Excerpt from 1853 1903, Semi-Centennial Celebration and Commencement of Roanoke College: June 7 11, 1903

Under the efficient direction of the General Committee of Ar rangements, representing the trustees, faculty, graduates and ex students of the College, the programme arranged for the Semi Centennial Celebration and Commencement was carried out with great success. The exercises throughout were of a high order; the audiences were large and appreciative, and the weather delight fully cool. The excellent music of the voluntary choir, the sing ing of the semi-centennial hymn and song, and the fine performauces of the Salem Band were greatly enjoyed by all. The illu mination of the campus for the promenade concerts was on a more brilliant scale than'usu'al. Much interest was added. To the cele bration by the unusually large number of graduates, ex-students, and visitors in attendance. Enthusiasm seemed to be in the air. It was an inspiring sight to see the long processions marching to stirring strains of music to the Auditorium, many old students and others carrying flags In college colors of blue and yellow, as well as many national flags, all bearing the figures 1853 Almost everyone in the procession - trustees, professors, speakers, old students, the students of this year - wore a badge in college colors, on which were printed semi-centennial, Roanoke Col lege, 1853 A large banner, stretched across College av enue at Main street, bore the inscription semi-centennial Wel come. The front of the Auditorium, in which the exercises were held, the front entrance to the College grounds, the front doors of the chapel and library, the interior of the library, and the entrance to the literary society halls were decorated in college colors and national flags and bunting. A number of places of business were also decorated, and the town seemed to be taking a holiday. Every thing passed off most successfully to the gratification of all friends of the College. As will be seen from the report of the Commence ment the speaking was properly-confined largely to Roanoke men; but it was also appropriate to have the addresses from Governor Montague as the Chief Executive of the Commonwealth of Vir ginia; from President Dabney, of the University of Tennesssee, as a representative of higher education in the South; and from the delegates from Virginia univerities and colleges as a manifestation of general fellowship in the cause of higher education in the' old Dominion. The presence and addresses of these gentlemen and their words of congratulation and good-will added greatly to tbe interest and success of Roanoke's Jubilee Celebration.

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