There are few earthly things more splendid . . .

Some months ago during my final semester teaching at Fontbonne, Dr. Dennis Golden, the University's President shared these words from the English Poet Laureate, John Masefield spoken by him at the University of Sheffield in 1946.

"There are few earthly things more splendid than a University. In these days of broken frontiers and collapsing values when the dams are down and the floods are making misery, when every future looks somewhat grim and every ancient foothold has become something of a quagmire. Wherever a University stands it stands and shines: wherever it exists, the free minds of men, urged on to full and fair inquiry, may still bring wisdom into human affairs.”

“There are few earthly things more beautiful than a University. It is a place where those who hate ignorance may strive to know, where those who perceive truth may strive to make others see; where seekers and learners alike, banded together in the search for knowledge, will honor thought in all its finer ways, will welcome thinkers in distress or in exile, will uphold ever the dignity of thought and learning, and will exact standards in these things.

“There are few things more enduring than a University. Religions may split into sect or heresy; dynasties may perish or be supplanted, but for century after century the University will continue, and the stream of life will pass through it, and the thinker and the seeker will be bound together in the undying cause of bringing thought into the world.

“To be a member of one these great Societies must ever be a glad distinction." ~ John Masefield