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

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»» Mil to gradually do the seasons change that we scarcely real- ize the passing away of summer until it is gone and we are startled by the first chill breeze of autumn. While engaged in the performance of our Sophomore duties, we dreamt not of the progress we were making ; but now, as we awake to the stern realities — and sterner ab- stractions — of Physics and Dutch, we know that we have changed. We have arrived at the golden season of our col- lege course, when the fruits of our endeavors will begin to assume the forms in which they are to appear before the world. And we hope that, at the final dissipation of the storm raised by the too serious consideration of a harmless, practical joke, a prosperous sun may continue to shine upon our class, ripening its members into worthy representatives of the dear old Aggie Farm. The past year has been an eventful one for the college, and many are the changes that have taken place. While we rejoice to learn that the condition and prospects of the institution were never better than at present, we can- not but mourn the loss it has sustained by the resignation of a President, who, working always for the good of the college, commanded the respect and won the heart of every student who knew him. One of our professors also, has left us, to enter upon a new and broader field of labor. Our best wishes for them both are that they may be as highly appreciated in the future as they have been in the past by the class of ' 8i. Although, as yet, we hardly know our new President, we welcome him, trusting that he may succeed not only to the office of the old, but also to his high place in our regard.

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12 THE INDEX. It would not be well to close this communication without leaving an earnest injunction to under classmen to keep up the college spirit; strive to render the Index broader and more representative in character; encourage and support all means of literary improvement; cherish and preserve all the incidents and reminiscences of college life and they will be sources of pleasure and profit to you in after years; strive to develop manliness of character, independence of spirit and obedience to law and God. s.

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14 THE INDEX, As Juniors, we naturally feel an interest in the welfare of ' 83, and are sorry to see so small a class. Surely, there must be many young men who need and desire just what our course will furnish. It is to be hoped that means will be found to bring the college to the notice of all such, so that our next Freshman class may be more numerous. We miss from our own ranks many of those who have ac- companied us over the first half of our way. With feelings ot regret at their absence, we wish them all possible success in their various pursuits. But our numbers, notwithstanding this dropping out, are increasing, and we welcome those coming from another class to adopt our standard and to sup- port our cause. In the future, as we have ever in the past, let us stand firmly united for the honor and glory of ' 81. R.