Valedictory Address

“Valedictorian Suggests Stiffer Requirements For Entrance to University” Daily Gleaner (17 May 1934). (UA Case 68, Box 1)

The Valedictory

May it please Your Honour:

Four years of work and pleasure of disappointments and disillusionments, of successes and failures tumble into completion today for the class who entered here in the fall of 1930. Some have hesitated, some have halted, and we, the remainder, have finally struggled up another rung of that much abused ladder of success. To the rest of the world it may mean little, but to our parents, our friends, and ourselves, it is an attainment that may well be treasured with the smug complacency that comes of “something done”.

For this acquirement, we owe an incalculable debt to our parents or those responsible for our presence here to-day. The sluggishness of the times has made it practically impossible for one to pass through the last four years without financial aid. This has placed a burden on those most dear to us, and has made necessary much self-sacrifice on their part. I sincerely hope that our presence here this afternoon may act as a token payment for something that money can never quite repay. This little bit of sentiment, I promise is all that will appear.

Stiffer Entrance Requirement

Our preparation has been carefully conducted. We, who are no longer members of the University, thank most heartily the President, the Senate and the members of the Faculty for benefits received and for their consideration and patience during our recent attendance. We also offer our criticisms. The institution has at present a high standard which should not only be maintained but raised. We are quite safe in making this request as we have proof of our supposed ability rolled up in our hands. More seriously, this raising could probably be best accomplished by the stiffening of the entrance requirements. Advancement of future studies will then follow as a natural course of events. Arguments may be advanced pro and con, but mine is the case of the student who passes his easy entrance and is then “failed” out in his first term. Here is a man who is not given credit for his being capable of advancing thus far, but is rather stigmatized by his inability to carry on an attempt that he may not be entirely suited for. We are judges, unfortunately, by what we have accomplished and not by what we have attempted. His future chance in life at something suitable may be ruined by the expression “failure from college.”

Suggestions to Faculty

The courses of instruction are in the hands of able men. They welcome criticism of methods and we offer it from our own experience. Courses should consist of analyses of principles rather than a listing of facts. Memories are fickle things at any time and textbooks and almanacs are more capable of retaining facts than an already overcrowded head. Subjects, where a general knowledge is necessary, should be kept general, even if a “snap” course is the outcome. Students would welcome the change, and less work would be required on both sides. Lectures should not exceed 55 minutes.

Athletics, social, governmental, and other extra-curricular activity has offered quite as much academics, though a mean between the two was found by trial and error, to be the better.

Supervised Athletics

Athletics had shown a marked increase since 1930. The four major [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] importance on the campus. The teams have brought home several championships in that time, the students are proud but not boastful of their capabilities and sportsmanship. A marked increase of and demand for interclass and minor sport has been witnessed with coolness by some, with fervour by others, and with pleasure by those who enjoy nothing more than a Union wrangle over allotments from the budget. The percentage of student participation is exceptionally high, and is a worthy advertisement has been made possible with student levies or subscriptions only, and without the services of a full-time athletics instructor. Great thing could be done if the way could be seen clear to have compulsory levy collections as part of the tuition and an instructor as member of the faculty.

Social Activities

Social activities have had their ups and downs. The interest in the larger functions still holds its accustomed place, but is noticeably lacking in the parliaments, trials and ancient rites peculiar to the college. They should be either revived or dropped.

Student Government

Social government has changed in the past year from the old Student Union to a Student’s Representative Council. This Council of about 30 members now has the only vote in the College on student affairs. The swaying of the populace by designing orator is now at an end. This is really a desirable state of affairs and is worthy of highest commendation—but it was nice to be swayed.

To Undergraduates

We, who are just to become “has-beens” on the campus, realize the futility of specific advice to the undergraduates. You will run the place as you see fit. Our only advice is, “See that you run it.”

To Fredericton

The kindness of the people, the churches and societies of Fredericton, we deeply appreciate. You accepted us four years ago as total strangers, and now, as friends, watch us depart. We trust you have known no regrets.

Firm Friendships

Probably our greatest assets from our University career are the friendships that have been formed. They cost us nothing, and yet are invaluable. A man without friends is poor indeed and his success must become a hollow thing with the realization that no one person is genuinely please at his attainment but himself. College friendships are always particularly strong as they are formed for what they are worth. I trust they will always remain as they are this afternoon.