Carnegie Mellon University - Thistle Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

Page 8 text:

New York, March 30, 1909. Dear Mr. Editor: I wish to tender my congratulations upon the continued success of the Technical Schools. Several competent judges who have visited them have expressed the highest admiration for all that they saw there. Your reputation will soon become not only national but international. Two visitors from abroad have called to tell me that you already occupy high rank. Keep steadily marching forward, and pray remember me to all your scholars, who are in after life to look back with intense gratitude to the teachers who are giving them such a splendid start. Always very truly yours, Andrew Carnegie.

Page 7 text:

Preface E publication of the fourth volume of Tin: Thistle marks another chapter in the history of the Carnegie Technical Schools. In looking back over the events of the past year, we find that the spirit pervading the whole atmosphere of the schools may be briefly expressed by one word, growth—growth in numbers, in ideals, in prestige, and in influence. 'And yet, as an institution, we arc still in our youth, and youth carries with it the idea of health, energy, vigor and buoyancy. We have not yet learned to look toward the past, for the future holds before us brighter visions and fairer prospects. One of the most encouraging signs has been the growth among the students of the spirit of loyalty and devotion to the Alma Mater. It has been the aim of the Thistle Hoard in preparing this volume to develop and foster this spirit by presenting a more or less complete record of those events and happenings which, aside from the regular routine of work and study, constitute a large part of what is pleasant and profitable in college life. If, in your opinion, we have fallen short of our aim, or if the book presents to your eyes certain crudities and inconsistencies, remember that youth is the age of awkwardness and imperfection, and that time will add to the strength and vigor and impulsiveness of youth the settled poise and finished grace of perfect maturity. The Thistle Board. 254510

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April 16th, 1909. TO THE STUDENTS: Another school year has left its tale of achievements to record in the “Thistle.” The development of the buildings I am sure, with their remarkable facilities for instruction, has been watched with great interest. In a few weeks the new athletic field will be available for out-door life. The present year has seen an increase in the student enrollment, an increase in the faculties, and a continued growth in educational activities. It is a pleasure to record progress. It is a source of gratification to feel that this development has been participated in by the interest and support of the community. More than all this, your Director feels a deep and abiding sense of appreciation that he has been a part of this movement. The appointment to the separate faculties of the four Schools, of executive deans and the growth of organized student activities, are the memorable events of the year. That which is most important to me in my connection with this institution is the continued growth of my personal friendships with the Faculty and Students. This relationship is the lever by which it is possible to knit learning and living; and whenever these two separate, you can be sure something is wrong. This institution stands for the combination. Count me one of the men who is ardently advocating this union, and each student who joins in the same effort does his share to acquire a useful education. This is what makes the Carnegie Technical Schools a vital element in the educational movement of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a factor for a better civilization in the city of Pittsburgh. The first graduates have entered upon their careers. In the “Thistle” I hope to find an annual record of their achievements, which will serve as an inspiration to the under-graduates and stimulate the Faculties to renewed exertion. Our happiness would be complete if Mr. and Mrs. Carnegie could visit us. Next to this wish comes our gratification in the receipt of a message from them. ARTHUR A. HAMERSCHLAG.