Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-09-25
UNIVERSITY OPENS
'l29TH YEAR WITH BIG
MAN GLASS

teCnn1CdlltleS u INV. we must not be
content to rest upon such a defense for
existence, but also must base our claims
for such existence upon service. The
State has given this institution It's name,
the best name that could be given, en-
bracing as 1t does not a particular Sec
ton of the State or a certain class Of
people, but an entire commonwealth and
all of the people within its borders;
nurtured 1t through all the years of its
youth, endowed 1t to the extent Of its
means and now In return expects some-
thing substantial. No institution ever
received a nobler heritage. After all, the
whole problem facing the university is
one of service divorced from political or
religious considerations and based purely
uon proper performance of duty to the
citizens of the State. The call is insistent.
Are we willing to accept such a test as
the justification for our existence?
How can we render the most effective
service? First, by continuing the thor
ough and efficient instruction of young
men and women In cultural, scientific and
professional subjects. recognizing their
Importance in a we'll rounded edu-
cation. Second. by research activl-
ties which shall result in extending
the borders of our knowledge. Third, by
the development of extension and extra
mural activities which will include not
only the activities of the college. Of agri-
culture but of the other three colleges.
WORK OF THE UNIVERSITY
Mr.. Bailey then took up in detail the
work of the university, under the gen.
eral headings resident teaching ire
search" and the four colleges-agricul-
ture, medicine, engineering, and arts and
sciences. with suggestions as to how
they could add to their usefulness to the
students and the people Of the State.
recommending, among other things, an
annual conference on State problems and
the appointment of a director of rural
problems, and concluded as follows:
Sometime the question may be asked
again, Is the University of Vermont a
State institution? What will be the an
swer? Will 1t be that her founders by
their legal acts created a legal State in
stitution or will it be shown that tested
by the measure of service we rave be-
come such an integral part of the politi-
cal, social and economic life of this COM
monwealth, that each citizen will look
upon this university as his institution
1t is for those of us who are charged
with the sacred trust of administrators
to see to it that every citizen comes to
H"'S mp icidIy lhlcIeSC III tue II
versity Of Vermont. This can be brought
about only by rendition of service, thai
service which has as its goal the develop.
ment and prosperity of the State and
the education and happiness Of it's people
Higher education must be popularized
and our citizens must come to realize
that the university stands not only fol
: the ideal of liberal culture. but also
, for tho dissemination Of that culture
:, throughout our commonwealth.
l We should see to 1t that this universit!
is imbued with that kind of democratic
spirit that co-operates for the common
good with all of the agencies of socia
progress. a university with a view of it.
responsibility that is not shut off b,
campus walls; a university hat Is chang
ing because it is living; a university tina
loses none of it's idealism through daily
practical contact with the many sided
life of town and State; that universit!
that looks forward oftener than back
. ward, and yet seeks the wisdom of or
ganized experience to light the patti
ahead, thus supplanting the blind guild
ance of tradition by the safer guidance o
scientific insight"
WELCOME TO NEW STUDENTS
To the members of the class of 1923:
To-day, for the first time, you becom,
identified with the university, and from
l now until institutions of higher learning
cease to exist you will be known as mem
s bers of the class of 1923 of the Universit,
l of Vermont. We extend to you a mos
cordial welcome and sincerely hope tina
your first experiences here will b
,, pleasant and will be the omen of the re
mainder of your college life.
This university, with more than a cen
fury of dignified and honorable endeavo
n in the world of scholarship. throws owe
you the mantle of her sympathy an,
kindly interest. From now on you ar
e her wards and your progress will b
( watched with maternal case. You ar
. accepted by the university with the be
lief that you will be true to her tradi
- tons and will evidence. by the characte
of your endeavors along the various line
8 of collegiate activity. your steadfastnes
e of purpose to become honorable member
: of that body of alumni who also join m
t in extending to you a hearty welcome
While you are here primarily to pursu
a course of study which will eventually
e lead to a degree, conferred after ,havinl
d attained the requisite proficiency In tn
> curriculum of the college of your choice
e yet we would not have you lose sight o
the fact that college life Is made up o
more than mere attainment of standin
: in certain studies; other elements sue,
e as the continuation of your affiliatio
c with the particular religious denomina
ton of you choice. and a REASONABLE
: participation In the social and ~fraterna
life of the university all will tend to Civ
you that liberal and cultural educatio
n which should be your goal. Nor mus
II we forget that each student. accordin
s to his several abilities. should play hi
e part in the various intramural and In
Intercollegiate athletic contests; and Will
= the university should lend proper en-
n couragement to its representatives 4
y those varied fields of activity, yet tn
respective participants should not forge
5: that individualism or self-emulation
II not the chief end to be sought; but rathe
~ that concert of effort or team pla,
gained by each persons e~xertion credit
J. ably to represent the institution, whic
= results in forgetfulness of self.
u The situation to-day differs somewha
from that of previous years. There
~ an incident connected with the beginnin
+ OF this college year that is particular
-. noteworthy. During the last two or thre
years we witnessed the departure of man
"a OF our young men to do their share 4
the worlds strife. We saw them go, or
by one, each imbued with the single d,
sire. to do his duty. With their Roin,
many of them relinquished all hope {
re completing their college education. Som
To OF them will never return, and to III
re memory OF those we pay our most sir