66 State Papers and Addresses

progress of civilization and emphasizes anew the controlling part which educa-
tion has played in the successive stages by which humanity has advanced.

Today marks the climax of one definite phase of life for many of the
members of this graduating class, in honor of which we are assembled today.
Some, of course, may go on to further post-graduate work. Many, however,
are passing out of the "preparatory" phase of life. The graduates thus
emerge today into a new world, a world of action, and are required to travel
from the field of theory into the domain of stern realities.

It might not be amiss to analyze, firstly, what has been the character
of the training received; secondly, what conditions will confront graduates
in the changed sphere of action in which they will be called upon to utilize
their training; and, thirdly, what special advantages, with corresponding
responsibilities, follow such a course of training.

The people of Maryland, as elsewhere, have long since recognized and
acknowledged the obligations which they, as citizens, owe to this outstanding
institution of higher learning. From College Park and from other branches
of the University have gone forth a goodly number of active citizens, the
better for having been educated here to the dignity of their franchises and
civic responsibilities.

The training that has been yours is such as better to qualify you mentally,
is such as to adorn and quicken the intellect, and to fortify and beautify the
spirit. You are to be congratulated upon having successfully completed a
course in the leading institution of Maryland's educational system. It is no
exaggeration to say that you have partaken of the storehouse of learning,
of education and culture that has been constructed and filled to capacity by
a State, jealous of its reputation as a teacher, but more jealous of the success
of its prospective citizens whose future it attempts to shape in the formative
years of study.

In the competitive struggle for success which lies ahead, Fortune has
been good to you in granting the kind of education that you have received.
You start off with a great advantage over many less fortunate citizens. You have
the inestimable advantage that no one can ever take from you. You have
learned how to learn. How far ultimately you may go in life rests to a large
extent upon how determined you are to make use of the tools which have
been given you by your Alma Mater.

When we assert that graduates have a duty to make the best use of the
abilities which have been enhanced by reason of such a system of education,
we are not unmindful of the oft-heard report that business and professional
fields are already over-crowded. Such reports, however, are not shown to be
well founded when put to the test of analysis and scrutiny in the light of our
nation's experience. The history of this Country, the records and achievements
of our forebears do not justify a feeling of pessimism and despair. Rather
they sanction a feeling of assurance. Unlimited opportunities await thinking
men and women. There is an ever present need for leaders, for highly skilled
men and women—-there is plenty of room at the top.

In science, in the professions, in business, despite the tremendous advances
along many lines which have been made in the last decade, the ultimate has
not yet been attained. Far from it! There is room for advancement in the
specialized fields where true progress is yet to be made, where new laws of