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

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GOD BLESS THEE TO ETERNITY. 12 INTRODUCTION

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I WILL GIVE MY ALL TO THEE, INTRODUCTION 11

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The Concept Of Honor As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, it is an ideal time for retrospective observation. One question to be asked is What are the dominant factors that have allowed Sewanee to remain above the crowd? There are few who will argue that of the most important factors that might be identified, none has had a greater impact than the code of honor embraced by the founding father of the University. Today, though, we find ourselves standing on the hori- zon of what has come to be known as the computer age. As we begin to recognize the heretofore unforseen powers of the microchip, all of mankind is faced with the challenge of maintaining our humanity in the face of this new and powerful technology. Will human values survive or will we all become insignificant as the new wave sweeps our world? If humanity is to flourish, there are certain values that must be nourished. One of these values is the concept of honor as exemplified by our Honor Code. Whether the setting is social or political, a spirit of mutual trust and respect must exist. A human being, an institution, or a government is no better than its word. As we move into the future, let us all hope that we are able to preserve a tradition and a spirit that have served as a guiding light not only for the Sewanee family, but also for those who know of this university. Although in our 125th year steps are being taken to make the honor system more humane, let that not be a signal to anyone that we expect less today of one another than we did in our past. And with this spirit of honor firmly embedded in our hearts there can be little doubt that those who follow will be forever grateful to us for remaining true to the belief that without honor, we have nothing. „ . D ° Eric Benjamin Director of Minority Affairs and Chairman of the Honor Council, 1973. INTRODUCTION 13