Mansfield University - Carontawan Yearbook (Mansfield, PA)

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LESTER K. ACE, PRESIDENT

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The Meaning of College Experience The college at -Mansfield is the epitome of community life where stu- dents learn a democratic way of living by living in a democratic way ; where the social order is humanized ; where membership in society implies indivi- dual and social obligations. Like all similar institutions, our college was crcau-d for social ends. Through such pursuits as self-government associa- tions dramatics, fraternities, sororities, and other group activities, as well as through the regular program of instruction students acquire the necessary attitude, skill, and appreciation for effective living, and attain a vantage point from which to view life as a whole. The college may be regarded as a democracy in practice where, through cooperative effort, the mental, moral, and social qualities of human beings may be developed ami improved. In this small world ot its own are men and women of varying degrees of economic stability, physical vigor, intellectual acumen social indulgence, moral integrity, and spiritual order. 1 his intrig- uing cross-section of American humanity makes it possible tor young men and women to mingle with all sorts of personalities ami prepare for lite in a democracy. . , In their diligent search for education students are in accord with sound administrative policies. Surrounded by opportunity to cooperate in the func- tions of the college, they assume a genuine responsibility and meet hte-like situation- They experience democratic processes. They enjoy a wide share in discussing curriculums, policies and methods. It is an adventure in ser- vice exploration and companionship. Students come face to face with vib- rant ' problems and feel the tingle of responsibility in their solutions. Here the student learns to study and to think— not what to think, but how to think. Potential leaders acquire vision, responsibility and initiative that constitute the heart of all education. The capacity to think develops from an educative process that brings into operation the latent capacity ot the learner. Fed from his own inner springs, the student acquires dynamic powers of thought, mines rich ore from his effort, and operates a workshop powered by machinerv of his own creation. The Carontawan of 1940 presents a graphic portrayal ot student lite at Mansfield and reflects the realistic side of the students ' experiences while engaged in the serious business of preparing to take their proper place in the public school system of our living democracy. LESTER K. ADE President js: i

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=?r Jtiis message With adequate training, ability, opportunity, character, and health, a teacher ' s success depends largely on his optimism. Without faith in human nature, teaching is likely to be a painful occupation and the instructor a sluggish and unpopular hewer of wood and drawer of water. Launcelot Hogben calls attention to the fact that The key to the eloquent literature which the pen of Faraday and Huxley produced is their faith in the educability of mankind. Such is the story of all great teachers from Abelard to William James. To secure results we must believe in our pupils, in our work and in ourselves. Good teachers who have this reasonable faith lead their pupils both to be and to do not only what is expected of them but more. To do only what it is our duty to do, makes teaching a deadly and useless routine. Real teachers by their optimism lead their pupils to do the impossible. Their philosophy, to remake Bacon ' s words, does not Vanish in the fume of subtle, sublime or delectable specu- lations. It is a reasonable and lively optimism which is Operative to the e ndowment and betterment of man ' s life.