History of Undergraduate Commencement

Chamberlain was pastor of the Broadway Congregational Church in Norwich, Conn. from 1876 to 1883. The ceremony closed the first year of the new agricultural school, and as none of the students had completed the requirements, no diplomas were awarded. After the ceremony, students conducted laboratory practice demonstrations.

Hubbard, of Middletown, was a trustee of the school/college from 1881 to 1896. This ceremony was held in the Storrs Congregational Church. As noted on the Undergraduate Ceremony Speakers main page, six students received their two-year certificates in this, the first graduating class.

This ceremony was held in an oak grove in an area behind what is now Holcomb Hall. Waller (1840 - 1924), was governor from 1883 to 1885. Beecher, (1813 - 1887), brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, was a clergyman and abolitionist and one of the most popular preachers of his day. Born in Litchfield, Connecticut, he became the pastor of the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn, New York, in 1847. He was a close friend of the Storrs brothers.

Harrison (1821 - 1901), a Republican from New Haven, was governor from 1885 - 1887. Simonds was a trustee from Canton who served from 1886 to 1903. He also headed a state commission that reported favorably on the school in 1885.

No information is available on these speakers.

Hyde, of Stafford, was a trustee from 1881-1899. Simonds was a trustee from Canton.

The program for 1889 lists all four men as giving addresses. All four were trustees. Gold was instrumental in the creation of Storrs Agricultural School.