Wilkes University - Amnicola Yearbook (Wilkes Barre, PA)

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EUGENE SHEDDEN FARLEY PRESIDENT ,.AAA. p 5

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Presidents Message TO THE CLASS OF 1952: International tensions and the threat of war may be with us for years to come, perhaps for the rest of our lives. We are challenged, therefore, in this time of stress to develop personal equanimity which alone will preserve us from the disintegrating effects of insecurity and emotional stress. Personal equanimity is never to be gained for the asking. It comes only to those capable of rising above personal ambitions and devoting a share of their energies to the welfare of their neighbors, their community, their nation, and their world. Do not confuse equanimity With complacency. Complacency is the prod- uct of unawareness and indifference to the ills and needs of our times. Equa- nimity is part of a dynamic force that requires some vision of the infinite possi- bilities of man along with a knowledge of his numerous frailties. It requires faith that men who work in harmony With the laws of the universe and with God will attain some measure of success, if the goals they seek and the means they use are worthy. It requires, also, humility which enables men to understand their neighbors and to work With them in friendliness and in con- fidence. This equanimity can come only to those possessing a faith in a Power beyond self. My words may have little meaning to you today. If, however, we are fated to live in a prolonged period of stress, the experiences of your life will give them meaning. As tensions mount and men of small stature lose their perspective, and in frantic desperation threaten the ideals and institutions to which they give lip service, the importance of personal integrity and equa- nimity increases. In such times you will come to recognize that these great qualities of man are at once the bases and the hope of freedom, of democracy, and of our civilization. Perhaps you will think that I am asking too much of you. I do not think so. I am merely asking you to recognize something of your own possi- bilities and to seek to develop them. You will face discouragement and, if you seek great ends, Will some- times fail. Failure and discouragement must ever be accepted as the inevitable concommitants of great endeavors. Great ends are attained only by those who can face failure and still retain their vision and their hopes. Strength to tran- scend failure and discouragement are essential and even the strongest must sometimes gain strength from others. As Lord Halifax wrote in a moment of crisis for England, ttGreat ends are never attained by small men. Paradoxically it may also be true that men are never truly great until they undertake the impossible. You may often wonder Whether or not you should undertake a task or accept an opportunity. Your best judgment 'will be required in coming to a decision, but it is well to remember that the wisdom of the decision generally depends upon what you do after it is made. In moments of doubt, one of my friends gains comfort from a brief prayer which gives new strength and hope. llLord, give me the courage to undertake the things that can be changed, ' The patience to endure the things that cannot be changed, And the wisdom to know the differencefi So far I have spoken about you and your future. My final words, how- ever, will deal with a bit of your future and mine. We have now known each other for four years. As we part at the Commencement of 1952, I hope that the friendship between us may grow warmer and richer with the passing of the years. EUGENE S. FARLEY .m---a oh Nu