University Daily Kansan
Monday, Sept. 14, 1970
9
Chalmers—'I Am Confident'
Continued from preceding page underbelly of that society. Each opposing group knows that a great and free university cannot long survive physical force. One group seeks to provoke such force—the other threatens to impose it—and each group feeds upon the irrationality of the other.
I am confident of our ability to move this University effectively toward the twenty-first century. The opportunity to do so shall not be wrested from us by those who have demonstrated their criminal contempt of campus facilities and their insane disregard for the lives of others. Nor shall we be deterred from our objectives by those who do not share our commitment to mutual learning, to orderly change, to a humane concern for the welfare of others. We shall move forward with confidence that our commitment to the rational pursuits of the ideals of a free society expresses the deep concerns and the best beliefs of the people of this State.
A YEAR AGO, I stated that "a true university cannot long survive disruption from within or repression from without. We have the right and indeed the obligation to defend our institution against both of these destructive forces." The year that followed provided numerous examples of both such forces. It has also provided numerous examples of your commitment to resist those forces. I say to you today that it is not enough to be committed simply to preserve the University, that we must be committed to make this university fit and ready for the tasks of the future. To do so will require an unprecedented resolve to defend our endeavors.
The University is most vulnerable in transition. Clearly, it would be safer to "dig in" and to
protect what we have. But KU has a tradition of educational "pioneering" and I sense no wish on your part to deviate from that course, even if it requires all of us to redoubled our efforts. Many of you have demonstrated your willingness and your ability to do so. It is out of your redoubled efforts, and those of many others who will join you, that KU's future greatness will be born.
Normally the fall convocation is a welcome to our new students. Clearly, that is no longer our first order of business. Nevertheless, I wish to conclude these remarks by speaking specifically to our new students. You represent the continuity of more than one hundred years of entering students—of men and women who have enriched our society with knowledge and ability in part as students on "The Hill."
YOUR TASK is made more difficult by the commitment of your generation to extend the benefits of education beyond your personal welfare to the welfare of men and women everywhere. To this we have now added our urgent invitation to help us become a better University. It must seem an overwhelming task to you when you are still trying to figure out how many minutes it takes to get from Blake to Marvin, or even
which building is Blake or Marvin!
Take it from us, there will be enough time—time to learn, time to think, time to help us change, and even enough time to spare—though you may not have found much of the latter in your first few weeks here.
We are genuinely pleased that you have chosen us for a portion of your education. Use us carefully, thoughtfully and thoroughly and your efforts will be richly rewarding. You will be a student number to us only if you yourself choose anonymity. Our help and assistance will be there for you whenever and wherever you feel it is needed. We hope that you will soon feel comfortable about seeking it.
WITH A SENSE of pride, I can assure you that the faculty members with whom you will work are among the most talented and energetic anywhere in the nation. With equal pride, I can commend your fellow students to you. You join a community of scholars that is justifiably proud of the record of the past and optimistic about the future. That you should have chosen to join us only confirms our optimism. Welcome to our community. Welcome to the University of Kansas.
Midwest Performing Arts Association presents at Topeka Municipal Auditorium 8:30 p.m. Friday, September 25
Tickets: $7, $6, $5 Students: $4  Send orders to:
"Van Cliburn"  Topeka Municipal Auditorium, Topeka, Kansas
(Send stamped, self-addressed envelope)
(Make cheeks payable to MPAA)
ALL ABOUT DIAMONDS Our Helpful "Blue Book"
Buying a diamond for the first time? Or even thinking about it in the next few months? Now is the time to stop in and get your first comprehensive information about these beautifully mysterious gems. We will be happy to show you a selection of qualities from our fine stock and explain the subtle points that establish the per carat price of every diamond. Also, pick up your free copy of the American Gem Society's helpful 36 page booklet on "Diamonds" which gives accurate information on grading and pricing. No obligation, of course. Stop in soon!
Marks Jewelers
Del Eisele, certified gemologist
817 Mass. VI 3-4266
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