Abilene Christian College - Prickly Pear Yearbook (Abilene, TX)

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STUDENTS leaving Abilene Christian College have gone into all parts of the world carrying with them the light of God, the light of life and influence, and the light of knowledge. Through this past year we have followed in the light of those who have preceded us,- we have also helped to light the paths for those who are to come our way search- ing for truth. Some lights were dim and hard to follow, leading to confusion and pitfalls of darkness; but others were brightly shining, guiding towards high, but still distant goals. Yet all are intwined, and whether we realize it or not each of us has been an influence for good or otherwise. Each has lighted a path in some direction, telling, perhaps more vividly than words, the story of the lives and activities of the people on the hill. With the dawn of day, a new light throws beams of sun- shine on our way, but no matter how bright the day or how dismal the night nothing can hide the memories of . . .

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Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 IN DEDICATION To Leonard Buriord who dedicated his life to spreading a shining light on all who knew him, we, the staff, dedicate this book. the 1962 Prickly Pear. Dr. Buriord began to lose his eyesight as a youth and became totally blind by 28. This blind musician has possibly done as much, if not more, for the music of the church than any other man of the past generation. Come Unto Me is one of his creations. Much about Dr. Burford's life was an inspiration to his associates. But his success over well-nigh insurmountable difficulties was the greatest in- spiration of all. Buriord said. It was simply a case of finding alternate solutions. If you can't accomplish some- thing the usual way then find another. And with that formula tplus a few hard-knock lessons and a lot of persevercmcel the ACC Music Department Head whose first goal was just to be normal sur- passed many who had no physical afflictions. One of the first lessons he had to learn, Burford said, was to accept his condition realistically and not be sensitive about it. He typed his 115 page doctor's dissertation, The Blind in Music Education of the Sighted - just to prove a blind person could. 'Even his hobbies were sources of inspiration and encouragement. They included: woodworking with power tools, bowling, and riding a bicycle-built- for-two. Being blind helped Burford learn to love all people. My faith in the human race has been in- creased since I lost my sight, he said. I honestly believe that a thief running on the street would stop to help me across, so kind is the human heart. Dr. Burford met the challenge of his blindness i with a determination to defy description. His vigor, independence, sacrifice, and genius were integral facets of his personality. Once, laughingly, he said, I'm not sure blindness is my worst handicap.

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