Valedictory Address

“Valedictory”The Brunswickan 50, 7 (May 1931): 3-9. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

For a certain group of fifty-seven young men and women today is marked with satisfaction in that we have received our degrees and have fulfilled the expectations of those who have made it possible for us to be here. And yet it cannot be said that this occasion is entirely filled with pride. Scarcely realizing that four years have passed, the class of '31 is here assembled for the last time. We, who worked and played together, shared each others joys and sorrows, we, who have become closely knit together by bonds of true friendship are about to graduate. To be sure this is the very goal for which we have been striving during our four short years here ; but, now that our ambitions have been realized and we have obtained our coveted degrees, there comes that touch of sadness when we realize that we must sever the associations of the past four years which have meant so much to us. We must say farewell to dear old U. N. B. Strangely enough, it take an occasion such as this, when we have come to the parting of the ways, to make us realize how much our Alma Mater has meant to us and how difficult it is to bid farewell. Before we take our leave of this old college on the hill to face the anxieties and troubles of the business world, les us pause and recall the pleasant memories of undergraduate days, les us again be childish Freshman and carefree Upperclassmen for a few moments.

In September 1927, about ninety boys and girls trudges up the rocky path and assembled at the rear door of the Arts building. The heavy hand of Sophomorism soon descended upon us. While we considered the initiation very annoying at the time, we look back now and see its real worth. It was of great benefit in helping us to adapt ourselves to college life. While we were all miserable together, we became thoroughly acquainted and in a few weeks formed friendships, which, had conditions been different, might never have existed. Soon we became adapted to university life and began to consider ourselves full-fledged college students. Some took a great interest in sports; others were active socially; others were faithful to their studies. In whatever field our interests may have lain, we had a most wonderful year. How well we remember the football games, our first “Con,” the mock trial and parliaments. All passed too quickly and we were elevated from “Freshman” to “Sophomore”. Although our ranks had become somewhat depleted our reunion as Sophomores was a happy one. The Freshmen were introduced to college life with traditional and highly emotional procedure; old friendships were strengthened and new ones formed; the social and athletic activities were highly successful; never has “Anna” been burned with such fitting ceremony. Truly our Sophomore year was a most profitable one-intellectually, athletically, and socially.

When we returned to “up the hill” as Juniors, we got our first glimpse of a new campus with three fine buildings nearing completion. We were greatly joyed when our rugby team brought the McCurdy Cup to New Brunswick. Other activities passed quickly, and all too soon the May examinations were upon us, and another year had gone.

Then, “the last stage of all”—Seniors. As we have had charge of the majority of student activities during the past year, it might be well to look more closely at the events of our Senior term.

For the first time we have had a full time athletic director and in one year the benefits of his instruction have become quite evident. In football we had a successful season the red and black squad winning the Intercollegiate Championship of the Maritime Provinces. When the time arrived for the McCurdy Cup finals, although ours was the only team to measure up to the requirements of the Rugby Union, we were forced to withdraw from competition after being ordered into a most impossible system of play-offs. Lately, I believe, a must more reasonable system of play-offs has been adopted, and with it in effect every institution will at least receive equal and just treatment at the hands of the Maritime Rugby Union.

While our basketball and hockey teams were not so successful in respect to victories won they has the satisfaction of knowing that they played hard, clean games. This, after all, is the primary object of university athletics, and one which is often lost sight of by some institutions in an effort to win at any cost. During the last year, there has been a marked expansion in the athletic program for girls. We trust that this interest may be sustained and increased so that the young ladies may receive the greatest benefit from the physical side of college life.

At this point may the class of ’31 offer a suggestion with respect to athletics? There has been some mention of this matter previously and we wish to emphasize the necessity of making some changed in the athletic program of this university. Hitherto, a student who goes in for athletics merely for the enjoyment which he obtains from it, and who is not of first team caliber is not encouraged to turn out for athletic practices. This method of procedure in sports shows a lack of foresight. Constant attention is given to members of the first team with no thought to the future. When players be-come lost through graduation or otherwise, it becomes necessary to start at the beginning and train new men to fill their places.

To remedy this defect, a system of intramural athletics should be inaugurated at U. N. B. in all branches of sport. This would give those students who play the game for its own sake an opportunity to participate in their chosen sports. At the same time, a constant supply of material would he available for the intercollegiate teams and there would be no necessity of filling the vacancies with athletes who lack sufficient training. This constructive criticism is not leveled at those who are at present in charge of athletics at this institution. As far as I know this condition has always existed. From personal interviews with the athletic director, I know he realizes that a change is to be desired. He has already taken steps in that direction and we trust that another year will find the proposed change in effect.

Our Senior year has seen the opening of three magnificent new buildings on the campus. It has been stated by competent authority that Lady Beaverbrook's Building, made possible through the generosity of Lord Beaverbrook, has no superior in Canada, and there is no doubt that the Forestry and Geology Building and the Library, which were erected by the Provincial Government, can scarcely be excelled.

We have participated in two debates this year. Besides the Intercollegiate debate, we competed against the British Debating Team. Although we were successful in defeating such able speakers as the British debaters, it cannot be said that debating receives the support which it deserves. From enquiries which I have made, it would seem that this condition is prevalent at the majority of Canadian Colleges. Our hope is that a revival of interest will take place in the near future.

At the close of our Junior year, it was felt that interest in student affairs generally was not all that could be desired. Interest could not be expected where information was lacking. With this in view, the Student's Handbook made its first appearance this year. The benefits from this publication have been most marked in the Freshmen class, for whom it was primarily intended.

The “Brunswickan” has enjoyed a fairly successful year, both editorially and financially. Another year will see the establishment of a weekly publication “on the hill.” Since the students have voiced their approval of this new venture, there can be no doubt that it will meet with the highest success.

The Dramatic Society has closed a most successful year. Several one-act plays were produced and the major production “Arms and the Man” received great praise from the citizens of Fredericton.

With one notable exception the various social activities have been similar to those of other years. Due to the increased attendance, the annual Conversazione was divided into two functions. The activities associated with the Ladies’ Society have been well supported.

One face is missing from the Encaenial ceremonies today. With the passing of Dr. W. S. Carter, late Chief Superintendent of Education, the University and the cause of education have suffered a severe loss. Through his zeal and energy the educational system of this province has been brought to the present high standard of which the people of New Brunswick are justly proud. In his place today we have a most worthy successor. The class of ’31, particularly those of us who have studied under him, know that Dr. McFarlane was admirably suited for the office, and we are confident that under his administration and the educational system will progress with the rapid strides which have been characteristic of the past.

Thus, having developed mentally, physically and socially, with, in some cases, perhaps a touch of romance, we have spent four of the most profitable years of our lives. We have obtained “a college education.” In a general sort of way we all realize what is meant by this expression. But, in the last analysis, there are probably several items in a college education which are peculiar to each university. “What, then” might we ask, “does it mean when applied to this institution?”

To begin with, we have received a training in our chosen vocations, which can scarcely be surpassed. At first thought this appears to be a rather sweeping statement, especially when applied to a small institution like the University of New Brunswick. But it is its small size to which I attribute its greatness in instructive value. The classes are not large. For this reason each student receives individual attention and instruction in the various courses. The standard is high, and any student who successfully completes his training at this institution is well equipped to take over the duties of his chosen occupation.

Furthermore, while we have been enrolled at this University each student has been given the best opportunity to exercise and to better his entire personality. This is a most valuable asset and is said by some to be the highest and first function of a University.

There is yet another thought which impresses me. During our four years here we have formed friendships. By that wonderful word I do not mean mere acquaintance. You may be acquainted with a man—you may even like him—but it does not necessarily follow that he is your friend. A friend is a person with whom you dare to be yourself. He seems to ask nothing of you only to be what you are. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think so long as it is genuinely you. He understands those little contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. You can avow your little vanities, envies, and hates, your meanness and absurdities, and in opening them up to him they are lost, dissolved in the white ocean of his loyalty. These are the ties that bind us as a class today.

In return for these three great contributions, any one of which is priceless, what have we done for U. N. B.? And here it almost seems that we have failed. We have made countless mistakes. But Providence works out of our mistakes at times a healthier issue than could have been accomplished by our wisest forethought. Our hope is that U. N. B. may be just a little better for our having passed through. We have

Not one regret that we had done too much,
When there was much to do,
But this we know, when the long hours pass
In swift review
We shall look back and wish that we had done
Oh, so much more,
When we turn in at evening to our door.

Gentlemen of the Senate: As the governing body of this institution you have given us all that is within your power. Failure to take advantage of any of these benefits can only be attributed to personal incapacities. You have at all times given heed to whatever problems we have taken before you, and we feel confident that any reasonable request will receive your just and earnest consideration.

To you, Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Faculty, we wish to express our deepest appreciation for your tireless efforts in our behalf and for your interest in our welfare. We realize that your task is not an easy one and we have at times made it more difficult with little sparks of obstinacy. In bidding you adieu we shall carry away only the pleasant memories and we hope, despite our many faults, that you will retain no harsh recollections of the class of 1931.

Citizens of Fredericton : Those of us who make our homes in the city cannot fully realize the great debt which we as a class owe you. You have received us into your homes, your churches, and various societies. Your support has, in a large measure, been responsible for the success of our athletic activities.

Undergraduates: We wish you the best of success in your efforts to carry on. An eminent writer said not long ago (if I may be pardoned fur the injection of a slang expression), “College spirit is the bunk,” and there were times during the past year when we “suspected that there might be an element of truth in the statement.” Show him that he was mistaken. Remember that college spirit does not consist in playing on the football team, or shouting at a game, but rather in the cooperation of all for the benefit of all in every branch of academic activity.

Classmates: We have spent four profitable years here in preparation for the great struggle of life. There may have been times when we have not done as we ought. But let us not look mournfully into the past for it comes not back again We must wisely improve the present; it is ours. Let us go forth to meet the shadowy future with hope nigh and with manly hearts. Let us say:

I have no fear. What is in store for me
Shall find me ready for it, undismayed
God grant my only cowardice may be
Afraid,—to be afraid.

We came here having little in common with each other; we have spent four of the happiest years of our lives; we have assembled here for the last time; and now,—dear old U. N. B., Farewell !