Niagara University - Niagaran Yearbook (Lewiston, NY)

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Knowledge is the ,rye af desire' and can became the pilaf af the SUIIL At the inception of our search for knowledge we grasp, childlike, the hands of those giants who stoop to steady our faltering steps. Trustingly we follow their suggestions, accept their admonitions, reioice in their approval. There is an innate desire in our yearning for knowledge to rely, perhaps too heavily at first, on the guidance of one individual. And so, in his wisdom, that individual balances his encouragements with careful, constructive criticisms and even an occasional rebuke. When at last we walk alone, aware of the reliability but also of the fallibility of our judgement, we can not but turn in gratitude to that person who has prepared us to continue this upward struggle by ourselves. For countless numbers of Niagarans, this man has been Dr. Thomas J. Lynch. Dr. Lynch's recent appointment to the position of Dean of the Graduate School and School of Education has added a dignity and richly deserved honor to his name. Yet even the immense work-load this honor carries with it has not detracted from the warmth and sincere interest in the individual student. The history-making appointment of a layman to the office of dean, is indeed a tribute to the iudgement, leadership and capability which have become synonymous with the name Thomas Lynch. This Niagaran dedication stands as a tribute to these and other qualities which we so deeply appreciate. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. Lynch has devoted himself for many years to the guidance of the campus honor society, Sigma Alpha Sigma, both as a member and moderator. Dr. Lynch is also a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma and the Middle Atlantic Classical Association, as well as the Classical Associations of both Western New York and the Empire State. We might also add that he is a gentleman scholar of the highest order. And so, the T966 Niagaran is gratefully dedicated to this man, this educator in the truest sense of the word, who has led us thus far on the path of knowledge. It is more for what he is and what he stands for, than for all he has done, that we make this token gesture of appreciation. Thank you, Dr. Lynch. DEDICATION

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Man is an inquisitive being, constantly probing, searching, and in- vestigating his own mysterious environment. All that he learns, all that he experiences, becomes an integralpart of him, stored forever in the vast recesses of his mind. It is to the cumulative total of all these experiences that we give the name knowledge, Knowledge is an elusive quality which must be sought out and cap- tured. Our entire lifetimes are devoted to the unrelenting pursuit of it. During our college years, this search for knowledge is direct, total, and enthusiastic. The pressure, the inevitable problems, the crushing work- load are, indeed, very real struggles. But from these seeds spring our strength. We struggle, yet ultimately we must triumph. Our minds are gradually opening, seeking broader, deeper thoughts. No trite cliches can satisfy our cravings now. Truth and Beauty fascinate us and flash deep-faceted lights that tantalize our longing spirits. And so we turn, with open hands, to learned people, asking to be filled with the maturity of their learning. Then, strengthened with their planting and pruning, we turn to the unplumbed root-depths of our own minds and, painfully perhaps, we follow in the way these wise men who can tell us only to will, to work, to try, and to try again. Daily, our gratitude for their direction and their prodding grows. And daily, as they have wished, our need for that prodding grows less. Now we await the day when, weaned from their support, we face the world as men and women of depth, perception and appreciative inde- pendence. FACULTY