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

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SIR EDWARD BEATTY, G.B.E., D.C.L., LL.D.. Chancellor.

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PRINCIPAL ANO VXEXHANCELLOR L W DOUGLAS V J McGILL UNIVERSITV MONTREAL 28th February 1938 Before addressing a few Inappropriate words to the graduating class, may I express my admiration for the temerity so amply possessed by the editors of OH) KeGIIX in dedloatlng this year ' s Issue to the new Principal. And may I say, too, that I am glad that they are nade of suoh bold stuff. You who are about to oomnenoe your educational courses In the hurly-burly life which eilsts beyond the protecting walls of the University have been most gracious and tolerant toward a mere newcomer, and I thank you for this kindliness. A man Is knov.-n by the company he keeps . A university Is known by the temper of the men it produces. Those whom It turns loose on the world are mere reflections of the standards of Its teaching and the quality of Its otoracter. Thus there is imposed on the v;ilverslty a high responsibility, and thus, too, there is Imposed on its graduates a very great obligation. He who would be loyal to his Alma Uater must give ezpresslon to its traditions and ideals. In The Little IVhlte Bird it is written that the reason birds can fly and wecan ' f is simply that they lave perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings . You will leave us behind with the knowledge that we wish for you wings - wings on which you will soar high, wings which will carry you far in the service of yourself and your fellow man.

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I THE CHANCELLOR ' S MESSAGE T may be not improper to suggest to those about to leave McGill this year that they are going into a world of much doubt and confusion. This imposes on them a special obligation to the University which has given them their training. It is more than ever necessary that our institutions of learning should keep the con- fidence of the public, and that confidence can only be gained as the result of the qualities of university graduates. The graduating class this year can carry with them the certainty that the University has — in one very important respect — been placed on an exceptionally sound basis. The appoint- ment of the new Principal was received, throughout the community, with much applause. What is more is that it has evidently given renewed confidence to the staff and student body. It has been made in an atmosphere of goodwill, and this should aid greatly in establishing a wholesome spirit throughout the institution. Mr. Douglas has come to us with such a record of public service as is unusual in a man of his age. All those who have met him have been impressed by his earnest desire to serve McGill. It is not necessary for me to stress the point that his ability to carry out this ambition will depend, in no small measure, on the cooperation which he receives from the staff and student body. His appointment marks the beginning of what we all hope will be a period of renewed growth for McGill in useful service to the nation. The University can look back on a long and honourable history. It deservedly stands high among the institutions of higher learning in this country, and, indeed, in the world. It is definitely both national and international in its very type. It should be the object of its latest army of graduates to repay, for the privilege of membership in the University, such contributions to public and private life as to enhance the standing of McGill. Let me suggest to them that, although I have said that the world into which they go is one of doubt and uncertainty, it is more than ever in history one awaiting indeed, seeking — wise leadership. We have to find how to combine lasting loyalty to those traditions of liberty on which the existence of Canada is based with that cooperation between man and man which the increasing complexity of our civilization demands. Where can we hope for such leadership except from the graduates of our universities? What university should be better able than McGill to equip men and women to play their part? The graduating class will carry with it my warmest wishes. May I invite them to remember one thing that human happiness is not the result of wealth, or of any organization of society? Men and women create it for themselves. They gain it from courage, industry, kindliness and wisdom. Let us hope that you have acquired some of each of these qualities within the walls of McGill. E. W. BEATTY.