McGill University - Old McGill Yearbook (Montreal Quebec, Canada)

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Great our affection, tho ' feeble our lays

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The Development of McGill under Sir Arthur Currie McGILL University has lost a great leader who will be difficult to replace. Durins the years that Sir Arthur Currie guided the destinies of the university as Principal and lce-Chancellor, McGill made steady and gratifying progress towards the goal that had always been her objective — to exert an outstanding influence in the educa- tional life of this country. The advance was not particularly noticeable at the time, even to McGill men, but it was taking place; and it is easy now, after a period of fourteen years, to look back and see the strides that have been made. A comparison of the war-torn McGill of 1920 with the powerful and influential university of today reveals the facts that were not immediately recognized. Both in the physical realm of finances, buildings and equipment, and in the academic sphere of staff and curriculum, McGill under Sir Arthur rose to a high rank. But there is more than this to be remarked, for Sir Arthur made contributions to the university that cannot be measured in actual records of achievement. The influence of this great Canadian on the university, on its undergraduates and, on the many graduates with whom he came in contact, assisted McGill ' s progress in a way that is only now being measured after he is dead. Bui Sir Arthur ' s memory, and the stamp of his outstand- ing personality, will never d ie in the hearts of McGill men. In his quiet way, and in the course of his daily routine, the Principal was working and striving always in the interests of McGill, and alike through himself, and through the work he accomplished, did he serve to enhance McGill ' s reputation, and set her face forward in determined fashion on the road to progress and success. Sir Arthur ' s efforts, his valiant struggle against difficulties that sometimes looked insuper- able, and his magnificent loyalty and fairness, all come back to mind now, and they are a story that will remain indelibly written in the history of McGill ' s progress. Those who knew Sir Arthur best realize only too well the trials and tribulations which he went through, the long hours spent in his university and elsewhere on the affairs of the university, the mental stress and worry that eventually led, more than anything else, to his untimely death. These facts must be recalled at such a time as this in order that in their light the true value and extent of McGill ' s recent progress may be realized. When Sir Arthur Currie stepped into office in August, 1920, he faced a task of reorganiza- tion that was essential before any advances could be made. Threads that had been torn asunder during the hectic war years had to be rewoven into the university fabric; material that had worn bare in places had to be gradually replaced; and a new outlook and method of approach to meet changing conditions had to be carefully devised and introduced. The task was ons that might have frightened any man. and Sir Arthur hesitated before he accepted. But once his decision was made, he entered into his new duties with an energy and enthusiasm that was to remain undimmed during the passing of years. Although inexperienced in university and academic work, the new principal brought to his task outstanding qualities of mind and heart. He had an encirely open mind on university problems; he was willing to listen to all sides of a question or dispute, weigh the facts carefully, and then come to a decision that was always fair and nearly always right. Further, he was a born organizer and administrator, I I 1 1