Valedictory Address

“The Valedictory ” University Monthly 39, 7 (May 1920): 219-22. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

Another college year has passed beyond recall with its failures and successes, with ambitions that have been realized, with ideals that have not been attained and we of the class of 1920 stand with our foot upon the threshold of the open door about to step out into “the wide, wide world.” For four years this day has been our goal. Toward it we have looked with expectancy and put forth our best endeavor and it has ultimately been reached. We have listened to the “Well done” of our Chancellor, but, even now other scenes, other pursuits await us and we realize that we have made simply a beginning. Our goal has receded and we must now employ our cherisher theories to cope with the sterner realities of that larger life for which this has been but a preparation.

Before we pass finally from the halls of our Alma Mater, it is in order briefly to review the history of the class. In the autumn of 1916, as freshmen we numbered thirty-two. We were subjected to a mild form of introduction by the sophomores and learned that in college life “the first great law is—To obey.” We entered upon the sophomore year “proud of our student profession.” Our number has been diminished by ten, and though at this time the whole student body numbered barely forty, what was lacking in numbers was made up in spirit. A brief sojourn had developed a feeling of loyalty to all that pertained to U. N. B. and of responsibility for maintaining her honors. Custom had made us the leaders of the freshmen and we were painfully viligent lest any harm should in any way befall them. We had at that time, perhaps, an undue amount of confidence in our ability, yet it is to be hoped that we stood for the enforcement of our unwritten laws in such a way as would help in promoting a clean, well-ordered college life.

During those trying days in 1917 consequent upon the submarine losses, the collapse of Russia, the failure of the French offensive, the disaster which had overtaken the Italian arms, and our own failures at Passchendale and Cambrai, where the fighting men paid with their lives for the tuition of the higher command, during this sombre period we endeavored to keep alive the college activities against the dawning of a brighter day. Encaenia Day, 1918, with the fortunes of the Allies apparently at their lowest ebb, found it rather doubtful if the old college would be able to open its doors in the fall.

But had we known, even then the tide was turning. The long sought leader had been found. Marshal Foch, “the organizer of victory,” had assumed the supreme command and defeat was to know us no more. And then the glorious hundred days which made the world safe for free peoples; those crowded hours of glorious life which will live forever in our memory.

AFTER THE WAR PROGRESS

When we returned to resume our work as juniors the old college had secured a new lease of life. A large freshman class and the first of the returned students from overseas brought about this happy result. The ranks of our class were augmented by two of these men, making our number fifteen. On the successful conclusion of the war all college functions were revived on a pre war scale. For the second time the irrepressible co-eds of the 1920 class responded with a junior tea; the annual "Con" was also revived with complete success.

Our senior year has been one of the most successful in the history of the college. In addition to the return of former students from over-seas there has been the largest enrollment of new students on record. We might now survey very briefly the events of the past year.

Much of the time at college must be spent on the purely academic subjects of the prescribed curriculum, and yet the primary object of a college course is to fit us for the duties of life and the development which comes to us from study is one-sided when not supplemented by that which is derived from an active participation in college affairs and the student societies. The undergraduate who does not link himself with some of these and give them an unqualified support has not only missed one of the most enjoyable phases of college life but has failed to develop some of those characteristics which make us readier men in practical contact with the world.

THE DEBATING SOCIETY'S BENEFITS

Especially is this true of the Debating Society. A university may teach a man to reason soundly and furnish him with ideas but unless he can express himself clearly and forcibly, his influence will be limited. Many of our most distinguished graduates, those who are making themselves felt as leaders in the world, were active supporters of the Debating Society and look upon the weekly debates as an important factor in our course. It is to be regretted that they were not participated in by as large a number as should be the case and we cannot too strongly urge upon those who remain the great importance of constant attendance at the meetings. The college man who desires to fit himself for an efficient public service can ill afford to miss the opportunities which they offer. We debated the representatives of Dalhousie University in this city and, while we did not secure the decision, we feel that our efforts were amply repaid by the discipline of the manly contest, the outcome of which was scarcely surprising in view of the size and reputation of our opponent.

The sessions of the annual Mock Parliament, together with the Mock Trial, are intended to give an insight into the official phraseology and methods of our legal and political life and should secure a hearty support.

During the year the issues of the University Monthly have been regular and timely, excelling especially in technical articles.

THE REAL OBJECT OF ATHLETICS

Another phase of college activity which, rightly used, can be made a powerful complement of our scholastic attainments, is athletics. There is a very noticeable tendency to overlook the real object of college athletics. Not the winning of games but the physical improvement of the largest possible number of players is the result most to be desired. In some of the larger colleges prizes are awarded, not for the best athletes among the students, but for those students who show the greatest improvement in their physical condition. Thus the greatest incentive to indulge in healthful exercise is extended to those who most need it.

Football practice was well attended and, although we did not succeed in winning the Clark trophy, we did succeed in preserving the status quo. Prospects for next season, when our most formidable rival must play us on our home field, are very bright. In hockey, after a phenomenally successful trip, defeating all the best teams in the Maritime Provinces; while the college team, recruited from the so-called gentler sex, gained a popular victory over the young ladies of Plaster Rock.

The organized societies of the ladies department have also had a prosperous year. The Ladies’ Debating Society has held some interesting and instructive debates, while the Ladies’ Society has added much to the social life of the college.

During the past year another name has been added to our list of Rhodes Scholars. Mr. Gregory Bridges has our best wishes for a successful career in that ancient seat of learning, where now as Kipling has said:

“The merry clerks of Oxenford they read and they are told,
Of famous men who drew the sword in furious fights of old;
They hark and mark it faithfully, but never clerk will write
What vision rides ‘twixt book and eye from any nearer fight”

MILLIONS FOR LUXURIES, PENNIES FOR EDUCATION

This University has contributed very largely to the teaching profession. A very large proportion of the most successful teachers in New Brunswick are graduates of this institution which, moreover, is the head of the Provincial scheme of education. By the establishment of a department of education at the University, we would secure a closer connection between the Provincial system of education and the examination for teachers’ license. The graduate could then be required to teach for a stated period in his own province before going elsewhere. A large number of schools in this province are closed through lack of teachers. Alberta, on the other hand, reports that a teacher is available for every school, many of them trained at the expense of the New Brunswick taxpayer.

Year after year good professors are leaving us. Just when they begin to understand conditions here and thus are better able to help the college, tempting offers come from outside and they go. The University needs more money.

In August, 1914, England possessed roughly, 150,000 motor cars; today Canada, with less than one-fifth of Britain’s population, owns twice that number of automobiles. We have millions for luxuries, but pennies for education.

THE THANKS OF THE CLASS

To you, Mr. Chancellor, and gentlemen of the faculty, we desire to express our appreciation of the just and impartial treatment we have always received at your hands. If our lives are successful, we owe it in a large measure to the training we have received here. For four years you have been our guides, advisors and friends. We thank you for your patience with us and for your faithful efforts in leading us to think for ourselves. In bidding you farewell we carry away with us only the most pleasant memories and wish you the fullest success in your future work.

To the citizens of Fredericton we extend our hearty thanks for the many tokens of thoughtfulness and kindness which have come from you to us. The days we have spent in your beautiful city will ever be remembered with pleasure, largely because of your efforts to make our stay pleasant as well as profitable.

To the undergraduates, our fellow students, little need be said. We understand one another. We have worked together; we have played together; we have yelled over victories; we have accepted defeat; but through all our course we have prided ourselves that U. N.B. has always acted fairly—even to its own disadvantage. This standard we leave in your keeping. May there be no blot upon it when you have laid it down.

One word more and that the most difficult of all to utter, will close our college career; to faculty, students, friends—farewell.