inson College, and Marsh, of the University 

 of Vermont, in place of the" usual college 

 classes, the progress of the student and his 

 ability to pass the vigorous examinations 

 required, were the only grounds of classifi- 

 cation ; the student who could pass the exam- 

 ination for the degree of A. B., received his 

 diploma without reference to the time spent 

 in college. This system was maintained for 

 some years, but has gradually fallen into dis- 

 use, as it has also at Brown University, where 

 it was for a time in successful operation. The 

 regular college classes are now maintained, 

 though a student taking a special course of 

 English studies passing a satisfactory exami- 

 nation may receive the degree of S. B., or 

 students may take a select course without 

 receiving a degree. But by far the greater 

 number go regularly through, as in other 

 colleges. During Dr. Fisk's administration 

 a manual labor department was established, 

 which, however, met with little encourage- 

 ment ; a commons or boarding hall was also 

 maintained during the first twenty years. 

 The first faculty consisted of the President, 

 two professors and one tutor, and the first 

 class consisted of six members, of whom 

 three now survive, graduated in 1833. 



In 1841, Rev. Nathan Bangs, D. D., was 

 elected President, but resigned in 1842 and 

 \ as succeeded by the Rev. Stephen Oein, 

 . . D., L. L. D. Dr. Olin's presidency was 

 a prosperous one for the University, and 

 through his exertion a heavy incubus of 

 debt was thrown off and the endowment 

 largely increased. Although in very poor 

 health, his influence was great and still is felt. 

 He died in 185 r, and his remains repose by 

 the side of those of Dr. Fisk in the beautiful 

 college cemetery. 



