Valedictory Address

“The Valedictory” University Monthly 17, 8 (May 1898): 197 – 201. (UA Case 68, Box 1)

Your Honor, Mr. President and, Members of the Senate, Mr. Chancellor and Members of the Faculty, Ladies and Gentlemen:—

Another cycle of college work has been completed, another band of students have reached the goal of their college career, and are about to step forth from the protecting walls of this Alma Mater to face the stern reality of life. Time after time for many years the valedictorian of each succeeding class has taken formal leave of these hallowed precincts. As representative of my class on this occasion custom bids me cast a backward glance o'er the time spent here—a time replete with the joys and pleasures peculiar to college life. Unfeeling must he be who, having spent four years of the spring time of youth in such environment as this University affords, does not feel a pang of sorrow at the thought of ties soon to be severed, and friendship's bonds which must be broken. He who gains the benefit of a college course will miss opportunities of which perhaps he might otherwise have availed himself; but the gain many times outweighs the loss. By training the mind to correct habits of thought, by creating wider sympathies and a more varied range of interests, a college education gives to life a richness, tone and color which in their abiding effects contributes an essential part to true happiness.

It seems but a short time ago when a timid freshmen we entered these halls for the first time. Our class history necessarily varies but little from that of previous classes. While freshmen our meekness and obedience characteristic of that period was gradually supplanted by more aggressive virtues. Through the sophomore year we frequently had occasion to uphold the class prestige and in all the ups and downs of college life, where physical exertion played a part, our class usually proved itself capable of bearing its share. The third year sped by but too quickly and the change from jolly junior to stately senior was gradual and imperceptible. On entering college our class composed thirty members, while at various times throughout our course thirty-nine have been enlisted under the banner of '98. To- day we graduate an even twenty, a number which has not been exceeded by any graduating class in the University's history. Since we began our course here we have seen many changes and several innovations. The events of the past year being those with which we have been most intimately connected first claim my attention. Improvements and advances have been made within the college which are deserving of the highest commendation. The introduction of electric lighting into the building has supplied a long felt want while the appearance of the interior of the college has been vastly improved. The efficiency of the library has been increased by the addition to its shelves of a largo number of modern books. For this praise is specially due Dr. Davidson who, as librarian, has been instrumental in procuring donations for the library and making its advantages more generally appreciated by the students.

Nor has the general standard of work in the college societies fallen below its former level and in some departments we have reason to believe that it has been raised. The Y.M.C.A. continues to exert a wholesome influence on the life of the college. It now receives the hearty support of Faculty and students—a fact which indicates a growing appreciation of the work it is accomplishing. It should be a source of gratification to parents whose sons come to this University, to know that such an organization here exists; where the new students are at once made to feel at home and placed in an environment peculiarly favorable to moral development.

The Debating Society has not failed to confer its benefits on those who have taken an active part in its proceedings. Knowledge loses half its power when stored away in the mind of one who is incapable of giving it clear expression, and no man should consider his education complete till he is able to face an audience and express his thoughts intelligently. The students of the U. N. B. are well provided for in this respect. Mock Parliament offers a boundless scope in which the embryo orator can display his eloquence before admiring eyes. Again the public lecture course beside presenting the best thought available on the leading political and social questions of the day, also supplements the work of the Debating Society in cultivating the art of public speaking.

The University Athletic Club may be justly proud of its rapid progress during the past year. Within that time our athletic grounds have really become what the name implies. The field has been levelled, a quarter mile track laid, and a handsome grandstand
erected. Though the students themselves have done a large part of this work they are deeply indebted to Prof. Dixon who has been the prime mover in this undertaking. The University sports which were held this year on the new field for the first time were a real success, no less than five records having been broken. With its newly-acquired facilities for sport we hope that the Club may receive a fresh infusion of energy and next year see a much larger number of contestants enter the athletic arena.

The Glee Club continues to cultivate the musical side of student nature and performs its function well. May it long continue to flourish and exercise that cheering influence on student life which college songs inspire.

We have been pleased to note the increasing interest which the students have taken in the affairs of the Monthly, and that it is no longer necessary for the editors to procure the larger portion of the material for its columns outside the college walls. As a student publication it may be taken as a partial measure of the educational standard of the college, and is the link which maintains the connection of the graduate to his Alma Mater.

The year just closed has been of more than usual interest to the friends of higher education throughout the province. During that time the very existence of the State University has, been imperiled by the threat of withdrawing her principal means of support. But the sons and daughters of the U. N. B. did not forget their benign mother in the day of her adversity and by a united effort succeeded in averting the impending danger. The reason given for such an attack was that the University does not do what she should for the educational life of the province. It is very easy to criticize but considering her limited income and the many disadvantages under which she labors the people of the province have reason to feel proud of the work the University is accomplishing. Yet is also true that there is too much modesty shown in regard to the merits of the University, and too little endeavor made to win for her the public sympathy. Make the University better known, show what it is doing and is capable of doing and I venture to say that soon every intelligent citizen of this province will resent anything done with the intent of injuring her usefulness.

A departure has this year been made from the rigid lines of the former curriculum and the ordinary course for the senior year made largely optional. The change has on the whole increased the amount of work done, and made the course more profitable by allowing the
student to concentrate his energies on those subjects which will be of most use to him in his chosen profession. Specialization is the spirit of the age and the benefits derived from its application to the college curriculum are readily seen.

But a short time ago we were called upon to mourn the death of one of the University's most liberal benefactors, the late Mr. Asa Dow. My immediate predecessors have had occasion to refer to the generous gifts which Mr. Dow has made to the University, and though the donor has passed to the regions beyond, his act is already bearing the desired fruit and attracting to our college a most desirable class of students. This is good and we feel that every effort should be made to induce others to emulate such a worthy example. In this connection I would like to call attention to the regulation regarding scholarships. At present a needy student coming to the University can obtain free education, but should he be fortunate enough to secure a scholarship, however small, he is required to pay tuition fees so long as the scholarship is tenable. While this regulation is enforced we have good reason to believe that the cause of aiding needy and deserving students to procure an education at this University will in some degree be obstructed.

Early in our course the idea of the students themselves participating in student government was brought to fruition. The highly satisfactory working of this arrangement has fully justified the hopes of its most sanguine advocates. The students now have a means of making known their grievances to those in authority and offering suggestions as to how these grievances can best be remedied. The Faculty, which has ever been ready to make us any fair concessions, can now ascertain the feeling of the students on any subject which directly affects them. The result is that the friction between students and professors has been reduced to a minimum and we sincerely hope that nothing will occur to necessitate the abandonment of this excellent form of student democracy.

The manner in which students have been allowed to enter college has been freely discussed by former valedictorians and it is the importance of the subject that demands a reference to such a well-worn theme. The reasons for refusing to admit students to college till they have proved themselves competent to enter on the course which they propose to undertake are patent to all observers, and should not be made subordinate to the desire of increasing the number of students in attendance. Year after year students are admitted as full under-graduates who have failed to pass in three subjects. It is not the studious or clever student who puts his trust in supplementals, but usually he whose highest ambition is to make a pass mark. Consequently he devotes most of the first term to work which should have been done before coming to college, and the regular class work is neglected. The end of the year frequently brings the loathsome pluck and with blighted hopes and prospects blasted, the student leaves college probably never to return. Our standard of matriculation is high, yet not too high in consideration of the course to be afterwards pursued. Observation and experience clearly indicate that the student who fails to pass in more than one entrance subject is a fitter pupil for the High School teacher than for the college professor. During our sojourn here residency has been re-established, and is growing in favor among the students. If all the rooms available are not fully occupied it is not that the advantages of residency are not appreciated, but because the majority of the students cannot bear the additional expense. At present it costs the student in residency nearly a dollar a week more to live than his fellow student in the city. We fail to see any sufficient reason why board cannot be supplied as cheaply in college as down town and until the cost is reduced the advantages of residency can be enjoyed by but a few.

We put forward these suggestions from a sincere desire to see the University advance and prosper, and having done this we feel assured you will give them that consideration which their merits may deserve. As a slight indication of our interest in the welfare of our Alma Mater the class of '98 have decided to establish a loan fund into which we agree to pay the annual sum of seventy-five dollars for ten years. The University at present has a fair number of scholarships which, with two or three exceptions, are awarded solely on the ground of proficiency. Yet we feel that when practicable, the needs and circumstances of the competing students should be considered. The loan shall not exceed seventy five dollars for one year, is without interest, and is to be paid back within eight years. The awarding of it shall not depend on any examination but is left entirely to the direction of the faculty. Other information regarding it will be made known through the college bursar.

The time has come to bid adieu. The four years spent here have proved most satisfactory to us all. Where'er out lot is cast no trick of time or distance can blot from our minds the memories of the happy days spent at the U. N. B. If golden opportunities have slipped by, the fault is ours. We leave our Alma Mater with new ideas and new inspirations feeling that she has done her duty.

To our worthy Chancellor and to the members of the Faculty we return our sincere gratitude for your efforts in our behalf. Not till this last farewell moment have we fully realized how much we owe to those who have been our counsellors and guides. If there is one day in the student's life when he feels a pang of remorse for the faults and failings of the past it is on the day of graduation. Should any measure of success attend our labors in after life it will be largely due to the benefits derived from your instruction.

To the people of Fredericton we extend a parting hand. You have never failed to remember that college students can fully appreciate the enjoyments of social life and have ever been willing to assist us in any laudable enterprise. We feel that much of the pleasure with which we look back upon our college days is due to you, and for this we tender you our heartfelt thanks. The lengthy sojourn in your beautiful city will always be remembered as one of the happiest periods of our life. Our college course is ended and as you hear a loud farewell borne away on the morning air, it announces to you that the doors of the University of New Brunswick have closed forever on the class of '98.

To the students who remain we would say, guard jealously what is entrusted to your care. Give the college societies your hearty support for in them more than in any other department of college work is found that feeling of love and good fellowship which will be fondly prized long after your college days are over. Keep the old halls ringing with the happily reviving choruses of college song. The University is doing her best for you and expects something in return. Give her your deepest respect and scorn to do anything that would tend to injure her reputation. We shall miss your company more than all else on leaving college. Only those who have experienced it know the strength of the tie that bind college men together. The thought that this tie must now be severed fills us with sadness.

My task is done. The class of '98 now takes its departure. We fain would tarry but must bow to the inevitable. To one and all—farewell.