A New Chapter

As Dartmouth men give thought to the change in the College's administrative leadership which is about to take place, they naturally think first in terms of the individuals involved. Toward President Hopkins their feelings are a mixture of affection and gratitude, for as much as any one man could be, he has been the "heart" of the College as well as its wise, progressive and effective leader. Toward President-elect Dickey their feelings are those of confidence and esteem, arising from knowledge of the admirable record and personal qualities which made him the unanimous choice of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees, and also they are those of wholehearted support and backing as he takes up the heavy responsibilities of the presidency amidst conditions that are unsettled for the College, the nation, and the world in general.

Viewed over the long span of Dartmouth history, the start of a new administration does not necessarily herald the start of a new era in the College's growth and development. But the present; of all times, would seem to justify the prediction that Dartmouth is about to begin a new and important chapter in its life. The College is emerging from the recent critical years in sound and vigorous condition, thanks not only to wise leadership but equally to the unfailing support of thousands of Dartmouth men; it is in a mood to take the lead, not to vacillate while others feel out the ground. The assertion by President Hopkins some years ago, in one of his finest addresses, that "Change is Opportunity" is the premise on which Dartmouth has been planning for the postwar period and on which it now faces confidently, even eagerly, the years immediately before it.

In this larger view, thought goes beyond individuals and encompasses the whole of the Dartmouth family—faculty, administrative corps, alumni, students and assigns to each a responsibility for the Dartmouth of tomorrow. Presidentelect Dickey in his greeting to Men of Dartmouth, printed in this issue, has wisely chosen to speak of "the opportunities and responsibilities of greatness" which rest upon the College, and ultimately upon the men who are the College. On the part of the alumni one can wish only for a continuation of their understanding of what the College is and what are its limitless possibilities for usefulness to mankind, a continuation of their solicitude for both the material and spiritual well-being of the College, a continuation of their loyal support as it has always been available to officers of the College and particularly to the President.

As much as one may think upon the sharing of responsibility among Dartmouth men, the fact remains that leadership does focus in an individual in one man who as President of the College plays a role of inestimable importance. How that one man can lift the level of the whole College has been demonstrated by President Hopkins, and by President Tucker before him. It is with this high estimate of the presidency in mind that Dartmouth men take such satisfaction in the choice of John Dickey as Dartmouth's new leader. As supplements to a fine mind and high ideals, President-elect Dickey has youth, character and striking personality. In an impressive career he has combined brilliance with common sense and a tremendous capacity for work. Administrative experience is not lacking among his qualifications, nor is wide knowledge of those fields which will be of the first importance in the postwar world. Embracing all is a deep solicitude for Dartmouth and a faith in the importance of the liberal arts college to the national welfare.

Dartmouth men everywhere salute their new leader and pledge him their loyal support. As alumni to a fellow alumnus, they wish him the best of luck and an administration that will be as fruitful and as widely hailed as that which President Hopkins now brings to a close.