Cornell University - Cornellian Yearbook (Ithaca, NY)

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A YEAR IN RETROSPECT The end of the year brings with it the time for reminiscence and forecast. Many will reflect over the past and Wonder Where it has gone, While others will look forward to the future. Our task Will be to attempt to capture the mood of both in their relation- ship to what is uniquely Cornell University. There does not exist in fiction or fact an entity called the Cornell spirit. The tenure of stay of the individual, whether he be professor or student, brings forth a myriad of views of what this elusive spirit encom- passes. This statement in itself is inconsequential except for the fact that it points to the reality which makes the name Cornell stand for the unique insti- tute it is. The Word that best characterizes this

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CORNELLIAN

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institute is opportunityg opportunity for all who enter the college community to pursue their indivi- dual goals to fruition, or in many cases to their expansion. This stature has earned for the Uni- versity both scorn and praise. From the fellow members of that mecca of education the lvy League, the title of fallow College has been forthcoming with tongue in cheek, while in foreign lands un- touched by the outcries of our fellow vine growers, Cornell has achieved the stature of being one of the most sought after institutes from which to receive a degree in this country. Within the University community itself the presence of opportunity becomes both the strength and weakness of Cornell. On the positive side it creates a11 air of diversity of opinion which in itself is healthy and vigorous. But, it also has its ill effects. As we approach our centenial year more people are becoming aware that in reality there is no central guiding theme at Cornell. While there is from without admiration of the apparent harmonous synthesis of seven undergraduate schools and col- leges into one of the major educational bodies in the country, there exists within as many varying opinions as there are schools and colleges, all seek- ing the grace of the administration. Similarly, while Cornell is a unique blending of personality types that represent all parts of our country and a