Valedictory Address

“The Valedictory”Alumni Bulletin 3, 2 (June 1925): 19. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

The wonderful advances made in all branches of science during the last few years would tend to prove the old proverb, “There is nothing new under the sun,” a fallacy. But to him, whose task it is to deliver the valedictory, this quotation appeals most forcibly, because his is a task which is the same year by year. He repeats the same thoughts, expresses the same ideas, modified to a greater or less extent, as did his predecessors. But every year these thoughts, clothed in different words and delivered in a different manner, make a strong appeal to those most interested in the graduation exercises.

So today I hope you will bear with me and remember it is on the sentimental value of the valedictory that I depend for your attention, rather than on the originality.

This day, our Encaenia, has been the goal which we have been striving to reach during the last four years, and now before we pass out from the halls of our Alma Mater we pause with regret as we realize that now we are leaving scenes which hold so many pleasant memories for us—to grapple with the sterner problems of the wide, wide world. Before we leave it is quite fitting that we quickly review the happenings of our stay here. In the fall of 1921, a rather nervous assembly of fifty-one maidens and youths made their way up the hill. At first we were timid, but from the heartiness of our reception we were certain we were welcome. As Sophomores, for all that our numbers had sadly dwindled, we did our best to start the verdant Freshmen on the proper path. Our Junior year produced a further diminution of our numbers, but the class took an extremely active part in formulating new policies in the student life and in introducing new customs, in spite of our small number. As Seniors we are still carrying on this policy, in that, among other plans, the
class has decided to carry out an endowment scheme for the University through the medium of insurance It is to be hoped that the succeeding graduating classes will continue in our footsteps, and in the course of time a substantial endowment will be established.

As Freshmen we numbered forty-nine regular and two special students, but only fifteen of our original class graduates. I consider that here is food for deep and serious thinking, when less than one-third of the class are successful in winning their degrees. This is in part doubtlessly due to the lack of work on the part of the students themselves. But is that all or are there other features? Are the entrance requirements too easy and the future standards too high, are the Faculty deficient in not properly bringing home the facts to the students or is the trouble before they reach here? Do the students get proper foundations during their courses in the various High Schools, in the essentials on which to build their future educational edifices, or is too much attention paid to cramming the students merely to pass examinations? I do not attempt to solve the problem, as ability more mature than mine is necessary for the task, but as the University is entérine a day of progress and expansion, such problems as this should not be neglected. Gentlemen, I submit it to you for your careful consideration.

The Athletic Activities

And now let us briefly review the activities of the past year, during which the star of U. Ν. Β. has seldom been on the wane. In athletics, for all that our football team was unable to win the championship, we are happy to say no other has a better claim to it than we. The hockey team, compared entirely of members of the lower classes, was successful beyond our fondest hopes, winning not only the Sumner Trophy but also the Maritime Championship. In basketball our victories were continued, as we won the title in that line of sport as well.

Even if our record is one of which we may well be proud from the viewpoint of victories, from another angle it is not as satisfactory. I refer to the continual handicap under which the various teams have had to work in not having a sufficient number turning out to practice. This has been one of the greatest troubles we have had to contend with in the past, and I trust that next year will see this difficulty removed and keener competition be prevalent in all lines of sport.

This lack of interest was more apparent in the Debating Society than any other branch of our activities. Too little thought is given by the average student to this field of endeavor, but it should be borne in mind that the ability to express oneself clearly and forcibly is an essential that everyone should try to acquire. Considering this lack of support, one of the crowning achievements of the year was the victory of our debating team over Dalhousie University.

Dramatics, which have been dormant for a number of years, were revived by the production of It Pays to Advertise. It is to be hoped that this sphere of activity will continue and become a regular feature of college life.

A vote of thanks must be extended to the young ladies for the splendid support received from them in helping to make the success of various social functions possible. We are glad to learn that the Ladies’ Societies had a very prosperous year.

The Faculty Changes

During the year the University lost a friend and firm supporter when Dr. Bailey, Emeritus Professor of Natural Science, was called to the Great Beyond. Although practically personally unknown to the present student body, his works are very well known by all. We have heard with regret that Prof. Klimpke is severing his connection with the University. During his stay here he has been not only a most efficient instructor but also a valuable advisor in student affairs. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.

This year we have had a chance to welcome Prof. Webb as a new member of the Faculty. The work he has undertaken, the clearing of the college campus, is worthy of the highest commendation, and it is our firm hope that the good work may continue, and in place of the muddy path through the grove a more permanent walk may be laid.

Due to a large extent to the perseverance of several members of our class, the erection of up-to-date dressing rooms on College Field is assured during the summer months. This building will fill a long felt want at the University, as it will facilitate the training of the athletes using the field.

The transfer of the Chemistry and Physics departments to the Memorial Building has greatly improved the working conditions of not only those departments but also the Engineering Departments are benefitted by acquiring the space necessary for their expansion. We trust that the day is not far distant when a course in Chemical Engineering will be given at the University as we now have the necessary accommodation and splendidly equipped laboratories.

And now, Your Honor, a few words in closing. To you, Mr. Chancellor, and the other members of the Faculty, for your patient and tireless efforts on our behalf, we owe a debt of gratitude that mere words cannot express. May whatever success we achieve in our future lives, as it will in no small part be due to you, be a more fitting tribute than anything that might now be said.

To the citizens of Fredericton, who have so generously supported our student activities, extended the hospitality of their homes to us, and in other numerous ways made our sojourn in this beautiful city extremely pleasant, we now extend our most sincere thanks. Might I add, if at any time we may have thoughtlessly offended, I now offer an humble apology, as in departing we wish only to leave behind the best of relationships. To the undergraduates, with whom we have worked and played during the last three years, we leave a heritage to cherish. Remember always the good name of U. N. B. is in your keeping, and respect the trust Boost the University, support your student officers, and play the game.

To my classmates: When I consider that it is doubtful if ever we all shall meet again, the pangs of parting become more acute at this last adieu. May the words of the Persian serve as a motto in our future lives:

Think then you are Today what Yesterday You were—Tomorrow you shall not be less.

One last word, the hardest of all to say: Faculty, Citizens, Classmates, Alma Mater—Farewell.