Valedictory Address

“Valedictory Address” The University Monthly 12, 8 (May 1893): 113-16.

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

In the month of October 1889 the class of '93 martriculated at this University. It was then composed of twelve members, seven gentlemen and five ladies. Many changes have taken place in the personnel of the class during four years; four of the original members have dropped out, while the class received an addition of five during the Sophomore and Junior years. Our class history has been in many respects an eventful one.

We came here, a body of youths ready and eager to seize the golden opportunities which presented themselves in the way of study, intoxicated by the prospects of college life, vaguely wondering what our reception would be, fearful lest we should appear fresh even if we succeeded in martriculating, experiencing withal a state of feeling which completely baffles description and which one has to feel to know. With such conflicting emotions did the members of '93 make their way towards the College on that eventful day in Autumn, there to meet their classmates and others waiting to receive them, then and there to begin their college life with new work and new associations, the impress of which they will carry to the grave. The Sophomores received us with open arms. They were to us what a stern but kind father is to an unruly child, and all through our Freshman year they were painfully vigilant lest harm should in any way befall us. Under their treatment our self-importance withered while civility and respect for our Seniors grew apace. Gradually we were initiated into all the mysteries of college life and from that time up to the present we have thoroughly enjoyed its pleasures and excitements.

We have witnessed many and important changes in the University and in affairs connected with her work; numerous changes in the Professorial staff: sweeping changes in the curriculum; on every side evidences of progress and improvement; the abandonment of old, time worn and conservative lines of thought on educational matters, in favor of newer and more liberal views: the ready willingness on the part of those connected with the institution to do all possible towards making her more fully competent and capable in carrying on her great and laudable work.

Within four years two new departments have been established, that of Engineering in 1889 and that of Philosophy and Political Economy founded by the Alumni Society in '91. The establishment of the first of these was in answer to the growing demand on the part of the public for more technical training in our colleges and schools. It was at first looked upon rather as an experiment which if it did not prove successful, might be abandoned. But it was not destined to fail. Indeed the department has thriven well and since its opening, the number of students has steadily increased. For the first two years it was in charge of Professor Strong and last year under Professor Hatt, both men of excellent ability and earnest in the discharge of their duties. On the resignation of Professor Hatt, the University was fortunate enough to secure the services of the present Professor, Mr. Dixon, a gentleman whose ability is shown by his academic career and who in one short year, by his energy and interest in his work, has proven himself a true friend to the University and a most valuable addition to her faculty. The Professorship of Philosophy was first held by Professor Murray who came back to his Alma Mater after a distinguished and highly successful course of study in Europe. But his stay here was short. He was tendered a position elsewhere and although he generously offered to remain at a great pecuniary sacrifice, the University it seems could not find in her already depleted treasury the few dollars which would retain to this institution and this country the services of a valuable man. It is to be regretted that this University has not put forth more strenuous efforts to retain the services of those who, having gone forth from her, have by their after success given her a prominent and enviable position as an educational institution. Professor Murray was most deservedly popular and his departure was much regretted by the students.

Thus during late years the University has had many changes in her staff of teachers but she has always been singularly fortunate in securing new men of grand ability. We have this year for the first time listened to the interesting and instructive lectures of Professor Davidson, who has won admiration for his ability and has made for himself a host of friends.

I have referred to changes in the curriculum, numerous and far reaching in effect. The growing tendency during late years is to give greater prominence to the study of sciences and modern languages at the expense of the older studies, Latin and Greek, and it is in accordance with this tendency and in the endeavour to keep the University abreast of the spirit of the age, that these changes have been made. Recently there was but the B. A. course. Now there are the B. Sc. and Engineering courses as well. These embrace a
very wide range of subjects among which even the most fastidious student may find something to his taste. Thus instead of the cast iron course of a few years ago, there are now these three courses with many optionals, so that the student at least during the last two years may virtually choose his own lines of study. As these changes have been taking place, the University has, at a very considerable expense added to the old and fitted up the new departments with useful and necessary apparatus; valuable additions have been made to the library, to the Museum and to the Chemical and Physical Laboratories; in a word much has been done in order to make the work of this institution of a superior and thorough nature. To bring this about has necessitated the abolition of the class scholarships and some of the prizes; but we sincerely hope that they may soon be re-established.

One of the improvements so called is the new method of ranking the graduating class. Of the principles underlying the method we know little or nothing and the details are by no means easy to master. Among students it is regarded as most unsatisfactory, and as having no advantage over the old system. However it has always appeared to me that the best system and that most just to the student, is to determine his standing not by the result of a few examinations at the end of the course but by a general average of all his college work. This would do much towards encouraging steady work all through the four years and would tend in a great measure to lessen the advantage which the clever though fitful student has over his slower though more earnest and thorough competitor.

Among the other innovations of late years is co-education and it seems that in spite of the prophecies of some it has come to stay. The number of lady students is rapidly increasing and it seems rather remarkable that now twenty three of the gentler sex throng these halls and lecture rooms which, but a few years ago were unaccustomed to gentle footsteps and the music of sweet voices. That co-education is a success here is evident as is also the fact that the ladies are making an excellent showing in college work.

During its last session the Provincial Legislature increased the University grant by One Thousand dollars. The Government deserves just commendation for this, for by such an act it serves the truest interests of the people of this country. We trust however that this action on the part of the Government was but an indication of better things to come, perhaps of a large grant in the near future for the reestablishment of—residency ? We hope so.

We believe that the U. Ν. Β. is in a more prosperous condition to-day than at any time during her long history. On every hand may be seen unmistakable evidences of progress and healthy growth. She has now a larger staff of Professors composed of eminent scholars and teachers; a curriculum which ranks second to none in this country and a more thorough equipment in all her departments than ever before. Ours is strictly a non-sectarian college open to men and women of every class and creed, and as such she has good reason to feel proud of the work she has done, and we tonight feel it an honor to be ranked even as raw recruits in the army of her graduates, in which may be found men highly eminent and successful in every calling in life. Her aim is high and grand. Whether this aim has been accomplished in the members of '93, time only can disclose. We trust that we have profited much by her teachings, but let us not be charged, as is often unjustly done, with thinking that we "know it all" for nothing can show a man more completely than a University course, how little he really knows. We came to college with high hopes. We, perhaps, expected to accomplish more than we have done, but we have had an opportunity for brief excursions in the vast orchard of knowledge, and feel that much has been achieved if we have explored only some of the more open glades and plucked golden fruit from a few of the more luxuriant and sturdy trees.

Thus looking back through the years since '89 we see many alterations in the University and its surroundings. We have said adieu to old and welcomed new companions. We have experienced many pleasures and have witnessed almost in our midst, some events, the saddest that human nature can experience. During last winter Death visited this building and carried away the beloved wives of two of our Professors. Two more kind hearted and amiable ladies we never met. To our worthy and kind hearted Chancellor, Dr. Harrison, and to Professor Stockley, than whom none stands higher in our esteem as a gentleman, a scholar and a friend, we wish to express again our feelings of deepest sympathy and true regard.

But time presses and we must say adieu. Of the Faculty we can speak in none but terms of praise and gratitude. It is composed, without exception, of men who have their work and the interests of this University at heart, men whom we respect and whom we have always found willing to aid us in every possible way. We thank them for their efforts in our behalf and only regret, since they have done their part so well, that we did not perform ours more faithfully. To our Professors we say an earnest good bye.

With the people of Fredericton we are sorry to part. To their hospitality and kindness we are indebted for much that has made our stay among them pleasant and agreeable. We have enjoyed their society and made many friends among them. To them and their beautiful city, farewell!

Gentlemen and ladies, students of the University, you who were but a moment ago Juniors, I now address as Seniors and as such many duties important and laborious, now in turn devolve upon you. No longer have you those older in experience than yourselves, whom you may regard as leaders. The dignity of the students and of the University now rests largely with you. To you, your Juniors will look for example and precedent. Bearing these facts in mind I trust that you will temper your conduct with true and becoming dignity, and keep, untarnished the reputation of this University. To the students as a body we bid a feeling adieu. Cherish the time honoured customs and institutions of our college. Stimulate the interest in the Debating Society and THE UNIVERSITY MONTHLY. Do not follow the example of '93 with regard to athletic amusements. While acknowledging our own shortcomings in all these matters we earnestly hope that your success will be far greater.

And now we pause just to say one word of parting to our Àlma Mater as we, her youngest sons and daughters, pass out from under her care and guidance. Never shall we forget her influence and her teachings. Never shall we, I hope, betray the confidence she has placed in us when to-night she proclaimed us worthy to bear her name. We shall hear of her achievements in the future with as keen an interest as we have listened to her renown in the past and wherever we may be our hearts will beat a little faster at the mention of our "dear old Alma Mater standing half way up the hill." Our work here is finished. To this grand old building, to these oft frequented halls and to the familiar faces of Professors, fellow-students and friends, we say earnestly in the words of Byron—

"Farewell a word that must be and hath been A sound which makes us linger, yet, farewell!"