Valedictory Address

Valedictory Address '73 - Up the Hill 1973, p. 23.

First of all, I want to thank the members of the graduating class for electing me to present this valedictory address. It is indeed a GREAT honor for me to speak on behalf of over one thousand classmates, especially when you consider that in elementary school back in Black River, I spent my first four years with one classmate and the following four years without a single classmate! In speaking on behalf of these graduates from six faculties on campus, I will not be able to speak for each individual, but I will attempt to channel my remarks so that they apply to most of the graduates

A Valedictory address is one through which the graduating class says “farewell”. I intend to do this, but there are two other points I wish to consider. One is recent trends in University enrolment, and the other is my idea of the value of University education in general.

As we are all well aware, especially university administrators and planners, during the past couple of years there has been a rapid decline in University enrolments. This is the result of several underlying factors, some of which are old and some of which have developed recently. Potential University students, many just graduated from High School, are taking a long, hard look at the situation, and many see a lot of obstacles along the course. Number one is the cost of spending four or more years as a student – not just the direct costs of tuition and books, but also the indirect costs of not taking a job after High School. Another big obstacle is the fear of spending a year or two in University and finding that they are not able to make the grade. Many are attracted to shorter courses in trade schools and community colleges. At one time, a degree from University was virtually a guarantee of a good position after graduation. Now potential University students see that this is not necessarily true, and they wonder – is it worth it?

These are just some of the reasons why people decide against a University education. However, I feel that in the long run, the benefits FAR outweigh the costs. There are over one thousand of us here today who were not turned off by these reasons; who started, perhaps somewhat apprehensively; who persevered through to the end of our courses; and who are each receiving a diploma to show that we have reached that plateau.

Today is the day to which we all have looked forward since that first registration day, and no doubt at times we all wondered if we would ever see this day. Now as we look back to the beginning of our individual careers, every one probably sees things which he would like to forget. But, as Lady Macbeth said, “what’s done cannot be undone”. The good times, the bad times, the mistakes, the successes, and the failures – this is experience – the great teacher. The EXPERIENCE of spending four or five years at University may well be the most important part of our education. It will certainly be of more benefit to us in our future lives than some formula we learned, or an essay we wrote along the way.

I am sure that by experiencing a University career and being exposed to all the things to which we have been, each and every one of us graduates is better equipped to go out into the world. Some of us have already accepted permanent employment, for others there will be graduate studies, while still others will be travelling for a while before settling down.

Thomas Carlyle said, “The great law of culture is; Let each become all that he was created capable of being: expand, if possible, to his full growth; … and show himself at length in his own shape and stature – be these what they may.”

I believe that a University education can be a step in the right direction in attempting to satisfy this law. At University there is an opportunity to achieve a BALANCE between training and education. These two are related, but are different in scope. Training is instruction intended to make one skilled in a certain field, whereas, education is the knowledge of how to use the WHOLE of oneself. A good combination of training and education at the university level can provide the spark, which, through continuing effort by an individual, can enable him to reach the ultimate goal – that is, to become all that he was created capable of being.

There are three ways to spend a University career and still become a graduate;

One is to follow the path of least resistance, or in other words, do as little as possible and hope for the best.

Another is to go into a shell of books the first day and emerge on graduation day as a walking computer.

The other and best method is to have an open mind, and try to absorb and experience as much curricular and extracurricular activity as possible. I am sure that in this graduation class we have some who have adhered to each of these methods, but I am also sure that those who

However, as we leave UNB we the graduates cannot be concerned with just ourselves as fairly stable ships on the sea of life. Indeed we must be concerned with whether there will be even a sea to travel on! I believe our education has better prepared us to take active, meaningful roles in our fast changing society.

In conclusion, on behalf of the graduating class of 1973, I want to say “Farewell” to UNB. We want to say “thank you” to EVERYONE who helped us along the way, but a special “thank you” is due to the parents. We sincerely say “thank you” for your support, encouragement, guidance, and understanding. You deserve to share in the sense of pride and accomplishment resulting from your son or daughter graduating today. With this stage in our lives completed, we pass onto the next, whatever it may be, better prepared through our experiences in the red brick buildings “Up the Hill”.