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

Page 13 text:

What is that something? Certain people will say that it is the thrill of being with and seeing old friends. Others might claim that it is the influence of a changed environment. These so- lutions, however, do not exactly express the feeling which comes over us when we come here to live and study. There is one explanation which does seem to apply. It is the spirit of good fellow- ship as an outward demonstration of Christian background and character which unites our students into a compact body. It is this spirit which erases the lines of class distinction between our students and which enables them to feel at ease with members of the faculty and with each other, whether at work or play. With all these influences it does not take long for even the greenest of Frosh to grasp the spirit of good fellowship here at Valparaiso.

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In the irst c q In IUGHCGS O 800d e are duickly elt . . . . It is September; young men and women everywhere are answering the call to college campuses from coast to coast. Here at Valparaiso the immigration has just begun. Howdy, Dick! Hi'ya, June! Did you kids have a good vacation? Such greetings as these are being exchanged all over the Hill. Wherever individuals or groups gather or pass, friendly greetings and cheery words are exchanged. There seems to be something in the air that prompts such friend- liness on the part of even rather reserved indi'viduals. There must be something about the Christian atmosphere which makes it such a pleasure to come to our school and such a sorrow to leave it. Yes, there must be something which makes Valpo such an effective sub- stitute for our homes for three-fourths of the year.

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To the Members of Class of l940: OW that you are about to be graduated from Valparaiso, your minds are filled with all sorts of detailed information which you have garnered from the many courses you have taken here. Ten years from now, you will have forgotten most of this detailed in- formation. What will be left then of the education you received at Val- paraiso? Unless the University has failed to accomplish what it set out to do for you, the most important part of your education will not pass away with the pass- . ing years. For the primary purpose of Valparaiso is not to cram information into the minds of its students. Its primary purpose is to deepen each student's consciousness of his duty to God and man and to show him how he may fulfill that duty. Valparaiso has tried to show you how you may become tolerant, discrim- inating, Christian men and women. If it has succeeded in doing this and if you will remain loyal to the ideals of the University, you will become more and more tolerant, discriminating, and Christian as you become more and more mature. And that will make it possible for you to be of ever greater service to God and your fellow-men. Remain loyal to old Valpo's Brown and Gold. But, above all, remain loyal to the ideals of your Alma Mater. Cordially yours, WALTER G. FRIEDRICH, Acting President. Acting president -WALTER GEORGE FRIEDRICH A Message To The Class Oi1940 Page Ten