Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-06-28

throned king.
STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCE
MENT.
Commencement at tho University Of
Vermont and State Agricultural College
lacked some Of the features Of previous
years. yet those who came expecting to
find a lean commencement season were
happily disappointed. What the period
lacked in special college projects and de-
velopments It more than made UP in the
patriotic atmosphere which enveloped the
entire town and university and impaired
a deep impressiveness to all the exercises
and proceedings.
The multi-colored academic hoods Of the
different degrees always tend to add
gala-day appearance to the university
procession and commencement stage and
graduate assembly. This year the khaki
uniforms Of the students who took their
degrees in the garb Of their country's
military service added a varied and un-
tended at the same time to appeal to love
Of country as we'll as love Of alma mater.
When President Benton In comforting the
degrees frequently emphasized a vacancy
in the line of diploma recipients by saying
absent, in the service Of his country"
the poignant spirit Of patriotism and ten
der emotion combined found vent as we'll
as emphatic expression in repeated ap-
plause.
It was peculiarly fitting that the State
university should confer honorary degrees
man, State Commissioner Of Education
Hillegas and Chairman Caverly Of the
State board Of health in addition to 9TH
ers. These men have all done service
which the people Of Vermont as a whole
especially appreciate. and the prolonged
applause greeting the awarding Of these
honors furnished abundant evidence Of
the popular commentator thereof. YER
mont does we'll to honor those who honor
1t by the high character Of their genuine
service for the commonwealth.
The extent and nature of the patriotic
participation Of the State university and
the students thereof in preparations for
effective warfare were indicated during
the commencement period in various
ways. in addition to the appearance Of
many khaki uniforms. The uniforms Of
the medical corps bespoke the representa-
very necessary work of sanitation and
conservation of health. no less than in
preparation for work of relief later on.
If needed. The statement Of President
Godfrey. by way of preface Of his address.
that Vermont had a right to be proud Of
the work Of President Benton as president
Of the National Association Of State UNI
versities in connection with the organic
ing and instituting Of helpful corporation
with the government. showed that now as
in 1861 the U. v. M. has not been recreant
to patriotic duty.
One of the impressive features Of COM
mencement period was the dedication yes
terday afternoon of the beautiful memo
rial window put in place in the university
| chapel by the alumnae Of the university
as tribute to the late Professor ]. E.
Goodrich Of revered memory. The Me-
mortal Is not only work OF
artistic merit. but 1t is also worked
out in subdued colors as restful to the
physical eye as they are appealing to the
aesthetic sense.
The memorial address by Prof. s. F.
Emerson. was what all admirers Of him
would expect from him on an occasion Of
tender personal associations and institu-
tional traditions such as the unwilling OF
memorial to zone Of the noblest Romans
of them all" among the faculty elders.
Professor Emerson's addresses are always
a work of living art. His tribute to his
late colleague was a labor Of love as well
as Of spontaneous art, beautiful in it,
proportions. compelling in its appeal to
college memories and associations rich In
university historic loree.
1
mortal for the university touched a 10.
sponsive chord when he assured those
present that the memorial windows erect.
ed to the grand men of an earlier genera.
ton in the chapel would be preserved ir
what he hoped would soon be the Buck
ham Memorial chapel. He expressed the
desire that such an ediice might be the
first to be erected on the university cam.
pus under his administration. and his ap
peal will md hearty response in every
loyal heart among university alumni and
alumnae.
The overshadowing sentiment of thi,
commencement. was duty to country and
to Old Glory. That was the sentiment
which sprang to the front in every gath
ering. and found expression in every pos
sible connection. AS was shown by Pro
fessor Emerson. to have been one of tn,
dominant sentiments of Professor Good
rich. the State university is as inseparabl'
from the true veal of the State now as IL
the days when the Vermont fathers mad,
provisions for such university CO
incident with the establishing Of the com
monwealth. That is a dual sentimen
which should endure to the end, loyait,
to alma mater and loyalty to State, which
means love Of native land