The International YMCA College, now known as Springfield College, published Dr. Laurence L. Doggett’s book “Man and a School” in 1943. In writing the book, Doggett wanted to tell the story of Springfield College, trace the development of certain movements within the school, and to personalize the text with elements from his life. The book is chronological and traces the school’s history from its founding in 1885 to 1938. In the first chapter, Doggett describes his own life, beginning with his earliest American ancestor and ending with his accepting the title of president of Springfield College. The remaining text is split into roughly five to ten year sections that describe the college’s growth, both physical and philosophical, across its first four decades.
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Dr. Laurence Locke Doggett was the school’s first full time president and remains its longest tenured president, having served in the position for thirty-nine years. When Doggett took the post of president at Springfield College, there were fifty students, eight instructors, and two buildings, and the school was $20,000 in debt. In the years following Doggett’s appointment, he expanded the campus to include a new gymnasium, athletic field, swimming pool and library, and by the time of his retirement there were 535 students enrolled under a faculty of more than forty. Under Doggett’s leadership, the school became known for its liberal religious teachings and for training leaders both inside and outside the YMCA. During his time as president, the College's “Humanics” philosophy, which calls for the education of the whole person--in spirit, mind, and body--for leadership in service to humanity, was implemented. The philosophy still guides Springfield College today. Doggett died in 1957 at the age of 92.
