University of Washington - Tyee Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

Page 18 text:

flf HENRY SUZZALLO AND THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Nicholas Murray Butler, President of Columbia University. HIS ceremonial in which we are engaged is of no ordinary significance. It is the formal induction into high office of an American who is set apart to perform a conspicuous and distinguished service to the people of the state of Washington and to the nation. In the inauguration of a new president of the University of g Washington we are not merely investing with the robes of office a new business executive or a new educational manager, but we are celebratmg the commencement of the life-work of a scholar who is to be a leader among scholars, and to take a responsible part in repre- senting scholarship in the life of this people. Here on this Pacific Coast, standing on a hill to look its people full m the face, spreading its beams and rays out over the Pacific ocean to the west, as well as over the mountains and plains to the east and south, this University of Washington, bearing in its heart the traditions of Bologna, of Paris and of Oxford, will stand through the ages as the creation of the people of this commonwealth in order that scholarship and the zeal foi scholarship may be kept alive and cherished, and in order that generation after genera- lion of Americans may be taught to see life steadily and to see it whole. To the guidance of the company of scholars devoted to this high purpose, we are today setting apart the life of a scholar, an orator, a philosopher and a citizen. His place will be not to command, but to guide; not to order, but to persuade; not to break down, but to cooperate. He knows full well the significance of the university tradition and the distinction between true and false democracy. Resting secure in the support and affection of the body of scholars associated with him, and resting secure in the support and affection of the people of the State of Wash- ington, the course of this University for the next generation under his leadership is as certain of distinction and of high usefulness as anything human can be.