The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1910-09-28
The State University

We come last OF al! to our state
university. the Seslor. the patriarch
OF our state educational institutions,
whose guest we are today. To other
and more eloquent lips is reserved
the recital of its connected history.
For more than a quarter of CEN
tury, its educational influence has
spread like leaven among our people.
4 large proportion OF county super
dents, principals. and instructors in
our city high schools, received their
honors at this university. The work
they are doing alone would do honor
I TO a more pretentious institution of
learning. Its numerous alumni fill
many positions of honor and trust,
while the professions and private life
alike have been enriched by the moral
and Intellectual uplift that emanates
from this institution.
What prouder encomiunis can be
bestowed upon an institution of learn
ing than to point thus to its achieve
ments, except it be TO measure with
prophetic vision its future accom-
plishments by the high standard of
excellence already a matter Of his
tory.
Ceremonies Significant
The ceremonies We are participat-
ing in today are significant The in
stallation Of Frank LeRond McVey,
as president of the university, fore
shadows a promising future. Though
comparatively young man, he has
already established himself in liter
ature, in oratory. in scholarship. and
in the hearts Of the people. AS an
executive, he has been tried and not
found wanting. OF large mental and
moral caliber, affable, progressive,
and liberal in his views, long years
! Of brilliant service seem to stretch
away to that future goal-the shin
ing summit to which every manly
man aspires-the goal inscribed with
the simple but ecstatic words:-
Well done, good and faithful servant
ION behalf Of the state educational
institutions for whom l have been
asked to respond. congratulate the
North Dakota university upon the in
stallation Of Mr.. McVey, as its pres
ident. I congratulate the board Of
regents upon its wise selection OF so
eminent an educator; the students
for having mind SO masterful and
yet so gentle to direct them; and the
state for the acquisition of a great
citizen whose influence and person.
ality have already borne fruit.
And l also congratulate President
McVey. because his accession to the
executive head Of this institution oc-
ours after the pioneer work, so nobly
performed, is a thing of the past. I
also congratulate ourselves-speak-
ing for the representatives OF the
state educational institutions-for the
hearty welcome extended by the uni
versity. and trust that our presence
here and what We say will be accept
ed as evidence Of appreciation and
thankfulness on our part
Praise for Merrifield
Mr.. Chairman, enc closing word
l cannot, consistently with my feel
ings. close without referring briefly
to the splendid things accomplished
| by him who. for twenty-five years,
upheld the dignity and honor of our
university when courage and forth
tude were at premium When Web
ster Merrifield voluntarily relin-
quished his high position as president
of this institution, the pioneer work
was done. a lasting monument had
been builded. The lettering child
had grown to lusty manhood. He
left it without a stain upon its es-
cutcheon and, doubtless, from his
home beyond the western mountains,
his heart swells today in unison with
the universities most ardent friends
that are assembled here"