Eastern Michigan University - Aurora Yearbook (Ypsilanti, MI)

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M.S.N. C. 19 2 8 PRESIDENT ' S MESSAGE It is altogether fitting that this 1928 AURORA should commemorate the seventy- fifth anniversary of the opening of the college. It has been said that not to know history is always to be a child. The only way we can appreciate the institutions of today is by becoming acquainted with their origins and development. It requires an historic imagination to picture the educational situation in Michigan seventy-five years ago. Our now great university consisted of but two departments — medical and literary — and the total enrollment was 222 and the faculty numbered fourteen. This budding university was the only institution in the state of collegiate rank, for the denominational colleges at this time were no more than respectable academies. The public schools of Detroit were but ten years old and no high schools existed in the state. The establishment of the Normal College was a great event. Only three states had established such institutions and the total number in existence in America was five. No wonder the dedicatory exercises were a matter of great concern and that men of state and national reputation appeared on the program. There was a prophecy in the first stanza of the poem written for the occasion by D Bethune Duffield ; Hail, spirit of immortal Truth, Bright emanation from on high, Novj out o ' er nation ' s gloiving youth, Extend thy zvings of purity — To thy great purpose now ive raise These noble tvalls, this song of praise. The college was dedicated to the Immortal Truth. Its business during these seventy-five years has been to spread a knowledge of the truth, the truth of nature, and the truth of human nature, and of social living and co-operation. These seventy- five years have been notable ones and we should look back upon them with gratitude and with admiration, and the retrospect should help us to turn our gaze to the future with confidence and high purpose. Charles McKenny.

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