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Originally published in 1939
Some of this information may no longer be current and in that case is presented for historical interest only.
Edited by GET NJ, COPYRIGHT 2003
Princeton has always made an effort to prepare its students for public service. During its first 20 years the majority of graduates entered the Presbyterian ministry and were instrumental in founding many important schools and colleges. Under Witherspoon, the fighting parson, the trend turned toward political service. Among his graduates were a President, a Vice President, 10 Cabinet officers, 12 Governors, and scores of Congressmen and State legislators. Of the graduates from I800 to 1850, 1 out of 12 became members of the executive, judicial or legislative branches of State governments. This tradition of public service led Woodrow Wilson to describe the Princeton of Witherspoon's day as "the seminary of statesmen."
Princeton men are required by college regulations to "conduct themselves in a manner becoming scholars and gentlemen." By way of clarification it is set forth that students may not bring liquor into their rooms, nor there entertain a woman alone at any time nor, when the woman is attended, after 6 p.m. After every examination the student signs a pledge on his "honor as a gentleman" that he has not cheated. Participation in a riot-considered almost a right by students of a century ago-is ground for dismissal. Unless exempted by the dean, freshmen and sophomores must attend at least one-half of the Sunday chapel services, and all undergraduates are forbidden to maintain or operate a motor vehicle in Princeton or vicinity. Marriage is also prohibited for undergraduates, except with the dean's approval.
Except for these and other minor regulations, the Princeton student is relatively free. A minority has participated actively in liberal factions of national student groups and peace movements. The Veterans of Future Wars, an organization formed to ridicule out of existence the soldier's bonus bill, did not accomplish this purpose, but when the group disbanded the officers pointed out that they had "awakened the people of the country to the absurdity of war." In a more frivolous manner, Princeton men temporarily set up a bureau to offer solace by mail to the lonely hearts of Vassar College.
Many students work their way through college, but the campus also has its counterpart of town society. This consists of the heirs of blue-book families, the cosmopolitan style-setters for the collegiate world. Between these two groups lies the great bulk of students. As upperclassmen, most Princeton men eat in one of several clubs, the Princeton substitute for the fraternity system. Fronting on Prospect Avenue, the clubs range in architectural style from English Tudor to Georgian Colonial. Wealthy students week-end in New York or Philadelphia, or sometimes take advantage of opportunities to visit friends at one of the eastern colleges for women. After the spring vacation, seniors are permitted to wear "beer suits," white canvas jackets and overalls that fit loosely as pajamas and wrinkle just as easily.
By choosing carefully a relatively small percentage of those who apply for admission, Princeton has maintained high standards. The faculty is distinguished by many scholars of international reputation.
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