Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 16]

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14 inent, without in the least belittling or degrading the educational character of the instruction. It was not forgotten that man is more than the artisan, and that manhood has duties and interests higher and grander than those of the workshop and the farm; that leaders in the splended industries of the nineteenth century must possess wide attainments and thorough culture; that they must be able to to investigate and invent, and able, as well, to communicate through the press and by public speech, their knowledge, discoveries and matured plans for the promotion of the material and intellectual prosperity of the State. The University was opened for students March 2, 1868, and during the term which followed there were enrolled seventy-seven names. At the opening of this term there were, besides the Begent, but two professors, Geo. W. Atherton and Wm. M. Baker. These were assisted, beginning April 20, by Thos. J. Burrill. The classes taught during this term were: Algebra (3 classes), Geometry, Natural Philosophy, History, Bhetoric, and Latin (3 classes). The inaugural ceremonies took place Wednesday, March 11, 1868, at which Hon. S. W. Moulton, of Shelbyville, presided; Hon. Newton Bateman, of Springfield, delivered an address upon the history and progress of the initial efforts in behalf of the University, its character and prospects; Dr. J. M. Gregory, Begent of the University, delivered the inaugural address. This was a gala day for the friends of the new educational enterprise, and especially for the citizens of the county. The attendance upon the exercises was very great, and cordial interest and hearty enthusiasm enlivened and made memorable the day. A banquet, prepared by the citizens, was served in the building, and after dinner speeches and applause continued to testify to the high anticipation and hopeful appreciation of the institution that day inaugurated. A record is here made of the date of appointment, position and term of service of those who have been and are (Oct. 1880) members of the Faculty of the University." Mention is not made of a large number who have been employed in the work of instruction, but who did not become members of the Faculty as designated by law. When no mention is made of the close of service, it is understood this has not occurred. Dr. J. M. Gregory, elected Begent March, 1867, held this position until June 1880, when he presented his resignation, which took effect the September following. Soon after the opening of the University, Dr. Gregory also assumed the duties of Professor of Philosophy and History, continuing the same until his resignation. Wm. M. Baker and Geo. W. Atherton were elected to undesignated professorships November 27, 1867. The former was afterward assigned the chair of English Language and Literature, and the latter that of History and Social Science. Professor Baker was appointed Begent, pro tern., July 7, 1869, serving until September following. His labors were terminated by his death April 16, 1873. "A. genuine worker, and a noble christian m a n ; history will embalm his memory among those who toiled faithfully for the good of the University and for mankind." Professor Atherton resigned January 1869, to accept a professorship elsewhere. T. J. Burrill, entering upon duty April 20, was elected, assigned Professor of Natural