University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

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“Now understand me well — it is provided in the essence of things that from any fruition of success, no matter what, shall come something to make a greater strug- gle necessary.” — Walt Whitman This admonition, couched in different phrases, has been given to us time and time time again by poets, by philosophers, by statesmen, by historians. Old though it may be in concept, it continues to bring a challenge not to be ignored in our day. You graduates of the University of Rhode Island bask in the brilliant and glori- ous light of success. You have struggled to achievement and in the struggle you have grown in stature, both intellectually and spiritually, and have arrived at Com- mencement Day fully aware that this is the commencement — and only that — of a life of fulfillment. I call your attention to the struggle ahead with no intention of casting a shadow. Rather, I send my message to you with somewhat of a feeling of envy, for even the obstacles in your path will present a challenge that is thrilling, and overcoming them will make possible a future of greatness unlimited. If I were given some magical power to bestow upon you a gift that more than any other would help you face the challenge of tomorrow, I think I would ask for you the gift of curiosity. The world in which we live is not for the complacent. Progress is not born of satisfaction. Answers find no fertile soil in the unquestioning mind. Graduates of i960, meet the challenge that is before you. Meet it with awareness, meet it with courage, meet it with curiosity, and may God be with you all along the road. Christopher DelSesto Governor 9

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TO THE CLASS OF i960 My congratulations to the members of the Class of i960 upon the completion of your undergraduate work at URI. You have been students at the University during one of the most exciting periods, certainly the most significant one, in its history. At no previous time has there been such an expansion of the physical facilities on campus. But more important, the academic program has been broadened and strengthened, until now at the time of your graduation, your alma mater has become a true university. You have shared in the intellectual ferment this transition has occasioned, and you leave the campus knowing that a great future is assured for URL I hope that you will cherish your alma mater even more warmly, that you will support her generously and loyally, and that you will be increasingly proud of the institution which has provided you with the education so necessary to your success and happiness. You are fortunate to be graduating at this time, far more so than I was, when I received my bachelor’s degree just thirty years ago. Never before has the world had such need of trained intelligence, of broad understanding and specialized compe- tence, of dedication to the ideal of free minds in a free society. We hope that your education at URI has helped you lay the foundation of these qualities, and that you will build upon that foundation a life of service to your community, to your coun- try, and to your fellowmen everywhere. In such services lies life’s richest satisfac- tions; and in our precarious world, in such service may indeed rest man’s survival. My best wishes go with you. No matter where you go or what you do, the Kings- ton campus is your educational home. We hope we can welcome you back to it often. Francis H. Horn President December 17, 1959

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Dr. Harold Browning Dean , College of Arts and Sciences Dr. William Wiley Dean, College of Agriculture Miss Olga Brucher Dean, College of Home Econotnics Dr. George Ballentine Dean, College of Business Administration DE Miss Evelyn Morris Dean of Women