Valedictory to 1957

GENTLEMEN OF THE GRADUATING CLASS: This formal word of valedictory or "fare-well" has become traditional for the plain reason that good teachers care greatly about what happens to a student.

Caring is a precious thing. Its intensity is personal to all creatures as was movingly revealed in the recent news item of the bear that died of heart failure as she helplessly watched zoo keepers seeking to recapture cubs escaped from her pen.

Human caring has an added dimension. It goes to the quality of a life as well as its mere existence. The quality of your caring is what Dartmouth is all about. Remembering this you will fail neither her nor yourself and you will grow in grace.

And now, men of Dartmouth, the word is "so long," for in the Dartmouth fellowship there is no parting.