Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 6 text:

To the Class of 1980: The Class of 1980 has left its mark on Girard College and you have contributed in many ways to making it a finer school. It is our hope that Girard has givenyou faith in yourselves and avision of service which you can render to society. We hope you have learned the necessity of sound character, the simple dignity of honest labor, and the nobility of self-fulfillment. We hope that you have learned to live with charity and aspiration and godliness. | should like to record here the charge which has been given for many years to the members of the graduating class as part of the Commencement Exercises: “Sons of Girard, | charge you now, and in the days to come, to be truly Sons of Girard: to prove yourselves worthy of his name, never to betray the trust which the Founder placed in you; to use inthe building of your lives what you have learned here--not only the knowledge gained, but the qualities of character which have been developed--an understanding of your fellow man, loyalty and devotionto your country and all it represents, and love and reverence for your God. You may not all have the opportunity to be heroes, but you can all manifest nobility of character. You may not all bring forth world-shaking ideas, but you can all express intelligence and integrity and loving kindness. Just as the lives of those Girardians who have preceded you may serve as an inspiration to you, SO may you, in turn, not only inspire the generations of Girardians which are to follow, but also be an influence for good upon all whom your lives will touch.” May life be good to you!

Page 5 text:

WE SALUTE OUR FOUNDER... STEPHEN GIRARD Stephen Girard was an admirable man of great wisdom. As a banker, merchant, and mariner, he amassed a fortune that exceeded that of any other man of his time. He was a firm believer in the sanctity of labor; I believe that his whole life was reflection of his ideals. Today, we sons of Girard, are enjoying the benefits of his achievements. In spirit, Mr. Girard is still among us; it is given to few men to have an influence on the lives of boys beyond their own lifetimes. Stephen Girard is one of the few. We express to our founder and foster-father a great gratitude which mere words cannot fully express. Whatever achievements we may attain in life will serve as thanks for the education that Mr. Girard made possible. The school that he founded certainly has provided us with the tools with which we must shape our lives. We hope that we can become the men that you had hoped your school would produce. As we leave this school, Girard’s living legacy, we are determined to so live our lives that our future deeds will reflect favorably on our alma mater. Girard College has left a mark on us that will never be erased. We will always cherish this school in our hearts. To Mr. Girard, our greatest thanks and deepest appreciation. Sincerely, THE CLASS OF 1980

Page 7 text:

- | , | i | To the Class of 1980: Your graduatién from Girard College is a milestone in your life. Your Girard education and training have been a preperation for this moment and everything that will happen to you in the future is dependant on what you have acquired during your tenure here. There are turbulent times ahead--it is obvious to all that our nation faces economic and political difficulties more serious than we have ever confronted in our country’s past. The problems of inflation, fuel shortages, and economic stagnation are a few of a dreary catalogue that I could cite. All of us associated with Girard College, your teachers and household staff, hope that you have acquired the skills and understandings needed to cope with the problems of your future lives. We wish you success in all of your future endeavors and hone that fate and life may be kind to you.