4. THE UNIVERSITY APPRECIATING ITS TASK
Not only in the summer schools but also in the regular policies and
programs of the University the interests and needs of the public schools of
the State have been recognized with constantly increasing purpose and
definiteness. This has been especially true during the last half-century.
For example, as early as 1886, perhaps earlier, the University faculty arranged
for local examinations to be given in the various counties of Virginia
and other States for stimulating and evaluating the work of boys and girls
in the local schools. These examinations took the place, at least in some
instances, of high school graduation. More particular information concerning
these examinations and their value to the country schools will appear
farther on.
In 1905 the Curry Memorial School of Education was established at the
University, and ever since that time a regular aim of that department has
been to touch and elevate the public schools of Virginia. All who remember
the untiring extra-mural activities of Professor Harry Heck, the first head
of the Curry Memorial School, and all who know the character and the work
of his successors will be able to appreciate the significance and growing
influence of this foundation during the past sixteen years.
In this connection we cannot forget the potency of the University in the
famous "May Campaign" of 1905, when "one hundred of the ablest
speakers of the State, including the governor, delivered three hundred
addresses in ninety-four counties at one hundred different meetings,"[2]
all in behalf of public education.
Among the eminent leaders of that campaign were President Edwin A.
Alderman, Governor Andrew J. Montague (an alumnus of the University),
and Dr. Bruce R. Payne, whose distinguished connection with the University
was then just beginning. Another gentleman whose share of honor in this
May Campaign was second to none was Professor Ormond Stone, who for
thirty years (1882-1912) was a teacher here and whose interest in the public
schools of the State was both constant and effective. His activities in behalf
of public education have been most generous and untiring, as we all know.
The vigorous rise of public high schools followed upon 1905, and much of
the vigor and character that they embodied came from the University,
through the patience and wisdom of Alderman, Payne, and others.
How many of the teachers and alumni of the University took part in
this notable campaign cannot now, perhaps, be ascertained; but many
participated and all who did so shared in the cherished social gift that our
Alma Mater at that time made.
Thus by those who live in the University and in their work reach out,
as well as by those who have studied here and have gone out into the schools
of the commonwealth, the same or related gifts have been bestowed. The
workers within and the workers without join hands across the same cheering
altar of service.
