University of Virginia Library

The University Ph. D. Men.

From statistics recently collected it has
been ascertained that the 39 men who
have taken the Ph. D. degree at the University
of Virginia, from 1885 to 1907, represent
ten States as to nativity, and sixteen
as to present location. Twenty-five
of the thirty-nine were born in Virginia,
and seventeen are now holding positions
in the same State. For men were born
in northern States,—Ohio, Minnesota,
Utah, and Michigan, respectively; and
five are now working in northern States,
namely: New Jersey, California, Illinois,
Massachusetts, and New York. Dr. Lyman
Skeen was practicing in Utah at the
time of his death. As to occupation, 29
are teachers; 3 are college presidents; 2
are astronomers; 2 are graduate students,
one at Johus Hopkins, the other at Harvard;
one was a practicing physician—at
least two others are doctors of medicine;
one is a chemist; one is a pastor—at least
three others bear clerical orders. The
youngest of the thirty-nine at the time of
graduation was 21; the oldest was 41; the
average age of all was about 29. Six men
chose Latin for their major subject; mathematics,
English language, and English
literature were each chosen as major by
five men; while astronomy and chemistry
were each the major subject for four.
Physics, Greek and history were each
chosen as major by two men; while the
others divided singly upon German, geology,
biology, and French. The largest
number of men receiving the degree in
a single year was eight, in 1901. In 1902,
six were graduated; in 1907, five.

The Washington and Jefferson literary
societies, both almost as "ancient and
honorable" as the University itself, are
showing a worthy and commendable activity
this year—a fact that will be most
gratifying to the numerous alumni who
have received an invaluable part of their
college training in these societies.

At the annual football banquet, December
7, a football of gold was presented on
behalf of the team to Hammond Johnson,
whose excellent coaching was thus acknowledged
in appropriate form.

The February issue of the Record
will contain the regular annual catalogue
of the University for the session of 1907'8,
with announcements for 1908-9.
This special number will contain the
new entrance requirements and other
items of particular interest, as well as
the great mass of information usually
given. It will be sent to all subscribers
to the Record, and to others who request
it. Alumni and others are invited
to forward the names and addresses of
prospective students to whom the catalogue
should be sent.

The president's house on Carr's Hill is
now being pushed forward by the contractors,
and will doubtless be completed
and ready for occupancy in the near future.

The special issue of the Charlottesville
Daily Progress of December 21,
Christmas edition, contains a fine panoramic
picture of the University buildings
and grounds, together with extensiv
and interesting descriptive matter pertaining
to the institution.

On December 11 the new wing of the
University Hospital was formally ope-
ed by a public reception, at which Mrs.
Alderman and Miss Besley, superintending
nurse, presided. The building had
already been in use for some time previously.

On December 4 David Bispham, the
famous baritone of New York and London,
gave a song recital in Cabell Hall.
An opportunity was thus afforded to hear
an eminent artist of which many persons
among the students, teachers, and townspeople
availed themselves.