West Chester University - Serpentine Yearbook (West Chester, PA)

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DR. CHARLES S. SWOPE

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resiibent ' si iWesisJage Let your own discretion be your tutor; suit the action to the word, the word to the action. Hamlet, III, 2. 3 t is a coincidence that I should write these hnes on the anniversary of the birth of one of our greatest Americans Abraham Lincoln. He was born in humble circumstances,- had no formal education,- read few books, but he mastered The Book of the Ages. He spoke and wrote th e English language superbly, hie was simple in his habits and dress, humble in appearance, considerate of others, courageous in spirit, and patient in action. Prudence was his tutor. When Mr. Lincoln observed the evil of human slavery, he declared that he would destroy it, if he ever had the opportunity. Years later, as President of the United States, he had a chance to fit his words to action. Mr. Lincoln did not falter in the face of bitter criticism and ridicule. He effected his program for the freedom of the enslaved of our notion even at the cost of his own life. The United States and the nations of the world are richer because a fearless man harmonized his conduct with the convictions of his heart. You are now prepared to accept the challenges and responsibilities of your chosen career. The exercise of wise judgment and prudent action will largely determine your future contributions. I hope each of you may be blessed with sufficient wisdom to assure you an abundant harvest of happiness and success.

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Greeting to iUcmfaers of tJje Clags of 1949: ' oon you will leave the realm of college students and enter the ranks of the Alumni to take your places as trained citizens of a great nation. Your life in this new area will be one of activity and participa- tion. You will work and play, live and learn among those who make up our society. Dominant motives will prompt you to do or to refrain from doing certain things. Your training as a college student will influence your thinking, feeling and acting. Modifications here will be operative because you belong to a select group — college graduates, hiigher levels of motives should direct and control your behavior patterns. In- structive tendencies will be better regulated. Social controls will be carefully scrutinized. No longer will the plaudits and threats of the crowd sway you to ignoble thought and undesirable action. Fear will hove less influence upon you and you will find high and noble ideals to lead you through the trying days ahead. As high ideals become a greater influence as a motive, you will be controlled less by other motives. Sensing what is right in thought and action, you will strive toward that goal unmindful of the pull of influences that would turn you aside. Your life will be directed to a definite goal and you will be lead by the inspiration and guidance of high ideals. All thoughts will be wholesome. All things will be done well and with great care. You will then see a real meaning to this line from Shakes- peare ' s play. King hHenry VIII: Things done well and with a care exempt themselves from fear. At this time, with the highest hopes for your success and real happi- ness, I wish you all the good things that life has in store for those who are good and true. WINFIELD W. MENHENNETT 10