Birmingham Southern College - Southern Accent Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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ii. ' .y ' - But what of the student himself? He is the object for which the dream was conceived. It is his reaction which must ultimately determine the success or failure of the program. In 1958, it was said in a portrait of Birmingham-Southern: There are intimations that the college is beginning to respond to current changes. The same might be said of the student body beginning in 1963. It is significant that its initial reaction was negative, but that now, the years 1966-67 can be designated as those in which positive student response became evident- even if this evidence was barely noticeable. We are the paradoxical products of a region caught in a down-swirl created by a social evolution at- tacking tradition. We are the breed which finds itself exposed to ideas and ideals often contra- dictory to the culture which we have known. We are the ones who must carry the ultimate responsi- bility of decision. The New Birmingham-Southern is dedicated to us. Its hope lies in the nature of our breed.

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In preceding years the Southern student has always been depicted as a whole person from an academ- ic point of view. He has been freed from the strict limitations of technical knowledge and partially allowed to develop an individuality in his learn- ing-which is, ideally, the true aim of a liberal arts education. Dietrich Bonhoffer, evolution, Bach, and the theory of equations can be discussed with some familiarity by a great majority of the stu- dents. This aspect of the totally educated student remains in the years 1966-67. However, we have been segregated from the past by circumstance and attitude. The typical Southerner of past years could be described as apathetic at best. He was academi- cally astute, but greatly lacking in the depth and sensitivity which is so necessary for development of maturity. The typical student of today is some- thing else. His character is indicative of the transition in which he is involved.