Valedictory Address

“Valedictory of Class of 1930”Alumni Bulletin 8, 1 (June 1930): 7-9. (UA Case 69, Box 2)

Another college year has come to a close, and another class is graduating from the University of New Brunswick. For three years we have been present at the Encaenial ceremonies, and have watched three senior classes receive their diplomas. Today we are again gathered together for the closing exercises, but gathered together in a different capacity, and gathered together as a class for the last time. Before, we were but the spectators of this little scene—today we are the factors; it is our own class which is graduating.

It hardly seems possible that it was four years ago that the members of this class first climbed the Hill and were officially welcomed as members of the Freshman Class. Time has passed quickly and almost before we have realized it, our under-graduate days are a thing of the past. Before we say farewell to the University which has come to mean so much to us, it is well to look back over the events which have marked our short stay within these halls, to take stock as It were of the success and failure, hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, which combine to make four years in college the happiest and most eventful years of a person's life.

Period of Growth

We have had the good fortune to attend U. N. B. during a period marked by a most rapid growth and development in all departments. We have seen the college as it was, and we have caught a first glimpse of the college that is to be. We take pride in having witnessed, and to home degree, participated in the events of this period of transition. The University of New Brunswick has had a remarkable past; now in its second century, the institution seems destined o continue that record, and we, as graduates of U. N. B. shall share in the future success and triumphs of the University we are proud to call “our college.”

New Buildings

Of the many changes which have taken place in this University since we were Freshmen, the most apparent and striking is the increase in the number of the buildings. In the fall of 1926 there were hut three college buildings, and the gymnasium, on this hill. Now, Lady Beaverbrook's Building stands ready for occupancy in the fall, an everlasting memorial to the generosity of Lord Beaverbrook, and a fitting tribute to the memory of his late wife. Through the far-sighted policy and generous support of the Government of the Province of New Brunswick, a Forestry and Geology Building, and a suitable library, both long-felt wants, are in the process of completion.

Increase in Faculty

Along with the increase in accommodation, changes in and additions to the faculty have been made. In the fall of 1926 a separate chair of Physics was established. Another professor has been added to the Forestry Department, and assistant professors to the departments of Mathematics, and Chemistry and Mineralogy. With the erection of the new Provincial Building, a separate chair of Geology has been set up, to be held by Professor W. J. Wright, the Provincial Geologist, establishing still another, link between the Government of the Province and the University.

The course of study has been altered, changes being made with a view to prescribing fewer subjects, and de-voting more time to each, a move which should prove very beneficial.

Greater Enrolment

These various changes have been made necessary by, and are but keeping pace with, the increase in the number of students. Four years ago, when the class of '30 entered, our numbers helped swell the enrolment to the then high figure of 232. The calendar of the present year gives a total registration of 335, an increase of over forty per cent, in four years. The increase in accommodation the additions to the faculty, and the changes in the course will enable U. N. B. to take car of the increased enrolment without losing the distinct advantage of the small college, the maintenance of small classes and personal contact between the professors and the students.

The Faculty

We have realized fully in our four years here this advantage. We have been most fortunate in our professors, finding them at all times ready to help, advise, and co-operate with us in our work. The new members of the staff which we have welcomed from time to time have done nothing to lower the standard set by the old. At the same time, we feel that it is fortunate that so many of the members of our class were able to make the acquaintance of three professors who were connected with this University for some time. I refer to Dr. W. T. Raymond and Professor H. P. Webb, both of whom resigned last year, and Dr. Philip Cox, whose retirement this year brings to a close a period of twenty-three years’ service as professor of Natural History and Geology. A university is no better than its faculty, and U. N. B. is to be congratulated both on the excellence of her professors, and the changes which have been made to keep pace with changing conditions. It is to be hoped that still another addition will be made in the very near future. The department of Philosophy and Economics should be divided to keep in line with the development and study of the Social Sciences. If a separate professor is felt impractical at the present, an assistant would prove of great value both to the students and the head of that department.

Undergraduate Life

There is another side of under-graduate life besides the academic and one which plays as great, if not greater part in the development of the character of the student,—those undertakings grouped under the heading of extra-curricular activities. Great progress has been made in this department.

The branch of student activity attracting the most attention is undoubtedly athletics. The scope of our contests has extended widely during the past few years, and while we have been in college, the Red-and-Black clad teams have played from Halifax to Montreal. Our record is a fine one, and one which has brought no little honor and support to the University. In rugby we are recognized as one of the leading exponents of a game embodying the best traditions of British sportsmanship, and at the present attracting Dominion-wide attention. Our hockey, basketball, and track teams have brought home their share of victories, and have always been a credit to the University.

The Proper Spirit

There is no need to list the titles and championships won by our various teams, although the list would be a notable one. More important than the number of victories, is the spirit that is growing stronger each year, the feeling that to play the game squarely should come before the winning of It. The stronger this spirit grows, the more will athletics be fulfilling their function in college life. The whole student body may share in the success of the team, but a defeat should not be regarded as a national calamity.

Although it is our senior and inter- collegiate teams that do most to bring the University into the public eye, we are making- great progress towards the goal of having as many as possible of the students participate in at least one form of sport. For some time now intermediate rugby, hockey, and basketball teams have been entered in their respective league, and intramural games both in class and interfaculty, are extensively carried en.

For the Future

Rifle shooting is coming more and more into favor as a consequence of the fine showing made for the past few years in the D.C.R.A. and inter-university matches. This year, an-other branch of athletics was entered upon with the organization of a boxing club. Next year, with the presence of a fine swimming pool in Lady Beaverbrook's Building, efforts should be made to give instruction in swimming and to promote water-sports. It is, perhaps, not too bold to hope, now that accommodation has been provided for the academic departments, that the next step forward will be the erection of an adequate gymnasium and the providing of a physical instructor.

Debating and Dramatics

Our college activities apart from athletics have also expanded. Increasing interest is being taken in debating and dramatics, two lines that have been rather dormant of late. Through co-operation with the National Federation of Canadian University Students we have for the past two years secured visits from high class teams in addition to our regular intercollegiate debates. This extension of the schedule has enabled twice the number of students to take part in formal debates as in the past, and has led to an increased interest in the more formal debates carried on under the auspices of the U. N. B. Debating Society. The standard of debating compares very favorably with that of other colleges, as is evidenced by the fact that both of our debates this year were won by unanimous decisions.

This year, under the direction of Professor Robert E. D. Cattley, and the management of the U. N. B. Club of Fredericton, the Dramatic Society presented a very successful production of the play Twelfth Night. It is to be hoped that this increased interest in debating and dramatics will continue, and that even larger numbers will have an opportunity of participating in one or the other of these very helpful activities.

Other Activities

The student publication, “The Brunswickan,” has been continued in the form of a literary magazine, and great progress has been made in the past two years in paying off the debt which had been accumulated. “The Brunswickan” maintains a high place among student publications, but could receive more support from the under-graduates than it does at present. The Canadian Officers’ Training Corps continues to occupy its prominent place in university life, and stands high in comparison with similar training corps in other colleges.

Student government has played a large part in college life. One of the first things which struck me on entering U. N. B. was the degree to which student affairs were managed by the students themselves. Changes have been made from time to time in the form of our student governing body and the constitution to meet changing conditions, and to have every class and every faculty represented.

In our social activities we have learnt valuable lessons in the organization necessary to produce our “Cons,” our dances, our mock trials and parliaments. Credit for much of the success of these activities must be given to the young ladies of the University, who have at all times been ready to assist and co-operate. This support has been given in addition to the time and energy devoted to their own activities. Ladies’ Debating, Delta Rho, and ladies’ basketball, which have always been very successful. At present a movement is on foot to develop athletics for the ladies and to enable them to participate in more branches of sports than they can at present. In this, the ladies are deserving of the same support from the men that is given to athletics concerning men alone.

Scholarship

In spite of these many activities, the students have maintained a high standard of scholarship. A large number each year find it possible to do honor work in addition to their ordinary requirements. As a proof of the type of graduate turned out by the University we have the fact that for the past four years the Rhodes scholars from New Brunswick have come from U. N. B. Donald B. Fraser, the member of our class winning this honor for this year, carries with him to Oxford the congratulations and the best wishes of the entire class.

Advantage Gained

On the threshold of a new period of life, we may well pause in the consideration of our life at college, our period of training, and ask ourselves just what we have got out of our four years at U. N. B. Are we better fitted for life? On the whole, the answer must be in the affirmative. As a tangible reward for our efforts each has secured his diploma, in itself an important qualification. As has been said, “A college degree is not a key to all doors, but it is at least a little oil on the hinges.” In our future life we shall find it is not the degree itself which is of assistance, but the study and work necessary to secure it. The members of our class who are graduating in science have the advantage of theoretical and practical training which should fit them for an immediate position. The graduates in Arts have been given a basis for future study, and an insight into the structure of society and life in general.

Soon to Be Graduates

From our student activities and life we have learned the value of co-operation, of tolerance, of appreciating our fellow-workers. We have learnt that “There is a little bit of good in the worst of us, a little bit of bad in the best of us.” We have formed friendships and associations which we will always carry with us. We are graduating now from the University of New Brunswick, but we do not feel that this means a severance of our connection with U. N. B. As “old grads,” we shall watch with interest the future progress of the University, share in her triumphs, and do every- thing in our power to help her on her way.

Words of Farewell

Mr. Chancellor and Members of the Faculty—I have already referred to the important part you have played in our life at college. Allow me to once more extend the thanks of the entire class for your guidance and instruction, and the interest you have taken in our work.

Gentlemen of the Senate—As the building body of this University a great responsibility is yours. Your decisions and actions have a direct influence on the characters and careers of the future citizens who receive their training at this institution. We have found you ready and willing to co-operate with us whenever you have found it possible, and we wish to thank you for the interest you have taken in student affairs.

To the citizens of Fredericton we extend thanks for the hearty support they have always given the university functions, and the efforts which have been put forth to make the students from outside feel at home during their residence in this city.

Undergraduates — On you rests the task of carrying on the affairs of student life. We feel sure that you will do nothing to lower the standard of the past. May you be guided in your work by the true college spirit, not the synthetic product which places your own university on a pinnacle far above its worth, but a loyal co-operation in a common purpose, a steady progress towards a better college. Learn that this university is by no means perfect, but the nearness to which perfection is approached depends to a large degree upon the undergraduates. The University will be just what you make it. Finally, in your work, learn to strike the proper balance between curricular and extra-curricular activities, so as to obtain the greatest good from both.