Founders Graduate in 1875 Despite Humble Origins Considering this is a traditional time for commencement celebrations, it is an appropriate time to look back and compare today’s state of higher education to that of our Founders. Adam Carter (Hobart ’90), Archives Committee The Massachusetts Ploughman and New England Agricultural Journal of Saturday, July 3, 1875, offers a glimpse into college life in mid-to-late nineteenth century America and illuminates the high achievements of our Founders and early initiates. An article entitled “Mass. Agricultural College Graduation” highlights the graduation ceremonies of the Massachusetts Agricultural College (MAC), home to Alpha Chapter. The graduates of the class of 1875 included Founders Joseph Barrett, William Brooks, Frederick Campbell, Jabez Clay, and Henry Hague, as well as early initiates Andre Southwick and Peter Harwood.
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Founders and Brothers Mentioned and Honored Originally, the class of 1875 consisted of approximately 25 students. Of these, only 18 (or 72 percent) graduated. Of those 18, seven were brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa. They were the best of the best. Our brothers ranked first, second, fourth, and fifth. According to the Education Data Initiative, those seeking bachelor’s degrees today graduate at a rate of about 60 percent.
THE SIGNET
