Let me point out that any statement as to the future role of the
State colleges drawn up without reference to the Advisory Council
for Higher Education is of necessity incomplete. The recommendations
made by the Council unquestionably will be influential in shaping
the roles of these colleges. For the present, it may suffice to identify
some of the factors with which those recommendations must reckon.

Tradition has established that a major function of the colleges must
be the training of teachers. Legislation has broadened those respon-
sibilities to include the development of intensified program in the
arts and sciences. The character of the institutions performing these
roles is also a factor. Each has its own size, location and identity. All
are four-year public institutions. That public nature subjects them
to the demands of exploding enrollments. It also subjects them to
the recently adopted State policy regarding dormitory construction.

A probable consequence of that policy is that the regional character
of most of the colleges will become increasingly manifest, and this
in turn will affect the development of programs if our ideal of offering
broad educational opportunity in every area of the State is to be at-
tained.

The first hundred years of Towson State College have seen many
developments — the evolution from a normal school to a teachers
college to a State college, the move from a city location to a suburban
campus, the development of an evening program and a summer
program and a graduate program, the growth from a few hundred
to several thousands with attendant expansion of campus and facilities.

The next century is likely to bring changes far beyond our capacity
to see at the present time. In fact, the next decade is likely to bring
as great an expansion in enrollment, facilities and programs as oc-
curred during the entire ten decades of its past. Maryland is proud
of its State colleges and optimistic about their continued service in
the coming years. I am happy to be present on this commencement
day to open formally Towson's centennial.

Now, to conclude let me again offer warm congratulations to the
members of this graduating class. It is to the young men and young
women here — and the young men and young women who are gradu-
ating elsewhere — that we must look for the leadership of our State,
of our country, and of the world.

May God speed you, and may you find a productive, interesting
and satisfying life in a world of peace and happiness.

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