OCR Text |
Show UTONIANNineteen Twelveall the surrounding towns, and his class in Salt Lake City, in 1860, gained considerable repute by its concerts and general activity along musical lines.The University of Deseret had a policy and custom in those days that had been adopted in eastern universities today, but which has not been lived up to so well in the last few years by our own institution. It was the custom of the professors and instructors, together with the Board of Regents to take in public affairs and to associate much with the people and to take a part in all the affairs of the State. In other words the people were not isolated from the University, nor the University from the people. In the year 1869, there was a celebration, in honor of our nation's natal day, and in the procession, the regents, faculty and students of the University marched. A large banner was carried, on which appeared in relief 'UNIVERSITY OF DESERET," surmounted by a figure of Minerva, with the inscription, "PROTECTERIAN SCIENTAR ET ARTIUN." Robert L. Campbell and John R. Park were at the head of the University faction, and they were followed by thirteen young ladies dressed in white with red sashes, representing the original thirteen states and territories. The states were represented by other girls of the school. They carried a banner on which was inscribed the words "The Union Inseparable." The girls representing the territories carried a banner with the motto "The Territories. Our hope in the Future." The young men of the University brought up the rear bearing sextants, quadrants, telegraphic instruments, and a banner with the following sentiment: "OUR NATION'S PROSPERITY LIES IN THE EDUCATION OF HER CHILDREN." The following notice of this celebration was published in the different newspapers some few days before the Fourth:Fourth of JulyThe professors of the University, and the teachers of the Select, Ward and Sunday Schools in this city, are hereby requested to i meet the Committee of Arrangements for celebrating the Fourth of July next, at the CITY HALL, tomorrow, SATURDAY, at 5 o'clock p. m. The tradesmen and artisans of the city are also requested to meet at the same place at 7 the same evening.R. H. BURTON,Chairman.The above announcement is suggestive of the fact that in those days students were taught to take part in the affairs of life; to mingle with mankind. The students of the University came from all over the Territory, so that it was strictly speaking, a school of the people.The University of Utah is still a young institution, and it is just entering upon its ma-turer development. The final word must be that of a grateful and loving optimism. The University stands for all that is best and noblest in life. Its career has been one of honor; its growth one of solidity and character. Its professors and students are united in one great effort to make the University the vantage institution of the West. It is entirely western in its ideals and motives. It is democratic to the core, and its students and professors stand for but one culminating thought: "To search for truth, and to put that truth into the very fabric of our daily lives." Its moral atmosphere is of the highest. Utah men and women have always had a reputation for living their best selves; they take such an ideal into the lecture room, where the students partake of its influence. The school as a non-sectarian institution, belongs to the people of the State and its hand of welcome is held out to the people of the entire west; yea, even to the world. It intends to give to its students a broad and liberal education, and to develop a strength of character that will make them strong and upright men and women in the world of action. The University's gospel is the gospel of the deed. It holds that in action there is the standard of a man's worth. It stands for that broad culture which Thomas Huxley speaks of in his address to the students of the John Hopkins University: "The student who repairs to it, sees in the list of classes and professors a fair picture of the world of knowledge. Whatever he needs to know, there is someone ready to teach him, some one competent to teach him, someone competent to discipline him in the way of learning; whatever his special bent, let him but be able and diligent, and in due time he shall find distinction and a career. Among his professors he sees men whose names are known and revered throughout the civilized world; and their living example infects him with a noble ambition, and a love for the spirit of work."14 |