University of Illinois - Illio Yearbook (Urbana Champaign, IL)

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PRESIDENT F5 , M, A CUTTS WILLARD Prrxiflvuf DUENTQ-rg f R N I N G '81 L A B O R

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I There has been so much discussion in recent years of the value of a college education that I am glad to have an opportunity to put before the students of the University of Illinois this brief statement of what those of us who are charged with the administration of this institution conceive to be our responsibilities to you, to your parents, and to the public. One of the fundamental purposes of higher education is training for citizenship and public affairs. I do not mean professional or technical training for public offices-although some of you, undoubtedly, will seek careers in some branch of governmental service-but preparation for a better and more useful life which will contribute to the welfare of society and humanity. We do not want to send from this University merely excellent teachers, business men, engineers, lawyers, and so on, but men and women who will use the knowledge and training they have acquired here in such ways that the communities in which they live will be benefited, and that they will be counted among their public spirited citizens. If by precept and example you influence others, per- haps less fortunate in circumstances and education, to lead better and more useful lives, to take an active interest in civic affairs and to promote public welfare, your education at the public expense will have been fully justified. Regardless of your financial or professional achieve- ments, your lives will be successful and happy. One of the things in which we are interested for your benefit is a greater emphasis upon the cultural side of the University's work, but without lessening its prestige as a seat of technological instruction. A general and generous culture will be a tremendous help to all of you when you deal with persons of wide culture who are not in your own special line. My plea to you, then, is that you consider the value of the liberal culture which the University can impart and which I think that you, however intensive your specialization, should eagerly welcome. I would suggest, therefore, that you develop, if only for practical reasons, such a background during your University years that when you leave the University you can qualify in more than one professional field or division of knowledge. You will then be not only more adaptable spe- cialists but citizens of wider vision and more liberal impulses. Prvsirlcnl, Univcrxity of Illinois L E A R N I N G 8: L A B O R