35

The following year, 1878—1879, marked the first time that Pre- paratory and College courses were available for students.63 It was

said at that time that the students passed the examinations "very cred-

61+

itably." In addition, a complimentary report of the June 7-8, l881,

65

commencement exercises attested to the continued good quality of in- struction at the school.‘

The students not only improved their intellectual abilities, but also their personal habits. An interesting Society account of l879 spoke of this improvement:

It is a pleasant sight to watch the gradual change which comes over a student who comes to us fresh from his log-cabin in the woods. His hair soon gets an extra touch--hi$ linen and his clothes soon show and breathe a little more of the air of civi— lization, and often a few months fingz him stepping ahead of his city cousins in his daily tasks. The account continued, giving one a partial glimpse of the religious life at the school: But best of all is to see strong young men bow at the altar as penitents and rising promise to g8 back to their compan- ions at home and tell them of Jesus. 7

By the end of the l880—l88l school year, it was known68 that

Thayer had accepted a position as president of Clark University (now a

M

63Freedmen's Aid Society, Twelfth Annual Report, l879, p. 39.

éthid.

6 SGreensboro Daily Battle-Ground, June 9, l88l.

66 . Freedmen's Aid Society, Twelfth Annual Report, 1879, p. 39-

671bid.

68Greensboro Daily Battle-Ground, June 9, 188l.