Dickinson College, at its annual commencement ceremonies, grants baccalaureate degrees to sixteen members of the class of 1856.  William Miller Parsons of Virginia, who drafted his graduation oration on Uncle Tom's Cabin, is excused from delivering his speech publicly. (By James Gerencser)

Dickinson College, at its annual commencement ceremonies, grants baccalaureate degrees to twenty-three members of the class of 1855.  Among the graduates is Charles Francis Himes, who will return to the college in 1865 as professor of natural science. (By James Gerencser)

Dickinson College, at its annual commencement ceremonies, grants baccalaureate degrees to twenty members of the class of 1854.  Graduate George Tankard Garrison, who delivers an oration titled "The Crusades," will later serve on the Virginia Legislature throughout the Civil War.  (By James Gerencser)