April 30, 1866

Arriving at the college for the first Founder’s Day celebration and escorted by President Raymond, the unsuspecting Matthew Vassar drove under a triumphal archway of evergreens designed by Henry Van Ingen, professor of art. Lines of students on either side of the driveway greeted the Founder. The literary program which followed included an original song, “Our Father and Our Friend,” with music by Professor of Music Edward Wiebé, and words by Julia S. Tutwiler, special student, 1865-66. The celebration was a complete surprise to Matthew Vassar, who is reported to have said to Dr. Raymond “This one event has repaid me for every cent I have spent for the college.”