534 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

Centenary Biblical Institute of 1867. Yet a tradition of intense dedica-
tion, a spirit as compelling as it is intangible, has prevailed as the con-
tinuous, cohesive force spanning the decades, linking past and present
generations. This intangible commitment not only to progress but to
quality in higher education has forged the character, the excellence
and the tangible growth of Morgan State College.

This is the moment to reflect upon the contribution of the founders
of the Centenary Biblical Institute, to appreciate the vision of Dr.
Littleton Morgan and the succession of vigorous presidents and in-
dependent boards that charted the first century of progress; to remem-
ber the many who labored with limited resources yet insisted upon —
and accepted — only standards of excellence.

In 1939, with the advent of State support, the College's resources
expanded but so did the challenges. One need only look at the figures
to verity the facts. In the 1940 fiscal year, Morgan's first as a State
College, the enrollment was 424 students; the operating budget, $82, -
000; the capital budget, $350, 000. In the present fiscal year, the en-
rollment is 3500, the operating budget exceeds $3. 7 million and the
capital budget approaches $1. 4 million. In less than two decades Mor-
gan has realized an 800% growth in its student population and ac-
commodated it through expenditures forty-five times greater than the
State's initial investment.

The Centennial year also coincides with Morgan's first year as a
full-fledged member of Maryland's State College family — an im-
mersion which will even more enhance Morgan's prospects for progress
and enrich all Maryland's State Colleges. While we can never forget
or fail to be grateful for the efforts of Morgan's independent Boards
of Trustees, the ultimate assimilation of Morgan signifies the fulfill-
ment of their objectives and the fruition of their efforts. They have
brought Morgan to this day and in this merger served not only Mor-
gan but all of Maryland.

For unity like equality supplements and does not sublimate in-
dividuality. Morgan will continue to develop and contribute within
its own lines, guided by its own lights, nurtured by its particular
genius. Morgan is a member of a family but its relationship is com-
parable to that of all great families, where all members are motivated
by shared principles and aspirations, yet each will act and contribute
according to his own talent and character.

With this in mind the century ahead holds even greater promise,
adventure and challenge. Present program and facility expansion is