1932 Commencement

The chief feature of the Commencement season in June was the inauguration of outdoor graduation exercises. Preparations had been made during the preceding year for transforming the Bema in College Park into a most attractive auditorium for accommodating faculty, the graduating class, and guests, on Commencement day. Favored by good weather the exercises were attended by the largest crowd in the history of the College and one of the largest classes, numbering 424, was graduated. Loud speaking equipment and specially installed seats contributed to the success of this first outdoor Commencement.

In spite of opinion that the attendance would be much smaller than usual, Commencement visitors flocked to Hanover in numbers nearly as high as in any previous year. The seniors held their Class Day exercises on the campus Saturday afternoon. Baccalaureate was held Sunday morning and the Senior Ball Monday evening. President and Mrs. Hopkins received alumni, seniors, faculty, and guests at their home Sunday evening. Buildings were open for inspection during each day of Commencement, June 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. The baccalaureate address given by President Hopkins has already been distributed to alumni through a mailing piece of the Alumni Fund committee. Full accounts of all class reunions will be found in the Class Notes section of this number.