Mansfield University - Carontawan Yearbook (Mansfield, PA)

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DR. BELKNAP THE DEAN OF INSTRUCTION Things are looking up, but the ancient commonplace that we live in an age of change, a commonplace since the dawn ot recorded history and before, seems truer than ever in 1935. Like their elders, students look on the immediate future with more than common anxiety. They peer into the abyss perchance to find safe paths which lead to enlarged opportunity and increased security. Whatever the future may bring forth, it must be much like the present. The fundamental values of life cannot and do not change. Happiness and usefulness will depend as in all ages, on health, honesty, industry, kindliness, tact, sobriety and judgment. To emperor or to slave, to millionaire or to dependent alike, a sound mind well filled, well trained and adequately exercised, good manners, good morals and good health never come amiss. Religion never abdicates. God still lives. We cannot read the future. No one ever could read the future, but sound living this day and every day gives to this day and to every day its reward, and to each day as well, the best of preparation for the next day and the next and the next until time shall be no more. A. T. Belknap. CARONTAWAN 24

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A Message From President Straughn The classical seminaries from which the old normal schools in Pennsylvania developed, and later teachers colleges, were originally intended to furnish educational opportunities to young people who were remotely removed from colleges. Railroad travel was not easy, highways were almost useless for distant transportation, so that the seminaries served a most useful purpose in the life of the people. The district now served by Mansfield State Teachers College, rather roughly located as being within the Commonwealth north of the mountains near Williamsport, was settled almost wholly by New England stock, back in the days when the State of Connecticut made a claim to all land due west of its boundaries. This stock is still prevalent in the north tier of Pennsylvania, and it was the desire of these people for educational opportunities that led to the establishment of the old classical seminary. In a few years this was organ- ized as a State Normal School, receiving appropriations for the purpose of training- much needed teachers. However, the old normal school continued to function as a place for the education of all young men and women who wished to enter same. Largely for that reason, and because of the distant settlements in the north tier, Mans- field came to have a distinct life in the Commonwealth having almost no competition from other colleges. Then came in recent years the trend of using the state teachers colleges wholly for the purpose of training teachers for the Commonwealth. Now again there is a strong agitation that the teachers colleges shall, particularly in a period of emergency such as now exists, make available their resources to all worthy young men and women who are qualified to enter. The main basis of this argument is that such young men and young women will greatly benefit by this instruction to the advantage of the Commonwealth even though they may never teach. Then, too, we must remember that preparation for teaching is one of the finest preparations for life, re- gardless of profession or avocation. Everywhere throughout Pennsylvania and the nation are hundreds of thousands of successful men and women who received then- entire education in normal schools and teachers colleges. The institution? have rendered a service to the states and nations comparable to any educational program ever fostered, and for that reason are regarded as the colleges of the people, and have a strength which lies in the affections of those who have been helped through their facilities and encouragement. WILLIAM R. STRAUGHN. 23

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THE DEAN OF WOMEN Through the agencies of the Student Council which develops the powers of self-control and responsibility for others; the membership in clubs which works toward social ease; service on committees which gives experience in the technique of handling parties, concerts, and fellow committee members, students gain worthwhile qualities for living together in a college community. These quali ties combined with intellectual achievement will form an adequate background for the teaching profession. Victoria Frederick. THE DEAN OF MEN Life at college is constantly evolving. It is a continuous chain of events which are especially rich and progressive in those ideals with which are associated the most cherished memories of college life. As a more substantial foundation of this chain of events we have the privilege of meeting new friends — faculty and fellow students, knowledge of new fields of learning, new living habits, and new demands of ourselves in every phase of life. One of the greatest compensations accruing from college associations is to be found with its close associations of life. This in brief is college life! Today, more than ever before, we are forced to develop a moral stability which will convert precept into action, knowledge into character and the discoveries of new truths into a real spiritual progress. It has been my privilege as well as my pleasure to accompany you during this period. It is associations like these that make life a real joy. May the future find you ready to meet your responsibilities as you met them here. H. W. Olson. 25