Oglethorpe University - Yamacraw Yearbook (Atlanta, GA)

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DONALD C. AGNEW, President A.B. (Park College) M.A., Ph.D. (Duke University) GEORGE C. SEWARD, Dean B.A. (Amherst) Ph.D. (Tuebingen)

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THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS . , , THE INDIVIDUAL IN SEARCH OF TRUTH, BEAUTY AND GOODNESS The theme of this year ' s Yamacraw, although by no means new, has a contemporary appro- priateness. For more than 2500 years scholars have studied and described this search for truth, beauty and goodness. In every generation these concepts are redefined, and in every significant life these ideas have been interpreted in experience and behavior. The Oglethorpe Plan in its purposes and structure is concerned with truth, beauty and goodness. Every graduate knows that these ideals are emphasized in specific courses and in the pattern of courses illustrated by the divisional organization. These ideas are implicit in many aspects of the University. In a society in which truth seems often distorted in the interests of expediency, in which there are public scandals as a result of deliberate falsehoods, in which dishonesty on some campuses is widespread, in which facts are distorted for political ends, the consideration of the idea of truth becomes more than mere academic discussion. The search for truth is more than a protest against the false; it is a positive quest for knowledge and wisdom. In a society in which creativity is often expressed in distorted art forms, in which unchecked growth of ugliness characterizes our cities, in which art is exploited by crude commercialisms, in which the fine arts are relegated to minor roles in the educational system, the idea of beauty — giving rich significance to experience — becomes a precious thing. In a society in which values of material success, of power and prestige, of immediate satis- factions, are over-emphasized; in which racial tensions are rampant; in which crime and delinquency have reached frightening proportions; in which international distrust has threatened the peace; there can be no greater need than an emphasis on ethical belief and action. Truth, beauty and goodness cannot be taught by simple formulas. They are ideals that should dominate the purposes of our behavior. At Oglethorpe, we hope that these ideals may find expression in each student and that the experience of being a student at Oglethorpe may develop a sincere respect and an energetic search for the truth regardless of the consequences, for appreciation and expression of beauty, and for ethical standards and a stable moral character. This is the respon- sibility of each person.

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LUCILLE Q. AGNEW B.A. (Furman) M.A. (Duke) ARTHUR BIELER B.A. (New York University) M.A. (Middlebury) Docteur de I ' Universite (Paris) DIVISION OF WENDELL H. BROWN B.S. (Puget Sound) M.A. (Columbia) BERNARD COHEN A.B., M.A. (University of Maryland) Ph.D. (Indiana University)