Valedictory Address

“Valedictory”The University Monthly 40, 7 (May 1921): 218-220. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

Ninety-three years have passed since the first Graduation Class passed through the doors of this University, and now the Class of 1921 stands ready to take its small part in the world’s great work. It is a pleasure to look forward to the work that is to be accomplished, but even now we cannot help but remember that next September will, perhaps, find us many miles from our Alma Mater. Four years ago we entered these halls as students; today we go forth, still as students, but as students in the greatest of universities, “the world of experience.” Our course here is finished, but before we pass forever from these halls we take this opportunity to give a brief outline of
our class history.

Let the curtain of time be drawn aside for a few moments so that we can picture the scenes of the summer and fall of 1917. The British Empire was engaged in the Great War, Canada had her quota of men in the field, and with Canada's men could be found many of the graduates and undergraduates of this University. Economic conditions were becoming more acute as the months rolled by, the fighting men were calling for reinforcements—but still the technical training of the younger generation could not be dropped.

Our experience as Freshmen was no different from that of any of the previous classes, with perhaps one exception. The formal initiation of “first year students” had been abandoned, and as a result we were not officially introduced to the “upper classmen” until Oct. 17th. After the close of the first year’s work we found that out of an original class of twenty-five we had lost twelve members, six of whom had answered the call of the boys in France.

As Sophomores we felt it to be our duty to instill a certain amount of discipline into the Freshmen class. Today, as we look upon the very promising Junior class, we feel that our painstaking efforts have been rewarded. It was during the fall of 1918 that this country was stricken by the “flu.” Our university was amongst the many that were forced to close their doors for a short period. When our class re-assembled in November we found that the Angel of Death had claimed one of our classmates; I refer to Mr. William Sutherland. The end of our Sophomore year found us with a class of only three co-eds and three men, but on returning as Juniors we found that our ranks were augmented by eleven of the “Returned Soldiers.”

As Seniors we have grappled with the problems of the college world. We have faced these problems squarely and always with the betterment of the college at heart. Mistakes have been made, but we

have never claimed to be infallible. Yet, all things considered, we have passed the hopes of the most sanguine. There are three different phases to a college course: first, education; second, social; and third, athletic. Learning is of value only as it ripens 'into effective execution. Participation in the various college activities develops habits of friendly intercourse and call out executive and administrative ability, both necessary qualifications for effective service.

In athletics we think we have had a successful year; we think, we do not know; for the real value of sport is such that no measure for it can be devised. Football, basketball and hockey have all been well supported by the general student body. We think that we have the right spirit at U. N. B.—play the game, play it hard, play clean, and may the best team always win.

Our Debating Society and Dramatic Society have passed through a successful year, a year full of instruction and help to those who have participated in this work. It is a deplorable thing not to be able to say that all the students have benefitted by their work in these two societies. The Science students are the delinquents in this case. Seventy-five per cent, of the male students in this university are taking courses in Applied Science. Out of that seventy-five per cent, they have placed in the past four years only one man on the debating team. The Science men who have received their degrees today realize that they have lost a great opportunity by not entering more enthusiastically into the work of the Debating Society. The valedictory address usually contains a word of advice to the three undergraduate classes. Our advice is that both the Science and the Arts men shall work together, and by so doing benefit alike by their work as debaters.

Need I mention the successful social functions that we have held throughout the past year? Their success is due largely to the Ladies Society. I have given you a summary of the activities of the Students’ Association; let me now give you an insight into the work of the Ladies’ Society throughout the past few years.

Upon the signing of the Armistice in 1918 our co-eds were the first to advocate the renewal of all the pre-war social functions. They began to take a leading part in our college affairs, and so, in recognition of their valuable work, the Students’ Association extended to them the right to vote and have representation in Mock Parliament. In athletics the co-eds have proven themselves worthy of the traditions of old U. N. B. We are all proud of the honors won by our ladies’ basketball team. Last summer the Ladies’ Society embarked on this enterprise, which will probably prove one of the greatest boons in developing their college spirit. With the aid of an unknown benefactor, they were able to start a summer camp, which we hope may be kept up indefinitely. To this benefactor they extended their sincerest thanks for all that has been done towards keeping them together and developing that feeling of sympathy and common interest so necessary to students seeking a liberal education.

And now, Your Honor, time bids me be drawing to a close. The proceedings of the afternoon have been leading up to no easy task. The associations of the past four years are not easily broken.

To you, Mr. Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Faculty, we owe a great debt. As Freshmen we entered these halls with the old childish fear of an instructor and his rod. Instead of driving us you have acted as our guides along the paths of learning. In the classroom you have treated us as men and women. You have given us the best in culture and learning, and your strong personalities have won us to our highest endeavors. In years to come, thoughts of our Alma Mater will bring thoughts of you and what you have done for us.

To the citizens of Fredericton we extend our thanks. With your proverbial hospitality you have entertained us in your homes, welcomed us into your churches, and smiled at our midnight rackets. Just one more favor we ask of you: When you hear the roar of yonder cannon during the small hours of tomorrow morning, please do not think harshly of the college boys, for it will be the last salute of the 1921 class to its Alma Mater.

To the Undergraduates we must now surrender the helm. You have worked and played with us for the past three years, and from our association with you we know that we can leave the fair name of U. N. B. in no better hands. One word of parting advice: Remember that many hands will make work easy. Divide the offices of your Students’ Association amongst many, so that the work will not rest on the shoulders of a few. We are certain that you will carry on to the glory of old U. N. B.

Your Honor, just one last word. To the Chancellor and Gentlemen of the Faculty, to the citizens of Fredericton, to the Undergraduates and to our Alma Mater—Farewell!