Cedarville College Bulletin, October 1915

18 CEDARVILLE COLLEGE BULLETIN it and by enthusiastically supporting every measure that will advance it. They aim seriously to maintain its reputation for scholarship and character. Cedarville College is not noted for the number of its studentg,. but it has an enviable reputation for students of commendable en- deavor and Christian character. Its chief asset is in _the young people who recite in its class-rooms. They come from good homes and bring the blessing of their Christian training and influence with them. It is not too much to say that their lives are an inspiration to their professors and instructors. It will ever be our supreme pur- pose to see to it that along with the mental culture and social development which they receive, the students of Cedarville College shall retain the Christian integrity and truth which they bring with them to us and in all possible ways our example and teachings shall be set forth to strengthen and establish them in sound Christian faith. 4. The ideal collge has a body of loyal and grateful alumni. Their devotion and gratitude to their alma mater we1·e born while they were students. They drank at the fountains 0£ learning, grew strong and wise for the duties of life, and got the inspiration which is the motive and blessing of their life within the halls of their alma mater. If they ai-e noble and worthy sons and daughters, they appreciate what their college did for them; and they, though knowing its weak- nesses, do not magnify them and murmur about them, but direct their attention and powers to help remove them. They realize that their alma mater's worth and work are bound up with theirs, so that its good name is, in a sense, theirs; and its strength likewise theirs. Cedarville College has no reason to be ashamed of its alumni, but rather just cause to rejoice in them and their prosperity. The alumni, whom a college delights to honor, are those who have the virtue of commending their alma mater rather than depending upon it to recommend · them. Their lives and deeds reflect credit upon their college. They are exemplary, faithful, and noble. 5. The last personal element -of the ideal college is the community in which the college is located. While the community is not directly connected with the college in the sense that the other personal factors mentioned are, nevertheless, the success or the :failure of a college depends largely upon the community around it. If the community is in sympathy with the purpose and plans of the college and co-operates with the college, it is an indispensable factor to the progress, per- petuity, and usefulness of the college. When a community like this, distinguished for {ts hospitable homes, its enterprising business men, its progressive schools, and its wide- awake churches, extends a helping hand to the college and welcomes its students and creates about them a wholesome atmosphere, it proves itself an invaluable <!,djunct in the activities and success of the college. The community thus extends free of cost its own repu- tation and enriches itself far beyond all that its material resources may count for. . It is encouraging to take up the presidency of the college in this community so long established, so American in character and spirit, so devoted to the highest and best, so interested in the success of the college, and so expressive for its welfare. Citizens of this community, be assured today that for the kind words which you speak, generous deeds which you ped-orm and liberal offerings which you make for Cedarville College, the college will reciprocate your good wiU, cherish your noble spirit and co-operate with you for our best mutual interests. . .. . .. - . . . III. Finally, ideals are essential to the make-up of an ideal college.