Southwestern University - Souwester Yearbook (Georgetown, TX)

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The Spirit of Southwestern | HE story of Southwestern University is one of the triumph of ideals. As it ■ ■ stands now with its history of fifty years almost completed, it represents the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, embalmed and treasured up on pur- pose to a life beyond life ' . It was not born of a popular movement. Is has never been tainted by the influence of ill-gotten wealth or of any who would exploit edu- cation in the interest of material enterprise. Its growth and its fruitage have been a vital expression of the power of noble ideals over difficult conditions. In its great body of alumni and former students, in its contribution, through them, to the higher civilization and the spiritual life of the people of Texas, in its service to Christian thought and religious living, in its present mental and moral activities in student body and faculty, more even than in its now substantial and more or less adequate physical plant and equipment, it is a monument to the courage, devotion, spiritual vision and ideals of life of PRANCLS ASBURY MOOD and a few kindred spirts who encouraged him, supported him and fol- lowed his leadership in the first decade of its history. They created something out of nothing. They made a palm to grow in a veritable desert. We live today in its shade and are refreshed by its fruit. Now SOUTHWESTERN has traditions. In the shadowy halls of college memories there hang old myrtle wreathes, and there is the sweet aroma of faded rose-leaves still persistent. The college herself has gone through struggles and has made advances and won victories. She has had her lovers, her defenders, her heroes. Men have suffered for her, and given their lives to her. In many a conflict her men and women have won laurels in her name. She has survived de- feats and never lowered her banners. She had her knight-errants of old, and the spirit of chivalry has never died out of her heart. She has nurtured her children with tender regard, and they riss up and call her blessed. Under her aegis many a battle has been won over self in the inner life, and many in generous rivalry with others. Tales of old love and youth- ful dreams trace back to her. She has seen the kindlings of genius and has in- spired the endeavors of greatness. Sometimes she has witnessed the tragedy of defeats, but more often she has sent her sons and daughters hastening down to the margin to follow the gleam. The old college has traditions. And an atmosphere; a spirit; a Personality. SOUTHWESTERN has the sift of vision— clear-seeing and far. Hers is the spirit of eternal youth which forever dreams dreams; and the joyful hopeful- ness of the bridegroom coming out of his chamber and rejoicing as a strong man to run a race. The future is not uncertain for Southwestern. The achievements of the past, of which she is justly proud, the vigor of her life and the supporting love of thousands of friends in the present, the needs of the coming generations of T xas youth for the training and Christian culture which she can give, and the manifest mind of the Providence whose guidance has been hers through all the years, make sure her growing prosperity and perpetual usefulness. The fidelity to truth, the impulse in the direction of progress, the love of learning, the loyalty to the highest standards of intellectual discipline and moral character, the apprehension of a future big with the issues of an advancing civilization, and the devotion to the Master Teacher who foresaw a world made free by the truth, which have ever been characteristic of Southwestern University, together give the unquestionable guarantee of her immortality. ALL HAIL TO SOUTHWESTERN! — C. M. Bishop. 17

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CHARLES McTl]ERE BISHOP, A. M., D. D., LL, D„ Retiring President of Southwestern Uniuersitg

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THOMAS FRANKLIN SESSIONS, Pice President 18