University of the South - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Sewanee, TN)

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In my life I have found a university to be a place where persons in an intellectual discipline share the results of their training and thinking with those who are less experienced. All are engaged in the same intellectual enterprise: trying to make sense of the world of phenomena and ideas, pushing back the frontiers of knowledge, clearing the mind of prejudice, narrowness and superstitions, trying to grasp truths that sometimes seem to pass all human understanding, asking questions which no previous philosphy has satisfactorily answered, looking for a revelation which, in the end, only God can provide. What do I call such a community? A community of scholars. The words are easy to say. To make them a reality, however, will require the earnest efforts of all of us. Thus William Brown Patterson, newly installed Dean of the College concluded his Founder ' s Day address. Typifying the approach taken by Dean Patterson during his long-standing involvement with Sewanee, these words repre- sent his continued aspirations as he assumes leadership of this small liberal arts college in times which threaten the demise of that genre. Dean Patterson has run the gamut of The Sewanee Experience . Entering as a student in 1948, Patterson graduated with degrees in history and English, going on to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. In addition to his former duties as a University Trustee, he is also an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. He perceives the small town environment of Sewanee as ideal for a community of scholars , citing good student -faculty relations as well as a student body composed of active creators, as opposed to consumers. Dean Patterson has a practical plan for making this ideal vision of Sewanee a reality. A major goal is a productive faculty with time to pursue areas of research and to publish their results, includ- ing not only new discoveries, but fresh considerations of old problems as well. Dean Patterson is truly enjoying his return to Sewanee and is taking full advantage of the lectures and church services. Sewanee is fortunate to have someone like our new dean who knows and understands the needs of this university and hopes to strengthen and enrich its programs. Dean Patterson is sure to be a decisive force in helping Sewanee grow as a vital and productive force in the academic world and as a true community of scholars. -susan rrancisco 16 INTRODUCTION

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efforts. This is usually an indication of the importance of the Studying or the success of The Student ' s Social Life. J Around the end of December, The Student gives more and H more of his time to Studying, an unhealthy practice which gives The Student circles under his eyes and a cold and causes him to fall asleep in his scrambled eggs. This close proximity with his books is intended to prepare The Stu- ( continued on page 18) t INTRODUCTION 15

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INTRODUCTION 17