Class of 1964
This text was published on p. 11 of the first Walsh University Yearbook, The Lamp (1964).
We were the first ...
On the afternoon of June 7, 47 young men of Walsh College each will receive a reward for having spent the last four years striving toward excellence. As candidates for graduation, it is our privilege to look ahead, to dream. But in our reverie let us allow a moment for the past, to recall some of the things which, although gone forever, will shape the future.
The doors of Walsh College were opened to students for the first time on November 17, 1960. Seven Brothers of Christian Instruction were inside, waiting to share their knowledge with us, a purpose to which they have devoted their lives. Unlike most college freshmen, our situation was unique, for as we walked through the doors we were immersed in no tradition, following in no footsteps. In our four years we had to form traditions, to lay the first footsteps. Because of this lack of precedent, what we attempted was due to initiative and what we accomplished was the reward of perseverance. Many have since followed us into Walsh, and many more will follow those who followed us—but we were the first.
In 1960 we entered Walsh as freshmen, as boys hoping to inherit the wind. Now as seniors—as men—we leave college realizing that we know so little. It has been the purpose of our teachers to sow within us the seeds of curiosity—seeds which we must nurture. For this we owe them much.
On Commencement Day we will receive a diploma for having taken definite, explicit strides toward a goal. This goal—excellence or perfection through knowledge—is by its very nature, unattainable. But only through striving for the goal will we be able to better ourselves. Thus, graduation from Walsh College is the end to something, but the beginning to so much more.
"Beyond the sundown is tomorrow's wisdom,
Today is going to be long, long ago."
- Thomas Hornsby Ferril 11