1903-04 Volume 28 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

22 THE SCROLL.In January, 1892, Dr. Ellis was called to the presidency ofthe State Agricultural College of Colorado, after decliningan invitation to become its president in 1891. He acceptedthe second call for a five years' term of service at a salaryof $6,000 per year. At the close of the college year of 1891,the institution had 106 students. At the close of the year1898 the attendance had increased to 347. During theincumbency of Dr. Ellis the course of study was broadenedand the standard of the institution raised in every particular.At the annual meeting of the college trustees held December14, 1898, Dr. Ellis was re-elected for a term extendingto September 1, 1901. His election was the occasion ofcongratulation and felicitation not only in Fort Collins, thelocation of the State Agricultural College of Colorado, butthroughout the state upon which during his seven years'residence he had left an indelible impress. Political fusionin Colorado placed three Populists on the board of trusteesof the institution. The result was the rescinding of theaction of the last meeting extending Dr. Ellis's term to1901. Dr. Ellis made no contest and requested his friendson the board to vote for some one else. His retirement wasregretted by friends of education all over Colorado andespecially in Fort Collins. The action at the called meetingwas condemned by the press of Colorado and the loss of Dr.Ellis was deprecated in numerous editorials. He returnedto Ohio in February, 1900, and occupied his beautiful home,'The Heights,' in Hamilton, He at once resumed his placeof prominence in the educational circles of Ohio. His electionby the board of trustees of Ohio University as presidentoccurred July 18, 1901, His work since that time has beenpart of the educational history of Ohio.Phi Delta Theta is one of Dr. Ellis's cherished enthusiasms,A son of the parent chapter at Miami, he has evertaken a lively interest in the affairs of the fraternity. Atthe time he entered Miami our Ohio Alpha chapter was extinct.Associated, however with a classmate, now a prominentlawyer of Spokane, Wash., Judge James Zachary Moore,who had been initiated into * A ® at Centre College, he revivedthe dormant chapter, and has ever afterward been oneof the strongest factors in its progress. In 1880 he wrote asplendid article for THE SCROLL on the revival of * A ®at Miami, and in the same year was orator of the nationalconvention at Indianapolis, his oration on the subject'American Education,' being a notable effort. When the