Lowell Technological Institute - Pickout Yearbook (Lowell, MA)

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President’s Message T he value of a college education was never more apparent than at the present time. All phases of modem life are characterized by uncertainties and changes which constitute an unprecedented challenge to young people. A proper education fits the young graduate for accepting the challenge of change and develops in him a capacity for turning each uncertainty into an opportunity which he can exploit for the benefit of himself and his fellowmen. The Lowell Textile Institute strives to give its students such a proper education. In order to achieve this end, the Institute has been undergoing far- reaching and important changes during the last few years. New courses have been added, new buildings have been built, additional faculty personnel have been hired, and pioneering programs in research and development have been started — the Institute has been in transition. The Class of 1951 has been closely identified with this period of transition; it has suffered from its failures and it has profited from its successes; it has had the invaluable opportunity of participating in and contributing to, a program of change and progress. The Class now is leaving the Institute to enter an economy which no longer adheres to the traditional and conventional but which instead behaves in a very un- orthodox manner and which gives every indication of becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. The textile and allied industries, in particular, seem headed for a future which will be marked by new processes, procedures, and inventions. The years ahead will require courageous thinking and determined action on the part of industrial leaders; the prime requisite for success will be the ability to assess and solve complicated, novel, and multitudinous problems. The Institute is doing its job well if it trains its students in the art of problem- solving; it will be giving a proper education if it has stimulated in its graduates a willingness to accept the challenge of change. The Class of 1951 has demonstrated its superiority in the classroom, it has proven its fitness to assume positions of leadership and responsibility in the years ahead. The members of the graduating class have my congratulations for their achievements, and my every good wish for their happiness and complete success in constructing their personal and professional futures. [6]

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Dean Reed’s Message Congratulations to the Class of 1951 Y ou are the first class to be graduated from Lowell Textile Institute in the second half of the twentieth century. The men and women who have been graduated before you have established enviable records for themselves and have carried the fame of the Institute literally around the world. You are better prepared than your predecessors — because the Institute has continued to develop — hence more will be expected of you. We are depending upon you to enhance our standing before the world. The fact that these are not normal times could well be taken as a challenge. Opportuni- ties are often greater in abnormal times and the well prepared young man or woman with energy, ambition and initiative will advance both faster and farther. This is true because the old order of seniority weakens and preferments are given to those who demonstrate the qualities of leadership. Many of you will be expected to spend a period of time in the Armed Services. This is part of the duties of citizenship and should not be deliberately avoided. It is true that you will not be following the profession of your choice but you need not be marking time. It has been well said that Every experience can be of value if you will let it. Extra effort on your part will make this period a valuable supplement to your training and will pay you dividends in the future. And so, again. Congratulations, Class of 1951! ( [8]