University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

Page 21 text:

Who of us, classmates, has not been impressed by the thought that, with this term ' s duties we enter upon a new era in college life ? For with Junior year come new experiences and new responsibilities, which are fully realized only when we reach this welcome period. Our journey hither has been quickly and pleasantly accomplished. As we proceed on the latter half of our course, our only regret is that not quite all are with us now who started under the banner of ' 78. Yet we bid the missing - ones a hearty God speed in the paths where destiny leads them, and hope that others will come to fill the vacant places. We are very happy in welcoming back our classmate who has returned to us almost from the jaws of death, and yet is as reckless and jolly as ever. ' 76, in departing, has taken from us many esteemed college mates. We feel deeply the loss of our colleagues, but hope for their highest success in the courses they may pursue. What they were to us, from the time when first we trod Aggie domains till their graduation, we will endeavor to be, in the fullest degree, to our fresh colleagues. And the new class appears worthy of our friend ship. We trust they will grow in all that improves and cultivates the man, so that when our class shall quit its Alma Mater, they may make its absence less apparent. Tnstead of boasting of our superiority in everything, we only ask you to look to the records and they will testify to the high and honorable position which ' 78 holds in studies, athletics, and in supporting the several student associations of our institution. When our honored President returns from hin distant mission, he will find, we humbly hope, that those he left as wild Sopho- mores have become dignified and respected Seniors. We will

Page 20 text:

10 THE INDEX. tions ; and Discipline, with its stern front and order. We have touched all these subjects and many others no less interesting. We have learned that agriculture is a science, and not the brain- less employment that many make of it. Intelligent observation and practice will always find, in this field, their greatest reward. Nothing can be more salutary than the study of nature and her laws ; it creates liberal views, and tends to form anti-conservative minds. We look upon her designs ; we see the harmony prevail- ing all her works ; We contemplate grand results wrought out by simple processes with marvellous precision. Such training qual- ifies the mind to entertain great possibilities, and progress, which is but the weaving together of right ideas, is the result. Our classmates have been dropping away from term to term, so that now, less than one half the original number remain. We have just bidden farewell to one of our most respected members, who was obliged to leave us on account of ill-health. He was a faithful scholar, who gained the good will of Faculty and stu- dents and made many fast friends during his stay in college. We wish him a speedy recovery. During the last term of junior year we were called upon to sustain a great loss. Our honorable president was invited to other fields of labor. Perhaps no other man in the country was so well qualified to accomplish the undertaking upon which he is engaged ; it is certain that his work here has met with widely extended approval. We miss his energetic appearance, his ring- ing voice, his valuable instruction, and, above all, his example of ceaseless industry. We were proud to send away such a man, and we support our loss with equanimity. We are not of those who are inclined to fall into the distaste- ful habit of enumerating class exploits and excellencies, — of try- ing to shine on paper. If we have not anything to boast of, well and good ; if we have, it will be much more meritorious to say nothing about it. We hope that the motto which has been adopted by the class of ' 77 while in college, will cling to its members through life, — Aim at the Highest. B.

Page 22 text:

12 THE INDEX. earnestly strive, fellow classmates, that his anticipations may be fully realized in so far at least as we are concerned. We must be active. Quickly the remaining less than half of our course will speed away, and then we sh all go out to do our part in the great work of life. Then will it be seen how well we spent our col- lege days. In this centennial year of our glorious republic, may it be our determination that the advance of our country, in every desira- ble line, during the next ten decades, shall owe an honorable part to our having lived. Look higber, comrades! endeavor to subdue all within that tends to weaken or debase us. God, wbose mercy is infinite, will help and strengthen us, so that our lives here below shall be prosperous and happy, and, if faithful to the end, we shall re- ceive a reward good beyond all conception and altogether price- less. B.