University of Hawaii Honolulu - Ka Palapala Yearbook (Honolulu, HI)

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(F1)? Aspirations of ih? Htniurrailg of Hawaii BY IIKXRY M. BIXDT, ’23 XIQUK is the situation of the University of Hawaii, with the broad Pacific Ocean stretching away on every side and more than two thousand miles from the nearest college or university. Because the cultivation of sugar cane is the principal industry of Hawaii, it re- ceived first attention, and this institution is now one of the finest in the world for sugar technology. At the threshold of her career, it is no idle fancy for the University to look forward to world-wide eminence in other fields as well. The multitudinous forms of marine life, and the exceptionally favorable conditions under which they can be studied, should make this institution the very finest in certain aspects of biology. Here the Orient and the Occident meet in the most wonderful experiment of Sociology, affording an excellent opportunity to study interracial relations, and the ability of the East to understand the West and the West to understand the East. As the Pacific peoples come to know each other better and more keenly feel the need of cooperation, Hawaii will l c the meeting place of the nations. World leadership can be reasonably expected in many matters relating to education and the press, and in addition, in certain phases of inter- national trade and Political Science. Never has any institution had such bright prospects, and the degree to which these prospects are realized depends very largely upon the spirit in which they are per- ceived and their attainment is sought. Thus, one of the most important questions, if not the very most important question, before the University, is, what is the University’s spirit, the aggregate of its aspirations? So important is the spirit that will pervade the University that without it, the most magnificent buildings and campus and equipment in the world would count for naught, and with it, there could be a wonderful University if the students and professors met with only the high heavens for a shelter. No one person can create this spirit. No one person can know or reflect it in its entirety. To each it may mean something different; but in it each has his part to play, and his first duty is to play his part well. The faculty are the guiding influence, imparting their knowledge to the students, striving to direct their thoughts and to imbue them with the very highest ideals. It is left to the students to earn' the University’s spirit into the world with them, and to make it a potent power. eighteen