University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

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Governor Case 9 s Message Wealth is the goal of most men. Some desire power, political or social ; a few want distinction in literature or art and a very few will be satisfied if they can do some good in the world. All of these objects are more or less interwoven, so that the inspirations of men are multiplex, but they all can be summed up in the one word “success.” They seek to accomplish some definite thing in life, and to do so they will have to be both dili- gent and persistent. The quality that is most needed is steadfastness of purpose. Many become discouraged just before reaching the point of achieving their purpose. Harsh though the judgment of the world may seem to be, it is, nevertheless, just. I suggest that you start out in life with right principles. You must be honest and true in spite of all discouragements. A single lapse will destroy the good reputa- tion you may have established, but if you remain steadfast to right principles you either will succeed in your purpose or you at least will have the satisfaction of know- ing that you have fought a good fight. Chance plays its part in success, but those who deserve and win it, strive, watch, and continue steadfast. At Kingston you have laid a substantial foundation. The world is before you and as you go out into it do not forget that Dr. Edwards has shown you the way to your desired goal. His interest in you and this institution is deep. Steadfastness of purpose has been his aim and that of his competent assistants throughout your years here. I congratulate Dr. Edwards, the faculty, and this class upon the commendable record made and entered upon the books of Rhode Island State College. Norman S. Case Governor Providence, R. I., April 2, 1930. Twenty-seven

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st HONORABLE NORMAN S. CASE Governor of Rhode Island Twenty-six

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66 We’ll Cheer for the White and Blue” T HIS book is different from the usual book that one finds on the book-shelves of one’s home. It is an intimate and personal record of a cru- cial period in the lives of those now grouped together as Rhode Island State College. In a sense we are all authors of it. In a sense we are the only readers the book is intended to reach. It will be stored away in the personal belongings of the present group as they disperse, and in the years to come it will be brought out to revive and rekindle mem- ories of the individuals and the group as it lived and moved in the earlier day. But it will also renew the picture of the college of the day when you were the college. What will that picture be? Will it be merely a blurred succession of petty occurrences suggested by i ndi- vidual faces as they pass in review ? Or will it possess a unified coherency, begin- ning in a definite scheme of life and widening out into adequate mental and spiritual growth and achievement? In the perspective of the years, will the small and petty details fade out into a unified picture, characterized by dignity of outline, brilliant with the colors of youthful friendships, and glorified with spiritual vitality and meaning ? The answer lies with us here and now. These characteristics will appear then just in proportion as we now animate and inform our lives with them. That appears fine and beautiful in retrospect to which we have given that which is fine and beauti- ful in ourselves. “We’ll cheer for the white and blue !” Well, in the years to come, will we? The strength of a college lies in the loyalty and love of its alumni. And that loyalty and love — spontaneous, eager, genuine — is generated and maintained by steady mem- ories of a college life exalted by high endeavor and noble companionship. Reader of Twenty Years from Now, as you go over the pages of this book may beautiful memories of today glow in your heart ! may the twenty years roll away from your shoulders, and may your lips once again with youthful enthusiasm “Cheer for the White and Blue.” Howard Edwards February 26, 1930. Twenty-eight