Valedictory to 1962

GENTLEMEN OF THE GRADUATING CLASS:

This is the bitter-sweet moment. It is sweet with both work done and the prospect of fresh beginnings. And yet for both you and the College it is also the end of a joint venture, a venture that had no other aim than to further your growth in all good directions. Never again will you be so joined in this life.

But whatever is ahead, if we are true to the meaning of this moment it will not be the end of growth through learning for either you or for Dartmouth. Of a certainty, it is not the end of the relationship you and your College now bear each other. In neither biology nor education is it permitted to either mother or offspring to deny the other. To serve and honor, yes, perchance to be indifferent or even to profane, but to deny, never. Dartmouth's mark is now as indisputably upon you as, henceforth, you are forevermore a part of the best, or of something less, that is Dartmouth.

For the privilege of this relationship and in confidence that you will honor it, on behalf of all who here and elsewhere are Dartmouth I bid you thanks. May your reward be the joy of doing yourself proud.

And now, Men of Dartmouth, once again the word is "so long" because in the Dartmouth fellowship there is no parting.