Mississippi State University - Reveille Yearbook (Starkville, MS)

Page 18 text:

DEDICATION... For his life-long devotion to Mississippi State Col- lege, for his abiding faith in the values of higher edu- cation, for his ability to look into the future without overlooking the present, for his genial sincerity mani- fest in every well-selected phrase, for his astuteness and courage in critical times, for his profound con- viction that well-trained college men and women can solve the problems of tomorrow, for his personal concern for us as persons, we dedicate this 1954 REVEILLE to Ben F. Hilbun — our own Mr. Ben, Pres- ident of Mississippi State. T MR. BEN F. HILBUN

Page 17 text:

THE GOVERNOR HUGH W HITE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHARLES FAIR Louisville H. G. CARPENTER Rolling Fork R. W. REED Tupelo R. B. SMITH, JR Ripley PAUL H. BOWDRE Hernando MRS. JANIE RICE TAYLOR Jackson R. D. MORROW Brandon R. D. McLENDON Poplamlle J. 0. EMMERICH McComb R. N. HENLEY Macon H. M. IVY Meridian MARTIN V. B. MILLER Meridian E. R. JOBE ' . Jackson DAVID COTTRELL Gulfport

Page 19 text:

To the Class of 1954: You are about to go out from the halls of your Alma Mater to take your place in the ranks of American citizens. That you have a deep inner pride in a consciousness of adequate preparation for your chosen work is a source of satisfaction to the people of Mississippi State College who have been privileged to know you and to work with you. As you leave our campus you will carry with you our best wishes and a full measure of confidence and faith in your ability to succeed in whatever endeavor you may engage in. Since entering Mississippi State Col- lege you have been a very important part of it. You have helped to make its history during your student days, and you will demonstrate its value by the quality of your lives after you leave it. The great heritage which you enjoy should inspire you to return to the state and to your nation a reasonable re- muneration in public services. It is with a sense of pride that we recognize the contribution that our graduates have made in the develop- ment of our state. The money invested in them is now returning large divi- dends to Mississippi in dollars and serv- ices. The Alumni, whose ranks you now join, have proved the value of technical and cultural education in a practical and realistic world. We trust that you will always be de- lighted to speak well of your Alma Mater; to credit it with having had a MR. BEN F. HILBUN THE PRESIDENT part in your individual development; and, in appreci- ation for that contribution, to be a proud and worthy citizen of a state that is proud to lay claim to you. There are great challenges before you. The call now is for character and leadership that are capable of cre- ating wealth for the happiness of our people. The engi- neer, the agriculturalist, the scientist, the business man, and the educator are obligated to society to use their skill and their power of direction for the welfare of mankind. It, therefore, becomes necessary for you to face the future with a courage and daring befitting the confidence you have in your own preparation for life. We are proud of your accomplishments here. Meet- ing the qualifications for the coveted degree which you have sought was not accomplished by accident, but by application to duty. We congratulate you upon your achievement and share with your relatives and friends the pr ide they have in you. When you pass out of our gates you will leave a part of yourself on the campus, and as you go forth into the world you will take a part of Mississippi State with you. There will be the inevitable urge to return, and we wish to assure you that the gate will be open by day and the light will burn in the window by night as a token of welcome to the scene of your student days where destiny walked unseen with you in that rich and happy preparatory period of your life. May every good fortune attend you and the highest possible measure of success be yours as you unfold your dreams through your professions in a world that is proud to claim you and to rest upon your shoulders the heavy responsibilities reserved for your day and generation. Sincerely yours, BEN HILBUN President