The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1911-06-29
University Extension.

OuiIOs ois9 ehsShSS
It has been said that the noblest
epitaph ever written is on the grave
of John Richard Green-'He died
learning" In this epitaph of the
great English historian is found the
spirit of modern education and es-
pecially of that comparatively new
educational movement known as
University Extension which has
shown such vigorous and widespread
growth in our country in recent
years. The traditional educational
theory held that one should get
ones schooling once for all in the
brief period CT youth and then be
done with it like the measles. UNI
versity Extension teaches that edu-
cation is a life process, ending only
with the grave, and seeks to carry
systematic and continuous efforts
for sef-culture through the whole
life-placing them in the same cate
cory as business, politics, religion
or other recognized needs of exls-
tence.
Nothing better illustrates the
growth and vitality of the Univers1t.
Extension movement than the work
of the American Society for the
Enension of University Teaching of
Philadelphia, the parent University
Extension body in the United States.
In the twenty-first annual report of
the Society Just issued the table of
annual membership shows that this
organization has steadily expended
from 200 members eight years ago
to nearly 1900 today, each twelve
months disp,sysfng an advance over
-pfeeeding years. The Society
has now the largest. number in its
history and is the most important
voluntary educational institution for
University Extension purposes eth
er in this country or in Europe
Through it's many Centres establish
ed in various parts of the East, 1t
has spread the gospel of culture
among the ranks of the people in
season and out for two Decades sup
Ported during this time by subscrip-
lions from friends of education who
ARecognize its high public mission
and believe in its utility. In the
season that has just closed, 104
courses totaling 615 educational lee
lures were delivered at the Centres
8 audiences numbering over 200,-
|000 persons.
While statistics of courses and
attendance convey some conception
, OF the Society's activity, it is inn
possible to translate into matfemat-
cs the significance and value of the
EDUCATIONAL service that sucp work
mmon nucleus of intellec-
49, id social interests, about
whfch the. best elements of the place
xather. Ehey help to enrich and
refine life, stimulating all that is
hest, and frequently obliterate lines
Of UNCONVENTIONAL cleavage, social
ue and leading universities of
country and of England and
EN- not merely for their ability
sbe fields of scholarship, but al
\ their human qualities of
d personality. In meeting
1gnments, the lecturers are
ntly subjected to long jour
under trying conditions, &C
Bmpanied by late and early hours
and irregular meals. The record
Of one lecturer the past winter in /
travelling over 10000 miles while
engaged in the work of his Centres
is not unusual.
A Centre for University Extension
in this community would make
distinct Contribution to the life of
our people and doubtless could east
~ be organized if few of our pub
lie spirited citizens could be found
to do the preliminary work. A
community never suddenly awakens
to such ideas. They must first be
seen and worked for by the few
and oftentimes developed in the
face of Indifference and discourage
ment. Such Centres" enlarge the
outlook and prestige of any COM
munity that supports them and pro-
vide a stimulus to serious thinking
and an agency of genuine culture
that return many times over the
effort and sacrifice their establish
ment and conduct may involve.