Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-06-11
AN APPEAL TO THE ALUMNI OF THE UNIVERSE
TY OF VIRGINIA

The University of Virginia is curtailed of the full
measure of her prosperity by the neglect OF her Alumni
1t is Notifying, discreditabe had almost said dis
graceful how few of the thousands nurtured under
her wings willing TO manifest any reverence for
her. In the world they may have added to her fame by
the increase of their own but this not enough she
needs and deserves their affection she asks like the
natural mother, that they shall sometimes return offer
the tribute OF their love- and to reknde that zeal
in her behalf and in behalf of the great cause of liberal
education with which she them forth into the world
If she has awakened thought and given activity to all
the better feelings Of her children becomes them
times 70 acknowledge their gratitude at the old familiar
HEARTH to form higher and accurate conceptions
their duty, and to invoke the blessings her
which she has poured forth so iervcntly OH theirs
At all other Universities aud Colleges, in our own and
foreign lands it is deemed delightful privilege by their
graduates and Alumni to return and meet the compan-
ions OF former years revive the pleasant memories
their sudentite and to give their foster mother the
benefit OF their aid and the encouragement of their af
econate interest We propose to arouse this element
OF prosperity, which for a long time has either lain dor
mant or has only been Gtully exhblted-and to this
end the Undersigned appointed committe for the pur.
pose beg leave TO urge and invite the habtua atten
dance OF the Alumni at the closing exercises of the Uni
yersty, which will hereafter the Fourth of Juv.
This change in the close of the session from the 29th
Of Juue) removes the substantial excuse which many
able to give for attendance and by its coin
cidence with the National Anniversary will allow all
who really take proper interest in the matter to be
present
As pleasing incident in this reunion it has been
suggested that there shall be annual festival so
cia gathering which, banlshing excess shall
that goodly fellowship and esprit de corps which, under
wholesome restraints the fruitful of active
exertons and honorable deeds. 1t is not proper that
the tax Of this annual dinner should fall exclusively upon
the citizens of Abemarle, uugrudging 10 their hospi-
ity nor should it depend upoa the chance agreement
and contributions and hasy preparations Of the mme-
date occasions.
We therefore respectfully but earnestly request all
those who agree With Us in the foregoing suggestions to
forward to the Treasurer of the Society of Alumni On.
H. Masse such sums they may be willing to subscribe
towards the formation Of permanent fund, whose in
erest shall be devoted TO the purpose indicated above
and other congenia and proper objects Ample proys-
ion has been made for the festival Of the approaching
commencement, which promises to be Of rare inter
est. May not Hope, then, that this appeal will be
made in vain but that the Alumni, by their presence
and pecunsry aid, will up the performance OF
long neglected duty and remove the reproach Of apathy
aud ngrattude which has rested upon them long aud
strangely.
JNo. L. COCHRAN,
B. j. BARnorR, Committee
j. b. BALDWIN, Of
FRANgLIS MISoR, Society of Alumni
joins THOMSON BRowN,
Charlottesville, Va, May l5th, 1860.