McMurry University - Totem Yearbook (Abilene, TX)

Page 17 text:

We have come to the close ol another school year. In many ways it has been different than former years. We have all faced new responsibilities and problems. You have acquitted yourselves magnificently, and as you face the future I am sure we may expect each of you to serve your alma mater, your country and your God to the best of your several abilities. It has been a challenge and a real pleasure to work with you during the past year. Sincerely. O. P. THRANE.

Page 16 text:

The Student Body, and each student within that body, should think of itself, not only as the recipient of an institution, a cultural environment and a tradition, but also as the creator and the per- fector of an enriched heritage to be passed on to succeeding student bodies. What you enjoy and profit by today is not only the product of the gifts and the intelligent planning of adults interested in the education of youth, but it is also the product of the character and the spiritual life of the young people themselves who have lived and studied and become strong for service and leadership with- in the college. The spirit and life of youth itself determine and create the environment and spiritual opportunities of each suc- ceeding group of students. No college anywhere has a greater opportunity than has McMurry, located within the boundaries of a great and distinc- tive cultural society consisting of the Western half of Texas and of New Mexico. That which is finest and noblest in the culture of this great territory can best be preserved and perfected by a native leadership trained and educated in institutions of higher learning that breathe of the spirit and life of this great section of our country. Those who go out from McMurry will have much to do in determining her influence and standing in the communities where they are to live; those who remain within her halls will fashion and mould for the future the inner character and spirit of their College. Let us, one and all. accept the challenge to make of Mc- Murry a College that will truly represent our great Methodism, that will breathe of the spirit of this great Southwest, and that will tram a leadership adequate for our future responsibilities, and that can bring us to our greatest glory. Your President, DR. HAROLD G. COOKE.

Page 18 text:

As we come to the parting of the ways, it is not difficult to predict that considerable time will elapse and a lot of things will happen before we meet again. With the call of our boys in the Army and Navy Reserve to active duty, McMurry College’s male enrollment next year and for the duration will consist largely of freshmen below the draft age who are endeavoring furiously to prepare themselves to qualify for the Army or Navy College training program. In the light of all this, I want to make a plea for the liberal arts college. True, such a college must readjust itself to new developments in American life, but its basis is sound. The aim of liberal arts education is to give the individual some under- standing of the major ideas and conceptions which have influ- enced our thinking and action together with a consciousness of the values and insights needed for human relationships as they may be expressed in the arts. The need for such educa- tion will be greater than ever after the war. and you can be assured that McMurry College will provide an adequate pro- gram of liberal arts education for living in the post-war world. Wherever you are, don't forget your Alma Mater, and after the conflict, come back to take up where you left off. Sincerely your friend. w. b. McDaniel.