NEGenWeb Project
Resource Center
On-Line Library

    Seven hundred twenty-five young men and young women were added to the roster of alumni of the University of Nebraska on the morning of June 6 when the fifty-fourth annual commencement exercises were held. Dr. George Edwin MacLean, chancellor of the University from 1895 to 1899, delivered the commencement address before the graduates, their parents and friends, who filled the St. Paul Methodist Church to the very doors. His subject was, "This World Wide Era and the University of Nebraska."

   Commencement was celebrated amidst a sweltering heat. The graduates marched five blocks from the University campus to the church and filed into the church while parents and relatives clapped.

   Besides the 725 regular degrees which were conferred, four honorary degrees were awarded: John E. Miller, former mayor of Lincoln, former president of the board of regents, former Nebraska state legislator, now president of Miller & Paine, received the Master of Arts degree. Dr. Irving S. Cutter, '98, dean of the University Medical College, who next fall will become dean of Northwestern University Medical College, received the Doctor of Science degree. Anson Marston, dean of the College of Engineering, Iowa State College, Ames, received the Doctor of Engineering degree. John Henry Weller, ex-'08, of Washington, D. C., received the Civil Engineering degree.

   Genevieve Reyman of Woodlake received the Woman's Faculty Club scholarship gift of $50 while Nathaniel Foote of Turnersville, Texas, was awarded the Pershing medal by Mrs. D. M. Butler, sister of the famous Nebraskan.

   Adam McMullen, '96, governor of Nebraska, conferred the commissions as second lieutenants upon the fifty-six candidates for the commissions.

Discusses New Era

   Dr. MacLean pointed out that in the thirty years since he accepted the chancellorship of the University of Nebraska in 1895 a new era has been set up so that "International" has become a word to conjure with, and a net of international organization binds the world together.

   "There are listed 347 such organizations," he said, "covering the interests and activities of man from agriculture to athletics and armaments. Significant illustrations are the International Institute of Agriculture, Postal union, numerous bodies of workers, of professional men, of philanthropies, of churches, the International Association of University Women, the Confederation of Students, and other international university associations.

   "The organizations enumerated do not alone account for the quick development of the international epoch. Science gives the first and Americanism the second reason. According to Dr. L. O. Howard, the evolution of internationalism depends on biological law, and I give America's faith in education as the second reason for the international epoch.

   "A Chinese wall of coast defense batteries around continental United States is no defense of our farflung commerce and interests; world-wide interests require a world-wide defense.'"

Epoch in Academic World

   "What an epoch this has been in the academic world. If, politically and socially, the world has been turned upside down, in the educational world it has been turned inside out. Science has expanded the visible creation from the finite to the infinite.

   "The miracles of applied science in the last three decades parallel the wonders of pure science. Medicine and surgery have fought to a standstill diseases and famine. The Panama canal has wedded the Pacific and the Atlantic. The age of the automobile and aeroplane has come. The radio has made the world a whispering gallery. The globe has shrunk to a globule. An earthquake in Lima is recorded in London. Isolation is impossible.

   "Turning from the striking and widely advertised development of the material sciences to the linguistic, mental and social sciences and the arts, these years have seen world-wide progress. The multiplication of subjects of study has utterly broken up the old common curriculum and precipitated a series of curicula."

   Dr. MacLean pointed out the marvelous progress made at the University of Nebraska

during these thirty years. Registration in the graduate school has been quintrupled, he said, entrance standards have been raised, the separate campus for the Agricultural college has been established, the Teachers' college has expanded to one of 2,206. The college of law has become a first class school, the extension division has been developed. He also referred to the developments in the summer session, school of domestic science, school of journalism, school of fine arts and music, college of arts and sciences, college of business administration, and medical college.

   "To sum up our comparisons," Dr. MacLean continued, "the University now has ten colleges and three schools, as against the four colleges and five schools of twenty-five years ago; a teaching staff of 337 as over against 120; and 8,654 students as over against 1,679. There are forty-four University buildings for instruction in Lincoln as compared with ten.

   "So far as mere figures can indicate, is not our question: 'Has the University kept pace with the progress made in these thirty years?' answered with an emphatic 'Yes'? Yes, prodigious progress. And that in a commonwealth not yet three score years old.

Must "Set the Pace"

   "But an American and especially a Nebraskan is not content that he has 'kept pace'; he wants to 'set the pace.'To do this he must be more than educated for 'efficiency.' He must be educated for leadership.

   "Science has made possible a world-wide unity; Christianity has long visioned it. Yonder is rising Nebraska's new capitol. The architect drew his inspiration from many lands. The sculptor depicts the great scenes in the lives of leaders of liberty and law of many races and ages. Does it not mean all humanity contributing to Nebraska -- the state and University teaching the same lesson of indebtedness to humanity and the consecration to humanity? May not the worldwide era hasten the era of the brotherhood of man?

   "Graduates, how one envies your opportunity. 'Blessed are the eyes which see the things ye see: Many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see and have not seen them.'"

---

SIGMA XI HONORS FIFTY-THREE

   Professor G. D. Swezey, professor of astronomy at the University of Nebraska, was elected president of Sigma Xi, national honorary scientific society at a meeting of the organization held Tuesday night. Other officers elected were H. H. Marvin, vice-president, Emma Anderson, secretary, M. G. Gaba, treasurer and R. H. Wolcott, councilor. Fifty-three were elected to membership as follows:

   Active -
Walter S. Huxford, physics.
Harold O. Peterson, electrical engineering.
Roland G. Sturm, applied mechanics.
Allan Weaver, electrical engineering.
Meyer Beber, chemistry.
C. M. Downs, mechanical engineering.
Doris W. Hayes, botany.
Fred W. Jensen, chemistry.
Rudolph M. Sandstedt, agricultural chemistry.
George M. Bakit, agronomy.
Otikar Barkus, business chemistry.

   Associate Members:

   Graduates -
Henry H. Baehr, agricultural chemistry.
A. Bernice Brenke, botany.
Joel L. Burkett, chemistry.
John A. Cameron, zoology.
Lucille DeTramp, zoology.
Ralph Eddee, chemistry.
Frank W. Johnson, chemistry.
Olive P. Hartley, chemistry.
Royce H. LeRoy, chemistry.
Roscoe Luce, anatomy.
Ruth McDill, geography.
Lois T. Pederson, zoology.
Irving Rabkin, biological chemistry.
Phyllis Rice, geography.
Reuben Schulz, anatomy.
Ruth Sattuck, zoology.
Samuel R. Shively, botany.
Edward H. Stahly, physiology and pharmacology.
Henry I. Stubble, field chemistry.
Mary Sturner, botany.
Dayton R. Yoder, agronomy.

   Seniors -
Burkin D. Basteau, applied mechanics.
William Bertwell, civil engineering.
Pell Broady, pharmacy.
Mary E. Cameron, mathematics.
Mabel L. Donley, chemistry.
Craven H. Crawford, electrical engineering.
George L. Foxwell, mechanical engineering.
Ethlyn Gulick, zoology.
George W. Hargreaves, pharmacy.
Roland A. Jefferson, anatomy.
Viola C. Jelinek, chemistry.
Louis J. Lieneman, zoology.
James D. Marshall, civil engineering.
Robert W. Maxwell, chemistry.
Rayburn W. Sampson, botany and plant pathology.
Lyman F. Scheel, mechanical engineering.
Edwin Schveneck, civil engineering.
Andrew R. Soulek, pharmacy.
Bernard H. Takohra, electrical engineering.
Williar J. Turnbull, applied mechanics.
Violet May Wochner, mathematics.

MEMORIAL DAY ADDRESS By Mortimer J. Brown, '05

   The following is the text of the Memorial Day address by Mortimer J. Brown, '05, of Niagara Falls, N. Y., in the Stadium to the alumni gathered there on the last day of the 1925 Round-Up, May 30:

   "We speak of the dead, and seek to do them honor.

   "Like men of past ages we embody in stone and tablet and spoken word our tribute to the ones whose virtues of loyalty and self-sacrifice have led them to the grave. We too have special days for reflection upon the glory of duty nobly done. We too have a past to commemorate and a future to face. But we have on this Memorial Day more than the precedents of the past, with its flags and flowers and ceremonies, more than the formulas, the rituals, the slogans and war cries of an undeveloped age. We have knowledge of the utter futility of these emblems and phrases when unsupported by understanding and wisdom on the part of surviving generations.

   "Memorials of stone yield to the merciless forces about us and they return to the earth and its atmosphere. Banners flash their colors and are whipped to shreds in nature's angry gales. Tablets fall, are burried and forgotten, and spoken tributes scarcely survive the voice of one who speaks.

   "Throughout the ages, man has shown remarkable traits of loyalty and self-sacrifice. There has been much of heroic martyrdom. But with tragic frequency these virtues have been mustered in the service of blind leaders and fore-doomed crusader. Victors and vanquished alike have gone to heroic death. And each generation has erected its memorials to what should not have been. The bloodshed and suffering of the ages are more sad than a mind can comprehend. But in addition to the bloodshed and suffering there has been a superlative tragedy, the bare fact of which our generation is only beginning to comprehend. That tragedy has been the inability of man to isolate, study and understand the great causes and their corresponding effects that determine man's reaction to man and his environment. Wars have followed wars, pestilence of body and instability of mind have cursed every generation since time began, and today no living man can prescribe and administer a cure.

   "An age of great faith is drawing to a close. It began in ignorance and savagery. It is ending with the passing of superstition. It was a great religious faith, unverified by sound or symbol from the infinite, yet so sustaining to the spirit of man that he has been able to replace some of his ignorance with wisdom. He has been able to so modify his bigotry so that he may soon learn to bow in genuine reverence before the Creator and his Universe.

   "A greater age of a much greater faith is coming with the passing of the old. Ignorance remains dominant, though no longer supreme. A small but growing minority of men and women have a new and powerful faith in the God of the Universe as he shall ultimately stand revealed. Without fear of what may be found in the darkness, they explore the unknown with the whitest lights at their command. Having found only power, beauty and honesty in God's designs, faith increases daily as ignorance gives place to knowledge. The Infinite as revealed in microscope and telescope is of a higher order of magnitude than the Almighty of dogmas and creeds. The reactions of man, as studied by the psychologist, the physicist, the sociologist and the chemist are now understood in a few details. Consistence and honesty have already been found in God of the starry constellations and subatomic nuclei. A faith is growing that the same God will some day be recognized by man in himself, with attributes transcending the partisan solicitude disclosed by Gods of the elect.

   "The passing age is not yet at its close. The new age has only begun. Man, with his capacity for loyalty and self-sacrifice lacks a comprehension of the fundamentals of the new day. He does not distinguish between things as they are and things as they are supposed to be; between real evidence and passionate opinion; between God and a dogmatic definition of him. Inaccuracy, sometimes to the point of dishonesty, is a prevailing intellectual characteristic of our times. This characteristic will pass, and we hope

man will soon stand in the humility of confessed ignorance before his Creator. When men the world around comprehend the meaning of truth, and come to love it as they inevitably will, the Golden I Age of man will have begun.

   "No imagination can adequately sketch the future of man if and when loyalty and self-sacrifice are mustered in the crusade for truth; when war will be identified as the inevitable result of untruthful and incorrect thinking. This generation may see the glories of the new day only with the far-seeing eye of the mind. Time alone can remove from this strife-weary world the millions upon whose minds are indelibly branded the axiomatic untruths of conventionalized error. Only those may be genuinely free who have been born and reared in an atmosphere of intellectual honesty. Only such may dream great dreams and see them come true. Only such may live by a faith that begins to be worthy of our Creator's marvelous Universe.

   "We speak of the dead, and seek to do them honor. Memorials, tablets, flags, words, these do not embody the deep emotions of a scientific age. Only those may truly honor the heroic dead who solemnly enlist their loyalty and self-sacrifice and disciplined ability in the crusade for truth."

---

GARNER DELIVERS ADDRESS

   Dr. James Wilford Garner, professor of Political Science in the University of Illinois, delivered the Phi Beta Kappa - Sigma Xi address Friday evening, May 1st, in the Temple Theater, on "Education and International Affairs."

   Dr. Garner stressed the fact that the control of foreign affairs is passing from the hands of the diplomats into the hands of the people. It is highly important that the people, particularly in a democratic country such as ours, should develop a more thorough and sympathetic understanding of world problems.

   The address was scholarly and impressive, indicating careful research and extensive travels by the author. Dr. Garner was introduced by Prof. Maurice H. Weseen, '14; president of the Nebraska chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa.

   While in Lincoln Dr. Garner gave two other addresses. Thursday evening he spoke at a banquet given in his honor by the Faculty Club. Friday morning he spoke at a general University convocation.

---

AUTHOR OF A BEST "STORY"

   Melvin H. Van den Bark, '22, member of the faculty of the English Department at the University of Iowa,

   Iowa City, is the author of Two Women and Hog - Back Ridge, a short story selected by Edward J. O'Brien to appear in his book The Best Short Stories of 1924. The story was first published in THE MIDLAND for June, and was mentioned in THE BOOKMAN for September under the caption, "The Ten Best Short Stories."

   Louis Bromfield in the New York Herald Tribune, book section, says, "There are at least three stories in the collection (The Best Short Stories of 1294, The Rest British Short Stories of 1924, The Best Continental Short Stories of 1923-24, and The Best French Short Stories of 1923-24), which emerge somewhat ahead of the others." One of these three is Two Women and Hog-Back Ridge.

   Mr. Van den Bark is now working on a novel whose setting is in the sandhill country of Nebraska.

---

WE WONDER!

   Charlie Matson ('02) and Farley Young ('22) don't need to spend any money for fishing supplies. They just have to call to the fish and they come.

   On April 22, this pair who have the distinction of being county attorney and assistant county attorney respectively of Lancaster County, Nebr., went fishing near Meadow, Nebr. The night was dark so they equipped themselves with a flashlight to aid them in locating the fish in the water. They baited their lines and fished, but nary a nibble did they get. Finally Charlie prepared to toss his line into the water and turned the rays of the flashlight on the water to select an appropriate spot. Just as he tossed out the line, into the boat jumped a bid (sic) black bass weighing a pound and a quarter. Although Charlie and Farley fished an hour or two longer they didn't get a bite.

   And they told this story to the reporters on both Lincoln papers, so it must be true.

THE CHANCELLOR'S CORNER Summary of School Year 1924-25 By S. Avery

   A year ago, in addressing the alumni, I announced that for the first time the grand total attendance of the University in colleges, schools, and correspondence courses had passed the 10,000 mark. Speaking more exactly, the registration from June 1, 1923 to June 1, 1924, reached 10,352. 1 can now report that the registration for the current year lacks only 62 of reaching the 11,000 mark, an actual increase of 586 students. With the dropping off in the attendance of some secondary courses, short courses and the like, the total of students registered for college courses shows an increase of 746. This is an increase of approximately 7%, in registration for the fundamental work of the University. As everyone knows, a number compounded annually at 7% doubles in about ten years. No one can forcast the future. Will the present rate of increase continue? Will means be found to support an institution great enough to care for all of the young people of the state who desire admittance? Will my successor ten years from now announce a registration of 20,000 students? These are problems that cannot be discussed at an alumni reunion, but which deserve our most serious thought and consideration.

   Some of the grand divisions of our work are static in enrollment. Some show a slight decline. Statistics are interesting in showing educational tendencies; they may have no relation whatever to the importance and efficiency of the work as a whole.

   The College of Arts and Cciences (sic) shows an increase in its general cultural courses. This is gratifying and a reasonbly (sic) complete answer to those who deplore the tendency of our times to emphasize things rather than thought. Agriculture, Business Administration, Dentistry, Engineering, and Law, are in the main static. This same condition will be found in most of the great universities of the country. There is no local significance in this statement. A large increase is shown in the Graduate College, which is preeminently the college of higher work; in the School of Fine Arts, a natural result of an older culture and a change from pioneer conditions; in the College of Medicine, resulting in part from the closing down of cheap and unworthy medical schools all over the country; in Journalism, a tendency of the times; in the College of Pharmacy, showing the tendency of pharmacists to lift pharmacy from a trade to a profession; and by far the largest of all, 618, in the Teachers College, resulting from the tendency to emphasize teaching as a profession and to train in colleges of education those who expect to become professional teachers rather than in general colleges, a system that has more largely prevailed heretofore.

   I always hesitate in giving figures. They should not be used for partisan purposes. A college serves not only those who register in it, but those who, though registered in other colleges, use the subject matter in fundamental courses that is common to all well rounded courses of study. It is gratifying that those in charge of the supposedly technical colleges are more and more demanding a well rounded course in general education on the part of their students.

   A year ago I explained to the alumni the financial difficulties of the situation. I showed how the upward revision of fees, reluctanly (sic) undertaken, had bridged over the gap. It is gratifying to note that the Legislature, which ended its session last March, took cognizance of the situation and materially increased the sum for maintenance. The immediate financial worries of the adminstration (sic) are accordingly less acute than for several years.

Necrology

   Three deaths have occurred in the teaching and administrative staff. I will mention them in the order of length of service. Mr. Max Westermann, who passed away last summer, had long served in the Finance Office. When I came here as a student he was the second man whom I met, the first being Dr. Bessey. His connection with the University began in his youth. His final illness lasted only a few days. He leaves a reputation of unblemished integrity and a record of service seldom surpassed. Alexander Porter served faithfully, loyally and industriously for many years in connection with

the custodianship of the University's physical plant, Though his work did not bring him greatly into the consciousness of the students and alumni, his character ennobled every task that he undertook. Inside the University and thruout the state at large the name of Alexander Porter is heard with the greatest respect. On the purely academic side Frederick W. Sanford was one of those fine personalities which contribute greatly to the spirit of an institution. An able teacher, a scholar with ideals, a man with social graces, he enriched and dignified academic life. His long period of illness and occasional absences for longer or shorter periods from the regular routine of his duties prevented him from obtaining the preeminence that would otherwise have come to him, but during his years of service he built his character solidly into the institution and his work will endure. Six students have died during the year: Joseph Campbell, Emma Foster, Ruth Jones, Karl Mailand, Lee O'Neill, and Lela Wellman. They were young people of the highest character and their passing is deeply regretted. There is some comfort in the fact that the percent is so small. Consisting as they do of the flower of the youth of the state, it is natural and to be expected that the students should show a death rate of only a minute fraction of that of the community at large. But in passing I feel disposed to call your attention as I did a year ago to the fact that this small number is the best answer that could be made to charges of improper living, low moral conditions, reckless auto driving, and non-Volstead conduct. The Building Plans

   There is always a tendency on the part of the University constituency to split into blocks. The Regents sought to avoid this by asking for a levy for ten years to care gradually for the adequate housing of the University. The thot (sic) was to work out a consistent plan of development which would care for all the urgent demands, leaving only the determination as to which should come first to be settled as a family matter. The failure of this plan has forced upon the governing board a situation which is difficult, and which can be handled in a satisfactory way only if the various groups will use some forbearance in urging what they consider the imperative immediate needs. Let me speak with all frankness. 1 met recently with a certain group and was told by everyone present that the library is the all important matter. I meet with representatives of organized women and am told that the girls' dormitories ought to have the preference. I meet with loyal engineers, graduates of our Engineering College, and they remind me that this College has not received any expansion in quarters for sixteen years. The teachers of the state remind me of the great increase in enrollment since the new building to house the Teachers College was erected some eight years ago. The need of museum facilities is recognized by everyone; and, of course, the athletes are always with us. Now it is obviously impossible to satisfy with $900,000 perfectly legitimate demands for buildings costing $4,000,000. I cannot speak with authority at the moment as to what will be done. A week from today after the governing board meets I hope to be able to make more definite announcement on the subject. Tentatively speaking, of the $900,000 available approximately $150,000 will be spent for the development of the Medical College at Omaha. I assume that another $150,000 will be absolutely necessary to care for the Agricultural College plant and the School of Agriculture at Curtis. If this view prevails, there will be $600,000 to be spent on the city campus. Just now all our plans are waiting until an expert commission appointed by the Regents determine whether it is necessary to spend approximataely (sic) half of this for a power plant. When that is determined I believe that the building program will mature rapidly.

   Those who are disappointed when the announcement is made should not be discouraged. If the state continues to prosper, there is no reasonable doubt in my mind that a bill similar to the defeated levy will be enacted by the next Legislature. The Regents are wisely planning a long program. Those disappointed at the immediate announcement may reasonably expect that those things in which they are most interested will be cared for in two, or four, or six years. We build not for today or tomorrow, but for coming generations. The point I wish to emphasize, however, is this: Let us not worry so much as to which building comes first, but let us all unite to secure the adoption of a long progress for the adequate housing of the University and the caring for its material needs.

Scholaristic Record

   A year ago I called attention to the fact that scholarship statistics showed the highest average since 1913 and that there was a decrease in delinquencies. The same can be repeated this year. There is no great change from a year ago. We have made some advancement, not as rapidly as I could wish but still encouraging. The standards of scholarship are constantly advancing, and are better than at any time since the war.

Athletics

   The new stadium, for which the alumni worked so enthusiastically, is fulfilling the highest expectation of its promoters and I think I may venture the prediction that the ends will ultimately be completed without further requests for contributions.

   The records of our several teams this year have been creditable, if not in all respects "glorious." The track team for the fourth time won all conference dual meets and the annual Missouri Valley Conference Meet. The football team won some unexpected victories and sustained some unanticipated losses. The same may be said of basketball, baseball, and swimming. To me more important than the victories was the spirit displayed by the students in accepting defeat, in courtesy and appreciation shown to their opponents and in general good sportsmanship.

   The entire University community regrets that Mr. Dawson's health took another turn for the worse last winter. We confidently believe that his successor, Mr. Bearg, will not only win Nebraska's usual share of victories, but will lead the students under his charge to still higher ideals of character and sportsmanship.

   A year ago I announced the coming of Miss Lee as Director of Athletics for Women and in this brief summary I wish to say that the women under her guidance have made remarkable progress. I hope the time is not far distant when they can have complete use of Memorial Hall for their activities. But this as Kipling would say, is another story.

Faculty Losses and Gains

   The most important loss by resignation is that of Mr. Wyer, librarian, after ten years of very efficient and faithful service. A search of over six months for his successor has not yet been successful. To find a satisfactory librarian and secure his services seems to be almost as difficult as finding an acceptable athletic coach, though, of course, it does not receive as much publicity.

   I am glad to report that Dean Herman G. James, distinguished scholar, professor, and executive, will be in residence very soon. His coming will doubtless be the beginning of a new era in the College of Arts and Sciences. Men and women from other institutions have been added to the staff during the recent past. Their records in the University have justified their selection. The assumption that Nebraska is not getting its due share of scholars from other institutions and that we are unduly promoting Nebraska graduates is not substantiated by the facts. Complaints of this sort are usually the result of impressions rather than of accurate analysis of what this and other institutions are doing.

   In conclusion, let me say that it seems to me that the outlook for the University is bright. Criticisms of the principle of higher education become futile as the State and the University advance. If all of those who wish higher education well, - faculty, students, and alumni, - will measurably refrain from carping and destructive criticism and unite loyally for the institution as a whole, a splendid future for the University is assured.

   I would not have it assumed that this plea for united loyalty is in any sense an S. O. S. I know of no year since I have had any knowledge of the institution that the real work of students and faculty was less disturbed by discussion, or distracted by criticism. To be specific, the agitation against the R. O. T. C. work resulted largely from attempted intervention by outsiders; it represented no movement in the University as a whole. The institution itself was not touched by certain criticisms in student publications. They represented little more than the opinions of the authors. The University may be compared to a placid lake where a few people on the shore have thrown rocks into the water and have imagined that the ripples they have made were tempestuous waves.

---

   Dr. Irving Cutter, retiring dean of the College of Medicine at Omaha, was the guest of honor at a banquet given at the Grand Hotel May 21 by Theta Nu, honorary pre-medic fraternity. Other guests included Chancellor Avery, Dr. J. J. Keegan, new medical dean, and Dr. Barker, adviser for pre-medic students.

YOUR PRESIDENT'S REPORT R. E. CAMPBELL, '10

   Following the precedent set last year, the reports of your officers and committees are again printed. This plan permits of much wider distribution of the information contained in the various reports than would be possible with oral presentation. Almost the only contact the officers and committees have with the large majority of our alumni is through such media as the ALUMNUS and this collection of reports.

   In reviewing the work which the Association undertook on behalf of the University during the past year, I am convinced that whatever may have been accomplished was in large measure due to the fine spirit of cooperation and the mutual respect that existed between the University authorities and the officers of the Alumni Association.

   This spirit I regard as essential to the successful culmination of any Alumni program. It seems to be equally essential that each and every alumnus have this same regard for the first principles of successful enterprise.

   I can not with equanimity conceive of any other relationship between an alumnus and the University than one which comprehends a whole-hearted loyalty and the acknowledgment of a debt of gratitude to one's Alma Mater. This loyalty may not necessarily be a blind following of the University authorities on matters of opinion, but it should compel every alumnus to carry to the proper authorities such suggestions as may seem to him beneficial to his University.

   If it were possible to interview each of the more than twenty thousand alumni of the University, it would be strange indeed if we did not find widely divergent opinions as to how the administration of the University should be conducted. This divergence of opinion is, on the whole, healthful influence and essentially stimulating. This is especially true when constructive criticisms and suggestions are made to the proper authorities.

   The Board of Regents is charged by the people of the state with the responsibility of administering the affairs of the University. If we have constructive criticisms to make, they will be given a respectful hearing by the Regents.

   It is safe to assume that not a single alumnus of our University would consciously say or do anything that would directly or indirectly hinder the growth and progress of his Alma Mater. Each of us can help to stop the spreading of whispered innuendoes and malicious propaganda concerning the University that frequently distort the truth only enough to lend an air of plausibility to the influences that are sought to be conveyed. If you need facts, a letter to the secretary will make available any information necessary.

A RADIO STATION

   The Charter Day Reunion was a complete success, if the number of enthusiastic reports that poured into the Alumni Association headquarters is a safe criterion.

   The program this year was broadcast through the courtesy of the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company, and the Westinghouse Station, KFKX, at Hastings, Nebr.

   Your officers have given much thought to the opportunities which radio broadcasting would present to the University of Nebraska in extending its services and information to all the people of the state. We believe that there are tremendous possibilities in extension work carried on in this way. It has the merit of maintaining a feeling of personal contact that letters and pamphlets completely dispel.

   We hope that before Charter Day reunion comes, University of Nebraska will have installed a powerful modern broadcasting station.

UNIVERSITY APPROPRIATIONS

   The Board of Regents in presenting the needs of the University before the legislature called upon the Alumni Association to take part of this responsibility. I regard this function of the Association as one of our most important duties.

   We should be an indispensable factor in acquainting the people of the state with the value of the University to the state. We who have had the advantages that the University offers should seek to widen the sphere of its splendid cultural influence.

   In spite of the fact that the principle of the mill levy went down to defeat in connection with the University building program, the

legislature was inclined to meet the request of the University in the appropriations both for the maintenance and for the much needed new buildings.

   I would be seriously opposed ot (sic) any effort that might be made to use the Alumni Association for selfish political purposes. On the other hand, I can see a possibility of the necessity for using our latent power in preventing unscrupulous politicians from making a political football of the University appropriations.

THE FUTURE

   The ambitious program planned by the Alumni Association seems certain of fulfillment in the not too distant future. This program has, in the past, included of necessity more of the material side of the complex problems confronting the University than of the purely academic or cultural side. The Association had internal problems of its own to solve which are now happily disposed of but which did not for several years leave much energy to be devoted to any but the material resources of the University.

   It seems to me that we should now direct a larger portion of the increasing energy of our Association into formulating and launching a program that offers some assistance to the University in stimulating the academic and cultural.

   Our obligation to the University and to the state includes, in my opinion, the duty of showing the people by example the advantages of higher education. Even to those who are indifferent to higher education the value of an education in medicine, the law, dentistry or engineering is obvious. We are confronted with the necessity of evaluating the work of the University in other terms than those of dollars and cents. This we must undertake as an association and as individuals in a systematic and thorough campaign. It will require far-sightedness and diplomatic persistence. Our best talents will be needed to overcome the inertia, for it is largely inertia and not antagonism which tends to check the spread of higher education.

   I hope an earnest effort will be made soon to establish as rapidly as possible scholarships, research fellowships, scientific foundations and prizes for meritorious literary work. As a parallel effort I hope that as our alumni body becomes older and wealthier more contributions will be made to the permanent endowment funds of the University. This can be accomplsihed (sic) in several ways; by individual gift, by group gift, by bequest or by insurance policies taken in the name of the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

   It is perhaps not out of place here to suggest that gifts to the University which contemplate the use of the income only are much more valuable to the University when made without restrictions or at least with as few restrictions as practicable. With our rapidly changing social and economic problems, the permanent importance of specific subjects is uncertain at best.

   In conclusion, I wish to express to the officers and executive committee, and to those loyal and enthusiastic alumni who through their helpful suggestions and conscientious effort made this year one of progress and accomplishment, the thanks that are their due. Much of the credit for this accomplishment is due to Mr. Harold Holtz, our executive secretary. His loyalty to the University, his energetic and capable direction of his office, and his diplomatic handling of delicate missions can only be known to those who have worked closely with him.

---

ALUMNI ENGINEERS IN JAPAN

   The College of Engineering of the University of Nebraska has six alumni engaged in engineering work in Japan - four in Tokio, one in Osaka, and one in Kobe representing five different commercial organizations. These men are:

   Kinju Akagi (Civ. '10, Elec, '11), electrical engineering department, Kawasaki Dock Yards Company, Kobe, Japan.

   Stanley Bracken, (Elec. '12), representative of the Western Electric Company, at the Sumitomo Electric Wire & Cable Works, Ltd., 60 Okijima Minamino-Cho, Nishi-Ku, Osaka, Japan.

   Ivan F. Baker (Elec. '09) and Clarence A. Johnson (Elec. '06, E. E. '15), the former as manager and the latter as resident engineer for the Westinghouse International Company in Japan. Address: care of Takati & Company, Marunouchi, Tokio, Japan.

   William K. Fowler (A.B. '14, Elec. '16), representative of the International General Electric Company, Chiyoda-Kwan, Minami Denma-Cho, Kyobashi-Ku, Tokio, Japan.

   Howard C. Kendall (ex-Elec. '03), engineering department of the American Trading Company, Box 20, Central P. O., Tokio, Japan.

---

© 2001 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller