Kent State University - Chestnut Burr Yearbook (Kent, OH)

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President Bowman tells Laird Brown how it was at Kent State. Standing upon a special flag-bedecked platform on June 18, 1912, is Dr. John E. McGilvrey. He was selected as the first President, and now delivers his principal address: There is justification for that significant German proverb: ' Whatever you would have appear in a nation ' s life you must pu ' into its schools. ' And whatever you would have appear in the school in the form of knowledge, ideals, moral strength, or courage to meet life ' s responsibilities, you must present to the impressionable life of the child through the life of a teacher. Rain begins to fall as President McGilvrey concludes his speech, a baptism of the infant school, he says.

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THE I CHESTNUT BURR • O. Louis Mazzatenta, • Editor • William Laughlin, , Business Manager • Edward L. Cliney, Advisor

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Developing Human Resources The choice of our theme for this, our Semicentennial Year, was not made by me; but I would not know how better to express the philosophy which has guided and inspired me during almost 16 years of service on this campus. I have no doubt that our human resources — people — are our most important and valuable assets and that the future of our country depends on how well we develop these resources in their earlier years. That is the chief responsibility of an institution such as ours. There are many different kinds of activities scheduled in this, our Semicentennial Year. Noted scholars are speaking at convocations and conducting seminars which will enrich and stimulate the intellectual life of the students, faculty and staff. Noted artists in the fields of music and art will bring pleasure and inspiration. During this year a faculty committee has conscientiously selected some of our distinguished alumni for special citation and recognition. I believe that these are the occasions in which I take the greatest pleasure and satisfaction: These times when we honor our sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in so many different and important professions. There are teachers, scientists, physicians, leaders in many walks of the education professions, including the Christian ministry. For more than a decade and a half, I have watched with affection and deep interest thousands of young men and women who have come and gone from these halls. My interest is in human beings, in the young people whose trained talents and whose development are so important in our society. Size of the institution and the consequent responsibilities have pushed the President farther and farther away from the individual student; and this I continue to regret. If I were asked to describe the change I see in young people, it would be largely in their favor. I have been pleased to observe the almost uniform courtesy and respect the student body has shown me and my office. It seems to me that in the last two or three years, in particular, there has been a renaissance of interest in intellectual achievement and in efforts to solve the many moral and spiritual questions with which youth is increasingly confronted in our complex world. I have been heartened by student interest in the scholastic standards of the University, their concern about cheating in examinations, their interest in eligibility regulations, examinations, and a dozen or more other facets we associate with quality in education. I have said many times in these years that it is men and women who make an institution of this kind effective and efficient. Bricks and mortar, essential as they are, are only necessary adjuncts to the human elements. When I speak of human elements, I am thinking of the faculty and staff which must be strong, able, courageous and working in harmony; I am thinking of the student body; of the governing Board; and of our graduates and the contribution they may make by their continuing interest in their alma mater. Although my tenure as your President is nearing its close, I can assure you that as long as there is life left in me this University and its progress will continue to be the major concern of my life.