Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

Page 10 text:

TO THE 1966-67 STUDENTS OF THE NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE COLLEGE: Viewing our student body from the perspective of a college president, there appears to be a high degree of certainty that most of our students are destined to assume roles of leadership. What a privilege it is to be alive at this wondrous time and to participate in decision making that will effect changes in the whole globe structure. The entire world is in the throes of social and political revolu- tion, knowledge is proliferating at astronomical rates, and leader- ship is faced with challenges never before encountered : These conditions are so obvious that they seem platitudinous, but they are nevertheless true. Because this college and others like it are charged with the responsibility of preparing leaders to cope with the multifarious and sophisticated problems inherent in our generation and generations to come, it is incumbent upon this college to give perspective to these future leaders. In my judgment all students must be deeply aware of the trials in their lives ahead; they must be deeply aware of their heritage in order to see these trials in perspective. Students must perceive the rationale, the virtue, the stability in a broad balance between the various components determining their total abilities. If our leadership is to succeed, indeed, if our civilization is to prevail, a depth of moral, spiritual, and ethical perception must be regenerated throughout the world. 1 am committed to the belief, however, that whatever the demands may be your generation has the fiber and the fortitude to make the correct decisions. I believe, further, that because you will have the perspective to make the correct decisions the world will be made a far better place for your having been here. Robert P. Foster President

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VICTORIAN HOME KEPT ALIVE BY PRESIDENT FOSTER AND HIS FAMILY President and Mrs. Foster relax in their new kitchen. In 1857 land was purchased which was to be used for a nursery, but in 1870 a two-story home was built on the property by Captain Thomas Gaunt. Today, almost a cen- tury later, this home is still liept alive by the warmth and laughter of a modern family. President and Mrs. Robert P. Foster and their two sons, Robert III and Kemp. Before the family could move into the old house, however, some changes had to be made. Original plans for remodeling the kitchen snowballed until the entire house had been redecorated. Kansas City interior designer, Jack Rees, helped make changes in a few doors and windows which gave the new kitchen and dining room a cheerful and bright atmosphere. His and her dressing rooms were made from an upstairs sleeping porch and sitting room. The structure is kept young by the light, dignified decor. Although some of the furniture is rather formal and stiff Victorian, the walls of the parlor, music room and din- ing room are lovely blue-and-white striped wallpaper which is accented by sparkling crystal chandeliers. The home ' s furnishing include a Knabe piano more than 100 years old, Victorian open-back chairs with blue velvet seats, and two transitional Chippendale chairs. Especially charming is the remodeled kitchen which boasts of a range which serves as a room divider, an is- land counter on wheels, laundry facilities behind sliding oak doors, brick-patterned tile on the floors, and a built in buffet. In contrast to this room is Dr. Foster ' s study with its deep blue walls and white window seats and wood paneling. Since the time the renovation was completed, hundreds of enthusiastic visitors have toured the lovely old home. The dwelling is a landmark not only to the Northwest Missouri State College campus, but to all of the state. Its walls echo with history, and its age will always be overcome by its grand dignity.