Valparaiso University - Beacon / Record Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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VTQI 20 THE RECORD 19.... HAROLD A. SHOEMAKER CARL M. WAHL PTesident Vice-Pwesident J UANITA FRAGEMAN J OSEPH MATHES S ecre tam; Treasurer Eighteen WW

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:zgszo THE RECORD '9 b; MANTLE. ORATION HAROLD A. SHOEMAKER sibilities. Society has reached its present status only as a result of human energy manifesting itself in a stern and prolonged cone Hict between a sense of duty and a love of privilege. When, in the breast of primitive man, this contest was silently waged, its effect was chiefly limited to the individual himself. But today it is not so. Now, the complexity of social life is so dominating that every single action works either for the good or for the bad of society. In this age every member of an organization, whatsoever be its nature, is to a cone siderable degree held answerable for the success of that organization. So interlocked are the relations of the Twentieth-Century man that even his per- sonal life, his conduct, his innermost desires, are highly inHuential in affecting his associates. Thus, however humble his station in life, he will linally Wield a tremendous power for weal or woe. If the responsibility of the man in the ranks is so heavy, how much greater must that of the leaders be. Upon them are fixed the eyes of all others, and upon them devolves the solemn duty of pointing out the right path to the higher and broader vistas of the soul. Theirs is no light task which can be shifted in a moment. They have taken upon themselves the graver obligations forever inseparable from such a position, and it is of the utmost importance that they realize the exacting accountability to which they will ultimately be held. And who are these leaders of men? They are you, Seniors, you who are presently to be succeeded by a Junior class which now stands ready to take up your work. It is well that it is so. Seniority, with its accompanying honors and privileges, is symbolized by this garment in which I am clothed. It signifies all the achievements, all the ideals, all the hopes, of this years graduating class. Since the time has come when it must be passed on to others, it is I who have been authorized to make the surrender. Here are gathered next years Seniors who will soon take our places. They must set, as we have tried to, a good example to lower classmen. And now I, the chosen representative of the class of 1920, remove this mantle from my shoulders, and with joy and congratulation hand it to you, who in the name of the class of 1921 stands ready to receive it. Henceforth the responsi- bility is with you. Respect the trust and discharge its obligations with earn- est, conscientious dignity. Nineteen W '