The improvement of the intellectual and spiritual resources of the
people through education, we know, is a main objective. I am confident
that we have the wisdom, the patience and the determination to attain
that objective.

ADDRESS, CONVOCATION, MARYLAND STATE COLLEGE,
PRINCESS ANNE

December 4, 1959

Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to Dr. Williams for
inviting me here to speak at this first in a series of leadership convoca-
tions. Your president informs me that the purpose of the convocations
is to give proper recognition to those students who, as a result of their
achievements in scholarship and student activities, have been chosen as
officers of your several campus organizations. I am grateful for this
opportunity to join with you to pay tribute to these young men and
women who have contributed their time, talent and intelligence to the
betterment of Maryland State College and consequently to the advance-
ment of the State of Maryland as a whole.

I should like to say something later on the point of leadership, but
first let me make a few observations about this educational institution
which is so dear to the hearts of you as students, officers and faculty
members, and to those of us who have watched this college develop over
the years. Personally, I have always had a feeling of deep affection and
profound friendship for this College. I have watched its progress, under
many names and in varying conditions of prosperity and adversity, since
my boyhood days. In the first place, I am a Somerset Countian—born,
raised and still a resident—and will return when my present work as
Governor is finished. Close ties of friendship always have existed between
the people of Somerset County and the Eastern Shore and Maryland
State College. May this spirit of kinship thrive. Secondly, a bond of
fellowship exists between your College and my church—the church of my
family and my forebears.

As you know the Rev. John Franklin Goucher, the illustrious Methodist
Minister and educator, was one of the earliest benefactors of this insti-
tution. The Methodists took the lead in founding the school, and
supported and administered it until it was finally taken over by the
State of Maryland in 1936. Though of course it is now completely free
of church control and influence, we Methodists nevertheless retain our
feeling of kinship for Maryland State College. Finally my attachment

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