Morgan State University - Promethean Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

Page 18 text:

The President Educator with a vision and a confidence in it. intense advocate of scholarly achievement among Negroes, strong champion of academic freedom and the right of a college faculty to self- determination, outspoken critic of second class citizenship for any American, Martin David Jenkins brought a Hoosier spirit to the second presidency of Morgan Slate College in 1918 and did much to transform the College into an institution that vies on equal terms with any American college similarly situated. In his inaugural address President Jenkins enunciated the goals which it is desirable that Morgan students achieve. These goal , which follow, are valid for graduates as well. The President said: We should like every Morgan man or woman to be characterized by the ability to think clearly, to read with untierstanding, and to convey his ideas in clear and concise written and oral expression; To have a clear under- standing of the development and nature of his physical and social environment; To appreciate and participate in the aesthetic aspects of his existence; To have good physical and mental health and a well-balanced personality; To have arrived at a satisfying philosophy of life consistent with Christian ethics; To be free of racial and national prejudices and petty social in- tolerances; To exemplify, in hi daily living, habit of courtesy and friendliness, of honesty and integrity, of cleanliness in inind and body, of excellence in achievement, of goodness in behavior; To understand his rights, privilege and responsibilities as an American citizen and as a citizen of the world; To have developed a keen desire to accomplish for the common good; To have a passion for the democratic way of life; To have the courage of his convictions, the desire and willingness to 'stand up and be counted for those things in which he believes.”

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The Alumni President Jenkins encourages the development of a strong and responsible Alumni Association, one that is mindful of the real issues in and needs of higher education. The appoint- ment of Miss Ponzo, Class of 1930, to head the newly created Alumni Office, is expressive of the President and Board’s interest in the alumni. The alumni, in turn, have responded beautifully to the call to duty. New Association chapters are being created and old ones rejuvenated. The News Letter of the Alumni Office keeps the tide of interest in Morgan swelling. The Associa- tion this year formulated an ambitious Program for Morgan, the major aspect of which is a $50,000 Fund Drive to help finance the graduate education of deserving but needy Morganites. Sallic Ponj.0, A.B. Morgan Stale Col- lege. Executive Secretary of the Alumni Association. The Mace. 1957 gift of the Alumni and ancient symbol of a president'» in- vested authority.

Page 19 text:

June 1, 1958 MORGAN STATE COLLEGE BALTIMORE 12. MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT To the Seniors of 1958: Every climber who reaches the summit casts over his shoulder a backward glance to survey the pathway he has successfully traversed. Uppermost in his mind are these thoughts -- how far have I come -- what devices was I able to employ -- how much did it cost -- what is the effort worth? You, the seniors of 1958,now merit in your own right this backward glance. For four long years since freshman days of 1954 you have been steadily climbing, until now the summit of this phase of life is spread before you. How far have you come? In truth, not too far. Unless this first adventure in learning the rules of life has inspired in your hearts a zest to climb has whetted in you the appetite to come to grips with the problems of our present day integrated civilization, the plateau upon which you now trium- phantly stand is but the top of a very little foothill and the mountains will forever lie beyond. What devices was I able to employ? This query is of paramount importance as you prepare to journey onward. To you there has been made available on this campus a very adequate physical environment -- modern buildings, clean and comfortable surroundings, with each new year bringing improve- ment and expansion. The varied skills of a dedicated faculty and supporting staff have been yours to call upon during every hour. Constantly refined curricula have been designed to enable you to grasp and wield successfully the tools of learning by means of which each, if he will, may fully develop his inborn potential. How much did it cost? By the happy incidence of our great democratic sys- tem its cost to you in money has been very little. It is our earnest hope, however, that you have spent lavishly of your physical and mental forces, of your undaunted will to succeed, and of your sense of gratitude to parents and all others who have sacrificed so much in order to advance you thus far upon the good way of life. And finally, what is the effort worth? In conscious words each of you may well return a different answer. Certain it is, however, that all will unite in the assured belief that no cost is too great if it will better prepare bright young minds to cope with the increasing problems of a disturbed world as you essay to climb the higher mountains which loom ahead. A 8 you leave Morgan to journey upon your various ways, this is our hope for you as you take this backward glance. 17