Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1911-10-04


has moved me to accept the presi-
dency Of the University of Alabama
proceeds from the conviction that
there is greater opportunity in Ala
bama for constructive service to the
entire system of public education
than would be open to me at this
time in Virginia, especially consid-
ering my position as executive head
of an independent institution OF
learning. Ia other words, / shall
hope in my new field of service to
find ampler opportunity to serve the
general cause of education, to which
have pledged my life. / shall
hope to devote myself to every |
phase OF education in great Com |
monwealth, rapidly growing in pop
ulation and in power. The back
ground Of it all is, of course, great
people, and great, new era.
have not been consciously ipflu
enced in my decision by any desire
to be transferring from this institu-
ton to any other institution, how
ever great or strong. 1t is not
question merely of serving a single
institution. The fact that have
declined other inviting opportuni-
ties is a sufficient declaration that
l have been happy here. have no
ambition to serve any other institu-
tion in preference to this institution.
This has been true at every stage
OF my life here. 1t is certainly true
at this time, when the trustees, the
alumni, the community, the student
body, the public press, members OF
the faculty and hundreds of the
most prominent citizens of Virginia
have so strongly and so insistently
u urged me to continue my work here
in Virginia. There is no institu ton
; in whose service there is higher
honor or larger spiritual reward
Z than is to be found in the service oil
u this institution. To carry on the
work consecrated by the benefaction
of George Washington and the ser
o vice and memory of Robert E. Lee
I is task amply adequate to satisfy
q the ambition OF any man.
Nor is it a question Of salary. The
I trustee have offered TO deal with me
l far more generously than che re
u vrn,,lC
o seem to justify. 1t is solely ques
II ton of service, not measured ii
y terms OF a single institution, but ir
: terms OF the whole great problem.
& l shall lay down my work a
y Washington and Lee with genuine
J. regret. | have put into this work ;
e decade of sincere personal devotion
d and of willing ness and unremittinG
1 toll. 1t has been TO me a happy
service. The college has prospereC
; in a remarkable degree. 1t has
l. rapidly advanced in endowment, il
u plant, in equipment, in standards
10 in numbers. 1t is a far stronger
10 and a far better college than any
IT one could reasonably have ex
u pected | have my reward in thu
$ consciousness that l have attempt
ed to do my duty in every phase o
IS the work of that institution, with
10 out fear and without favor; that
10 have sought to study the laws Of it
true growth, and that have devOt
10 ed myself without reserve to it
W peace and prosperity, have learn
III ed 20 love the institution, and
~ shall never be unmindful of the fin
~ and helpful things that have bOun
ia me to it and to those who hav
o. wrought with me in its ppbuildins
5 | may be permitted to add just on
IL. more word. 1t is a great sorrow
I'll me to leave Virginia, in whose Sc
at vice my whole life has been spen
le l shall cherish all the happy an
IN sacred associations and friendship
~ and loyalties of my life here. l a
OF leaving all these things with III
no spirit uufretted by single unhapp
ng memory, and with utmost affectiC
le- for the history, the institution, ii
n traditions and the people of thi
Is Common wealth.
OF Yours very sincerely,
NJ (Signed) GEORGE H. DENNY.
nd
cd