University of Wisconsin River Falls - Meletean Yearbook (River Falls, WI)

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WISCONSIN 8TATE COLLEGE RIVER FALLS, WIIQONIIN OFFICE OFTH« FS««IO«NT Students of Wisconsin State College River Falls, Wisconsin Dear Students: It is appropriate that this edition of the Meletean should have as its theme a phrase applied to the College several years ago by a newsman who visited the campus - The State College where the free spirit prevails. Although this particular phrase was used only recently, it describes a condition which has long existed at River Falls. The freedom of the individual to search for truth and to proclaim what he believes to be truth is, indeed, basic to an institution of higher learning. Over the years the College has believed that its function in providing leadership for a democratic society - a society dedicated to the free development of the individual - is to remove those fetters which might limit this search. That this idea is not new is indicated by the Latin derivation of the term liberal education, -the education that liberi, free men, might pursue. However ancient the concept, it is one that needs frequent restatement. As Justice Felix Frankfurter has said, the mark of a truly civilized man is confidence in the strength and security to be derived from an inquiring mind. River Falls has had that confidence which has permeated the campus. It is a confidence shared by the administration, the alumni, the faculty and the students. That it is well-founded is demonstrated by the stature of the college, the record of its graduates and the accomplishments of its student body. Sincerely yours. E. H. Kleinpell v f President 4