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Show IV. THE STORY OF UTAH nJ 1897, Dr. Joseph T. Kingsbury became the president of the University and it was during his able administration that the University was moved to its present site in 1890. Since that time the University has taken its place among the greater institutions of learning in the West. In 1916 Dr. John A. Widtsoe became President, and through his direction the University grew in influence until today it stands as a fitting head of the school system of the State. The University of Utah sent forth its sons to the great World war, and its honor roll is large. Many of its alumni fell in battle. Hardly had the war ended when Dr. Widtsoe, who was then president, was called to the work of the ministry for Christ and he was succeeded by Dr. George Thomas, who remains head of the institution. In 1913 the beautiful Administration building was completed, and on the 9th of June, 1919, it was formally dedicated as the John R. Park Memorial building. The dedication of the new building at the University campus in honor of the great teacher was a fitting act. The building is one of the most beautiful in the West, and overlooking the city as it does, it becomes the center of learning for the youth of Utah, and will ever be a temple where they may be inspired to grow into all that is best and highest in life. The statue of Dr. Park, which will adorn the front of the building, is the creation of M. M. Young, a Utah boy who studied under him. On the pedestal will be carved the words of the great educator and former president of the University: "In all of your work, let your faith and your consciousness of right sustain you." The University today takes its place as one of the great Western institutions of learning. It is an expression of the idealism of the people who founded it and who loved it. To the students of today, there is a noble message summed up in the words of an ancient sage: "Not thine to complete the work, nor art thou free to lay it down." Levi Edgar Young. |