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C A M P U S M I R R 0 K
1ft
Class of 1948
Ivy Oration
Josie Latimer, ’47
As we. the graduates of the Class of
1947. depart from Spelman College, we
carry with us treasured memories of
the happy days spent here. One of our
most cherished recollections is that of
the picturesque campus buildings as
given life by the green luxuriance of the
ivy. This memory suggests the true
significance of the ivy as an integral
part of the great spirit of Spelman.
We shall ever remember the ivy, be
cause. to us, it is a living symbol of
beauty and endurance. Especially shall
we recall the latter quality, for endur
ance is one of the characteristics which
promote human achievement. In fact,
the lasting quality of this evergreen
climbing shrub has such a profound
meaning for us that we have accepted
its challenge, and are constantly striv
ing to develop this trait.
As we seek new experiences and new
truths, let us keep alive the real signific
ance of the ivy. It is of value to us as
a guide, not just because it perpetuates
itself under the most trying circum
stances, hut also because it ever climbs
higher in spite of adverse conditions.
Just as it strives to attain the heights,
so must we set our goals high and work
faithfully toward them.
While the ivy climbs and persists, it
also transforms its environment by add
ing living lustre and lasting beauty
through the wintry snows as w r ell as
through the warmth of summer. As the
ivy thus enhances its environment by
adding life and loveliness, so, as we
go forth from the walls of this col
lege, shall we endeavor to follow its
example, whether in victory or in de
feat. We shall make every effort to
change the sordidness of the world about
us by striving to replace hatred, ig-
noorance, and poverty with love, knowl
edge and prosperity.
The quality of the ivy, which we
strive to emulate, is beautifully pictured
in the following lines from the poem,
To the Ivy, by Felecia Dorothea He-
mans :
High from the fields of air look down
Those eyries of a vanish’d race,
Homes of the mighty, whose renown
Hath pass'd, and left no trace.
But thou are there—thy foliage bright
Unchanged the mountain storm can
brave:
Thou that wilt climb the loftiest height.
And deck the humblest grave.
Not only have we been inspired by
the ivy to follow its example, but we
have also been stimulated by the high
ideals of Spelman College. The spirit
of Spelman is exemplified not by the
ivy alone, for it is evinced also by its
noble purpose, its Christian ideals, and
its fruitful culture. All these vital con
stituents, which manifest the spirit of
this institution, have molded our ideas
into a well-rounded philosophy of life
which will enable us to endure the in
evitable misfortunes which we must en
counter. as well as to accept with dig
nity and serenity, praise, honor, wealth,
or any of the other good things which
may come to us in life.
Our years of college training have
reached their culmination, hut our rich
and lasting heritage from our Alma
Mater will go with us through life. The
ivy symbolizes this heritage for pos
terity because of its beauty, its power
to revitalize old things, and its ability
to survive throughout the ages.
We are cognizant of the fact that in
time these mortal bodies of ours will
fall on the battlefield of life and he
forgotten, but the spirit of Spelman,
as symbolized by the ivy, will live on
forever.
True Womanhood
Dorothy Jean Lewis, ’49
Oh Lord of all compassionate control,
Oh love, let this my lady’s picture grow
Under my hand to praise her name and
show
Even of her inner self the perfect whole
That he who seeks her beauty’s furthest
goal.
Beyond the light that the sweet glances
throw
And refluent wave of a sweet smile, may
know
The very sky and sea-line of her soul.
Yes, that is truly a word, a thought
and expression of admiration of a
true, noble, sincere and gracious woman.
The world today is beckoning to you
(Continued on Page 24)