Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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aflflflfi Dr. John J. Kelly President

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1949 STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE Bridgewater, Massachusetts

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President ' s Message All existence worthy of the name, and all victorious living are achieved in terms of the individual. The place to look for a better life, for better government and business, for peace among nations and harmony at home is inside the individual. Inner integrity, courage, sense of humor, strength, and power — these we must have to stand up to life. The only way we can be strong enough to stand up to this business of living is by rebuilding from within until we have the sources of power and leadership and are capable of regulating ourselves. The citadel of the fort is always in the center; and so it is with man. His personality, his individuality must come from inner control, from self- discipline, and from constant watchfulness of mind and spirit. Cynicism, fear, worry, low ideals, cowardice are enemies of success, spiritual strength, and vital living. When these are driven out, a finer personality is possible. Philosophy is something more than a course in your school curricu- lum, to be passed and forgotten. It is something each of us has, whether we recognize it or not. It is the aggregate of our enthusiasm and prejudices. It is the moral code by which we live. It is the equipment we bring to life and the response we expect from life. Now that you are about to be graduated from Bridgewater and to take a more direct part in American society, it may be well for you to take inventory of these many elements which determine your outlook as an individual. You owe that appraisal not only to yourself but to your fellowmen. The strength of the nation rests primarily on the strength of its moral character. Upon the teachers rest the responsibility for the development of character, intelligence, and appreciations in the young people the world over, especially in America where the teachers still enjoy the right to think freely, to explore areas of human knowledge, and to develop power of judgment. While it is true today, as ever, that teachers must be the masters of their subjects, the new and continuously emerging fact is that teachers are becoming more fully cognizant of the spiritual and moral character of the child. The teacher ' s opportunities are limitless. The oncoming generation must acquire those disciplines essential for individual and group living. May I wish you success and happiness as you go forth with a song in your hearts, faith in yourself, and a courageous spirit to meet the challenge. John J. Kelly, President