It may be stated here that this fund was safely invested, and the annual proceeds, from the year of its establishment, have been applied, as directed, in annual prizes and the purchase of books, until, at this writing, the collection has, become imposing and very valuable. The first prize was awarded June, 1872, to R. E. Blackwell, of Virginia. The College year 1872-'73 was remarkable in the patronage and financial outcome. The number of students was 234, the largest in the history of the College up to that year. The receipts for fees amounted to $11,220; Conference educational collections, $3,411. The excess of current receipts over current expenses reported, for the first time in the history of the College, went towards needed improvements of the property and reduction of debts of other years. Available assets were reported at $74,610; liabilities, $26,377--net assets, $48,233. This exhibit, made by Rev. A. G. Brown, Financial Secretary, was highly gratifying to the Board, so long accustomed to discouraging reports. Of the 234 students, 44 were studying with a view to the ministry, and 29 sons of ministers. The honorary degree of D. D., on recommendation of the Faculty, was conferred on the following: Rev. John C. Wills, president of Central College, Missouri; Rev. Alpheus W. Wilson, of the Baltimore Conference; Rev. John D. Blackwell, of the Virginia Conference. The degree of A. M. was conferred on Franklin C. Woodward, of Virginia. The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was awarded Franklin C. Woodward, of Virginia. [Illustration: FRANKLIN C. WOODWARD, A. M., D. D., _Sutherlin Medalist, 1873; President South Carolina College._] The "Walton Greek Prize" was awarded to Robert Sharp, of Virginia. An educational convention to devise plans to increase the Endowment and Building funds of the College was held in Richmond, April, 1874. The following plan was adopted: "I. That delegates shall be appointed (by the committee under item III.), consisting of one layman and one preacher in each district, whose duty it shall be to present the subject to the several District Conferences at their meetings during the summer and fall of this year, and take up collections for this object, and that the presiding elders be requested to arrange the exercises of their district meetings so as to secure _one whole day_ for the interests of Randolph-Macon College. "II. That we earnestly solicit the co-operation of the presiding elders in this great work, and request the appointment of meetings in the several pastoral charges, in which this cause shall be presented and collections taken. [Illustration: PROF. W. M. BASKERVILLE, PH. D., _Vanderbilt University._] "III. That a committee be appointed, who shall attend these meetings, take up collections, etc." (_Committee_: Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D., Rev. A. G. Brown, and Richard Irby, Esq.)