University of Virginia - Corks and Curls Yearbook (Charlottesville, VA)

Page 15 text:

When I entered the University of Virginia this past fall, my first and most lasting observation was the definite fact that I had matriculated into a strange new world, which, on the other hand, was mysteriously old. A rather brash young member of a typical high school characterized by rah-rah was thrown into an atmosphere dominated by tradition. Only my friends spoke, a few others advised, and no one else seemed to know or care that I had arrived? I seemed official: dressed the part in a suit of grey Hannel, a tie from England, and white buckskins; yet I was not confident. I was not lost, however, as others, also new, were sharing my reactions. Gradually, some of my questions were answered. Any college man, I knew, was conventionally cton his own. But at Vir- ginia, I learned a deeper interpretation of this old expression: I was labeled a man, challenged to make the grade as an in- dividual and to emerge as a gentleman. I am certain that not many colleges offer the opportunities that I have found at Virginia, a school which offers liberties as tools in the achievement of maturity, and which champions the open mind in the search for the balance of life. Even after one year, I feel certain that I will be able to make the greater transition which comes post-college because of my present lessons. The traditions here are intangible and are not easily defined. My inability to grasp them immediately, however, seems part of my education. I have not learned the University in one year; I may not know it in four, but I have gained the initiative to seek that which has pervaded for 125 yearS, weathering the eras. More and more the University is forced to stand up to the arguments of progress. New buildings are already being built, and those who succeed me and my classmates as first year men will find the University different in many respects from the way we found it. It is my belief, however, that Virginia will meet successfully the problem of change. Three more years are ahead of me. I have learned the Good Old Song? I answer, uHere, Sir? in my roll calls; and I speak only to those I know, to those who can feel the sincerity of my greeting. I study and live under an Honor System that will dominate my entire life and help me to build on stone and to avoid the sand. Virginia is changing me, but not, I think; without my permission. H

Page 14 text:

The Mid-Century year is an obvious point to pause and take stock, to look back and to look ahead. This yearls CORKS AND CURLS tries to do that. In our division pages we have tried to remove the element of time-to show the University in an unusual way so that we might be able to reveal a significance possibly hidden by conventionally accepted exteriors. But this year gives more than the obvious reasons for a thoughtful look ahead. The class of 1950 probably will be the last in which there will be any great number of World War II veterans. Of more importance is the fact that the first year men who enter in September, 1950 will live in the Universityls brand new dormitories. The University of the futurel, will begin to be a reality. Within another year the Academic Building and the Physics Building will be under construction. Physically, the future looks good. Spiritually, it looks promising. Those characteristics of the University should remain which in the past have helped to mold so many liGentlemen of the University of Virginia? t Fete t h xl'! tam lllls-Vr'. Luulkh v V ' Ihskr nun . unul unh Ali 7- , TOWARD -!'I

Page 16 text:

T R A D I T I o N The Universitfs past, Tradition, is Well-known . . . Its present and the promise of its future show a healthy advancement . . . Progress shows signs of becoming a Tradition at the University.