Howard McGinnis' Remarks Freshman Orientation 1945
This article describes some of the things that ECU can do for its students. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.
Citation for this article is: "Howard McGinnis' Remarks Freshman Orientation 1945," Orientation 1945, September 1945.
Some of the things East Carolina Teachers College, Your Alma Mater, Desires to do for You
1. Give you a wealth of general and specific information and knowledge about the world in which you live, its land surface, its natural laws, its plant and animal life, its people, and the laws, rules, principles, etc., of human association.
2. Give you a certain measure of scholarship.
3. Improve your habits of thinking and reasoning.
4. Develop your ability to form sound judgements.
5. Train you in personal restraint and in calmness of action.
6. Help you develop the poise and personal culture that mark the person of refinement -- that make one agreeable companion.
7. To inculcate such personal qualities as tolerance and respect for others -- even respect with those whom you disagree. Dr. Henry Van Dyke advises in his Footpath to Peace that we "be governed by our admirations rather than by our disgusts." Also, generosity of spirit, sincerity, understanding, insight and fair play. A favorite quotation says, "For when the one Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game."
8. To help you form habits of industry so necessary to success in most worthwhile activities.
9. To develop an appreciation for the good, the true, the better things of life -- high standards of integrity, morality, and personal conduct.
10. To further develop in you the ability to discern relative values -- for your own guidance in future years.
12. This is not a denominational college nor a school of religion but it strives to promote a spirit of religious devotion in its students. Your college must grow in usefulness to the people of North Carolina and she needs your help -- your cooperation. Your interests are linked closely with her welfare.
I don't want to do all the talking. Do you have a question or something you would like to say?
Has your notion of what a college is changed in any regard since you were a freshman--first day?
What has college done for you?
Good?
Not so good?
Are you a better person for coming? How?
What suggestions have you for improvement of the college for those yet to graduate?
Welcome Freshman
Purpose of Orientation
You're taking an important step in life
What a college is--
1. Creates an environment favorable to learning
2. Should protect health and help you form good habits
3. Should help you establish high ideals
What it can do for you--with your help
What you can do for yourself, with its help
Some things you will find at this college
A well trained, friendly faculty
A variety of well oganized curricula
A good library (50,000 plus volumes)
Extra Curricular organizations
Fellowship with a select group of young people
It is up to you. Do not over-emphasize educational adjuncts
We wish you abundant success and we will help you attain it.
