Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

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Dr. Blackwell inaugurated as Eighth President Greetings come from one who knows. Encouraging words from the students' friend. What 1, , V, M. ' r -55314,-r5Q fil- 2 7 i

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t When Dr. Gordon Williams Black- well assumed the presidency of Fur- man University, leaders in educa- tional circles everywhere became aware of the fact that Furman is, indeed, on the threshold of great- ness. Dr. Blackwell is a synthesis of all those qualities that distinguish men of pre-eminence. He combines youthfulness and vitality with con- geniality and genuine interest in people. But energy and affability by themselves do not mark a man as a leader of his age. There must also be competence in thought and action. It is here that Dr. Gordon Blackwell excels. He distinguished himself in academic preparation at Furman, the University of North Carolina, and Harvard. His academic excellence has been confirmed re- peatedly through his publication of numerous articles and books. His in- vitation, in 1955, to lecture at a Ful- bright Conference on American Studies at Oxford University is in- dicative of the respect he com- mands in the academic world. Dr. Blackwell is a man of edu- cation, in the noblest sense of that word. He is a firm believer in the liberal arts education and its impor- tance to Christian thought and the greater world society which it sus- tains. Dr. Blackwell once referred to a race in the world between ed- ucation and catastrophe. ln his concise and perceptive manner, he stated, lf education is to win this race-and l am confident that it will -then education must know where it is going and must step up the pace. We are confident that with Dr. Blackwell at our helm, Furman will stand tall and strong in this race in which education must be victori- ous. 26 President Gordon Williams Blackwell Dr. and Mrs. Blackwell returned for Home coming Weekend.

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Board of Trustees The 1965 Board of Trustees ac- complished more as far as the stu- dents were concerned than had any other board. A great step toward pro- gress was made as these men re- affirmed the university's admissions policy making it possible to accept any student regardless of race, creed, or color. They approved a new building program that will make a bigger and better tomorrow for Fur- man University. These men under the chairmanship of lVIr. J. Wilbert Wood are to be commended for help- ing to continue a progressive influ- ence in the field of higher educa- tion. Individuals of distinction. Good food and the right atmosphere means progress for Furman. 28