquests and defeats, was nicely filled with the friends of the nineteen graduates.”
Today the University of Washington is a massive research institution with hundreds of thousands of alumni. In 1884, it was a tiny, intimate schoolhouse where nineteen graduates could fit into a single chapel for a night of music and poetry.
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