Howard University - Bison Yearbook (Washington, DC)

Page 11 text:

Our president... In 1961, at the time of his inauguration President James M. Nabrit was called a man with a great dream and a curious problem,” both related to Howard University. After nearly three years of President's Nabrits administration we arc able to see somewhat more clearly into the nature of the man and the form of the dream. Maybe it is this that we should talk about here for neither can be separatcd--for the Man is the Dream and the path that Howard will take, the role it will play is dependent upon the courage and wisdom of the one and the greatness of the other. What then of the man? In an age where administration is become synonymous with bureaucratic nearsightedness, where organization is substituted for imagination, and where even education is no longer a creative individual pursuit but is in danger of being collectivized into a kind of mass exercise. President Nabrit is an anachronism, a throwback to an older time. We are struck by his ability to brush aside pretentiousness and posturing and to get to the essential. We have frequently been grateful for his willingness to cut through the redtape and the ritual in order that important things might be done quickly In an age of ponderous and empty platitude and ambiguous statements we have been impressed with the President’s refusal to evade issues and his readiness to speak plainly and openly. President James Madison Nabrit, Jr. He has said to us that without a commitment to freedom we arc not free; that we must affirm, use. and guard the freedoms that we have and fight for the ones that we ought to have; that we must avoid timid conformity and try for new courage, new imagination and a new integrity. Wc have said that he is not given to speaking lightly. He means these things. They are a part of the vision for this university and the kind of student it is to produce. If wc, the University, fail to support the Man and to realize this dream it is our loss. At home, the President poses with his daughter-in-law, Roberta, son James M.. Ill and his wife, Norma.

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Howard University1 VA8UINUTON 1. D. C. Omon at- TitK Pitniiikut I am happy to salute you, the members of the Classes of 196 3, on the occasion of your graduation, and to congratulate you most warmly upon your achievements which have sustained you thus far in your pursuit of knowledge. I hope, however, that as you leave the University, you will bear in mind that the process of learning is never-ending, and that your lives will be fuller and richer if you will forever cherish an inquiring mind and an enduring interest in broadening and deepening your knowledge and understanding. You are bringing to a close one phase of your formal training at a time when there is a sense and feeling of excitement and adventure in the world. Alas, there is heard also the rumble and roar of the gods of war threatening man with the possibilities of a nuclear destruction of civilization. Yet, freedom too is in the air, nation after nation emerges from the yoke of imperialism and men dream of life amidst the stars. I trust that you have learned in this part of your education something of the nature of man and his environment, something of the factors which operate to affect it materially and something of the theories and concepts underlying the swiftness of our scientific advance. I also hope that you take away with you from these hallowed walls a deep and abiding faith in and understanding of the inherent possibilities of people of all classes, races, nationalities and colors living together in peace and harmony. I am confident that you will dedicate your energies and skills to the task of removing the chains of ignorance and intolerance which bind men in many lands and climes, of encouraging and strengthening the weak and defenseless, and of causing every man to be looked upon with that inherent respect and dignity intended by his creator. Through all the years that lie ahead, and wherever you may go, you can be assured that you will be accompanied by the best wishes of your Alma Mater for a happy and useful life. •6-

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the trustees... Standing • The Hon. Judge Scovcl Richardson, Dr. Richard Hale, Dr. Kenneth B. Clark, Mr. Frank Reeves, The Hon. Judge Myles A. Paige, Dr. William J. Kennedy, Dr. James W. Parker, Sr. (retired) Dr Asa T. Spaulding, Dr. Walter H. Bieringer, Mr. George E. C. Hayes. Dr, Oscar L. Chapman. ScatcJ • Mrs. Sophia Y. Jacobs, The Hon. Lawrence E. Walsh, Dr. Charles Garvin, Dr. Floyd Reeves, Dr. Lorimcr Milton, Chr of the Board of Trustees; Dr. James M. Nabrit, Jr., Pres, of the University; Dr. Howard S. Anderson, Dr. Peter M. Murray (retired): Miss Dorothy Fosdick. Members not pictured: Miss Pear! Buck. Dr. Guy B. Johnson, Dr. Percy Julian, Dr. Herman B Wells, and Dr. Paul Williams. THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Howard University, though heavily financed by the Federal Government, is, nevertheless, a private institution. The Board of Trustees is the final governing body of the University. The Board of Trustees adopts basic policies and established underlying rules and regulations governing the University's operations. All personnel appointments are subject to the approval of the Board The Board, of course, delegates to the President and to the instructional and administrative staffs and committees the bulk of the responsibility and accountability for the conduct of the University’s day-to-day operations. Final responsibility and authority, however, rest with the Board. The membership of Howard's Board of Trustees is widely representative of various segments of the public which the University serves. The Board is 3 self-perpetuating body, in that new members are elected by the existing members, except that the alumni of the University elect two members to the Board.