Valedictory Address

“The Valedictory” Brunswickan 43, 7 (May 1924): 258-262. (UA Case 68, Box 1)

"Only those who have been and are in close contact with the University realize how great is the need for a residence," he declared, "Without a residence U. Ν. Β. is found wanting." The complete Valedictory follows :

Today, for the members of the Class of 1924, "the old order changeth, yielding place to new," for as graduates we are passing through the portals of our Alma Mater into the great world beyond.; To us, at least, Encoenia is the most important function of the college year, for it means the attainment of the goal toward which we have been striving for four years and, we realize with a touch of sadness, it means the severing of associations, of ties which mean more to us than many of you perhaps realize. We believe we have prove that there is nothing impossible of accomplishment, for we leave these halls possessed of the coveted parchments and corresponding degrees. With those stamps of approval ours, with our college career behind us, we go forth from a sphere of directed action to the hand to hand conflict of life. At this, our last meeting as students of U. Ν. B., is it but natural that we should be occupied with reminiscences of our existence here, and with mingled feelings of gratitude and sorrow. Therefore it seems but appropriate, now that the time for parting has come, to heed the dictation of precedent and make a brief review of our sojourn here, together with a sketch of the activities of the student body during the past year.

Forty-Six in Original Class

On a bright September morning in the autumn of 1920 a group of forty-six youths and maidens with extremely verdant outlook but withal consumed by curiosity, might have been seen ascending the rocky, crooked path through the grove toward the Arts Building. Such was the entrance of the Class of 1924 into the precincts of the University. Even as countless others before us, we ran the gauntlet of the awe-inspiring signs which decorated the trees and were met upon the campus with cries of "Back door," freshmen!" Our decision to remain upon the terrace until the time for the first lecture proved a wise one, for a few minutes before nine we were rewarded by the appearance of the Chancellor, who speedily dispersed the throng gathered on the steps and ushered us into a mathematics lecture by way of the front door. After introductions to the upper-classmen, noticeably chiefly for the warmth and enthusiasm of those performing the introductions, the class began to consider itself a part of the student body, and entered with zest into both athletics and social functions. We attained the distinction of being the best interior decorators in college as a result of our efforts in preparations for the annual Conversasione, and all too soon afterwards finished our first year.

As Sophomores we numbered forty-nine, for eleven new students joined our ranks though eight had fallen by the wayside. We found ourselves the guardian angels of an incoming class and zealously endeavored to do our duty. The promising Class of 1925 is an eloquent testimonial of our thoroughness and efficiency.

Class President's Tragic Death

But we were not destined to be unvisited by sorrow, for upon returning to begin our Junior year we learned that our newly-elected Class President had been called into the Great Beyond and would return to us no more. We knew Jim Brennan, or "Spike," as he was called, as leader, athlete, student and friend, and the accident which resulted! in his death deprived the University of one of the finest men who ever entere its doors. But it was not for us to question, and though missing his guidance and mature counsel at every turn we did our best to "carry on" as we knew he would have us do.

In our Senior year we took the helm which today we must surrender to the undergraduates, and made, we believe, an honest effort to maintain the standard set by those who had gone before us. Our membership, reduced by now to thirty-five, was increased to forty-four by the entrance of the members from the St. John Law School, and to that number we graduate.

The Athletic Successes

During the past year our athletic and social functions have been carried on as usual. Our football team won the League championship for the third successive time and thus brought the famous Clark trophy into permanent possession of U. Ν. Β.

The hockey and basketball teams were not so successful from the point of view of victories won, but they had the satisfaction of knowing that they played hard, clean games.

The debating society carried on throughout the year, the intercollegiate team participating in a contest with the Oxford Union Society's representatives who were on tour last autumn, as well in the regular intercollegiate debate. The Ladies' Team Acadia's Co-ed orators. But the fortunes of war were against us in each case. It is felt that too little interest in debating is displayed here. It is an accomplishment of great value to anyone and is of better support "up the hill," especially from the science students.

The College magazine has been published regularly, the improvement in the engineering section being most commedable.

Mock Trial and Mock Parliaments were largely attended, and the College Orchestra has been on hand whenever required. The qualified success of our social functions has been due in great measure to the valuable assistance of the U. N. B. Club and the hearty co-operation of the lady students.

A few months ago another name was added to our list of Rhodes Scholars. We wish Mr. Russell Sheldrick all success in his career at Oxford.

The resignations of the gentlemen in charge of our forestry department we note with regret. Professors Claridge and Pulling have accomplished great things here, and we know will achieve, equally praiseworthy successes in the positions to which they are going.

A few short weeks since there came to us the sad news of the accidental death of L. G. Slipp, a member of the Class of 1922. Noted as a humorist and song writer, "Slippery" was invaluable at all social gatherings. He was generous to a fault, a hard worker and a steadfast friend. On his death the University lost one of her most promising sons.

Expansion of the Past Year

The past year has witnessed a remarkable expansion of the University of New Brunswick. Our Memorial Building, now nearing completion, is a structure, of which we may well be proud, and it will fulfill a long-felt need. Amalgamation with the St John Law School has been effected, and as a consequence nine students in law are graduated here this afternoon. We take this opportunity of extending a hearty welcome to our fellow students from St. John, even though, at almost the same moment, we must say adieu. We are aware that there is opportunity for further improvement, and we are equally certain that the progress recently made is but a beginning. Time will not permit us to submit schemes for improvement even if it was desired. We are content to leave such matters in hands far more capable than ours, and those having the interests of the college at heart will be willing to assist her. advancement. To one point only permit me to call attention. Only those who are and have been in close contact with the University realize how great is the need for a residence. It would foster college spirit which suffers in its absence; it would be in the best interests of the social life of the student body; and the student body is the University. Without a residence, U. N. B. is found wanting, but nevertheless she is our Alma Mater, and "with all her faults we love her still." The resi-dence will come in time, as will other advantages, but we shall remember her as she is at present. As we know her today, that, to us, she will ever be.

Mr. Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Faculty, though thanks are totally inadequate, we desire to express our appreciation of your efforts in our behalf. You have taken a personal interest in our welfare and by patient instruction and sound advice you have inspired us to great efforts and higher attainments.

To the citizens of Fredericton we extend our gratitude for assistance rendered student enterprises, for many courtesies and kindnesses shown us and for pardon granted when we have offended.

And if, in the early hours of tomorrow morning, your slumbers are disturbed by the voice of the cannon, forgive us yet once again, for it will be but the echo of our parting words of this afternoon. To our fellow students few words are necessary, for we understand each other. Try to distribute more evenly the offices of the Students' Union, give all activities your heartiest support and tarry on to the glory of U. N. B. Classmates, a word will suffice. Though parting is difficult, we know the joy that is always found in a finished task.

"And you must not now be grieving
For the life that you are leaving;
You are ready for the life that lies beyond.
Live that life whate’er befall you,
That, when God Himself shall call you,
You will fearlessly be able to 'respond."

And now, Mr. Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Faculty, Citizens of Fredericton, Fellow Students, Friends, one and all, we take our leave of you, and to "our dear old Alma Mater" say—Farewell!