University of Oklahoma - Sooner Yearbook (Norman, OK)

Page 23 text:

The affairs of the administration of the University, today, are directed from the president ' s office, which includes every phase of modern equipment and comfort. This office with its combination of beauty and efficiency is comparable to the whole University. The first president ' s office, with its roll top desk, its coal oil lamp, and general lack of comfortable and up to date equipment, was a busy cor- ner for the early University administrators in spite of its rudimentary furnishings and it was here that the foundation of the University of Oklaho- ma was laid.

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1 i THE PRESIDENT ' S GREETING THIS volume of the Sooner appears as another scholastic year is drawing to a close. The year 1930-1931 differs in several essential respects from previous years. The year began when the economic depression was most seriously affecting our people. Many prophets were predicting that enrollment in the University would be reduced, but when the enrollment figures were completed at the end of September the usual in- crease that has characterized the institution ' s growth in recent years was recorded. The enrollment of approxi- mately six thousand students, for the long term, is remarkable under the circumstances. But enrollment figures never satisfactorily tell the story of an institution ' s progress. In fact, there is no measuring stick by which educational accomplishment can be determined. Education is a mental and spiritual process. One feels, rather than visualizes, the essential accomplishments in education. But there is no question that the current .scholastic year has been characterized by real progress. The sacrifices that our students have had to make to come to college this year have reflected an earnestness of purpose that I have not seen in evidence in many years. I have never known students to make greater sacrifices than they have made this year to accomplish their ambitions. This fact has been evidenced on every hand throughout the year. As we take an inventory of the year ' s work, I am compelled to believe that a larger number of students will leave the institution at the close of the session with a greater scn.se of satisfaction over the year ' s work than ever before. Knowledge has been acquired, friendships have been formed, and many conquests over human frailties have been made that will count toward success and personal satisfaction through all the years to come. As we take an inventory of the.se spiritual assets at the end of another year, may each of us find that the.se resources of mind and spirit far outweigh the liabilities of selfishness and insincerity of purpose. Faithfully yours, W. B. BlzzEl.1., President. Page 21