Missouri State University - Ozarko Yearbook (Springfield, MO)

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ROY ELLIS, AB., A.M Our President 'I'2lI

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A MESSAGE EIQDM THE DIQESIDENT EDUCATION AS AN AMERICAN IDEAL HE FOUNDERS of our National Government were men of great parts, a race of intellectual giants reared in the favor of Providence to meet the unparalleled needs of their day. The eloquent declarations of Washington, of Jefferson, of Madison and their colleagues were no idle phrases culled from the pages of rhetoric. They were burning sentiments forged in fervid heat upon the anvils of their own souls. The framers of our constitu- tion recognized the ideal of free and universal public education as the very corner stone of our political and social order. Our free public schools are the power houses of American civilization. Probably the most fundamental principle of democracy is the ideal of equal opportunity to all. In this respect our public schools fall far short of the great American ideal. The child does not choose his place of birth yet his destiny, in so far as his chance of securing an education is concerned, may, in large measure, be determined by the locality in which he is born. It may be but a river. a highway, or even the surveyor's imaginary line which marks the division between vastly differing levels of educational opportunity. The educational interests of the state are broader than the boundaries of distinct lines or even county lines. Let not the wealthy and complacent community draw the cloak of self-righteousness about it and protest any responsibility for educa- tional opportunity in less fortunate localities. Mere possession of a superiority complex did not protect proud Rome from the onslaught of her less cultured neighbors. In the seats of justice and in the halls of legislation this state will be at the mercy of the democracy of tomorrow. It rests with us to determine whether our posterity shall be governed in wisdom and justice or whether the destiny of the state shall be that of ignorance and violence. l20l

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N. BERTHA WELLS Dean of Women AB. fDrury Collegej E PEOPLE OP RARE ABILITY and understanding are a blessing to an institu- tion, then S. T. C. is thrice blest in having as its Dean of Women, Miss N. Bertha Wells. Not only does Miss Wells have understanding and ability, but she also has a strong and undying belief in the possibilities and the judgment of youth. She is greatly responsible for that democratic atmosphere which prevails in this school. The upper classmen sincerely hope that new students coming into this school will soon come to the realization that our Dean of Women stands ready to help them with all their problems. l'-221