John Horner,
"Acquaintance Day"
(1980)


The typescript version of this speech is available at the Duggan Library Archives, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.). 

John Horner was president of Hanover College from 1958 to 1987.

N.B. Paragraph numbers are original to this speech.

 

  1. I welcome all of you to the campus on this Acquaintance Day, 1980.  We are delighted to have prospective students, parents, counselors, and other  school officials.

  2. You have come to look at Hanover College from many points of view.  You have come to examine Hanover College to determine whether it has the characteristics which you want in a college.

  3. Such a search for characteristics reminds me of the comment made by the male college senior who remarked, "They say people with opposite characteristics attract each other and make the happiest marriages.  Yes, that's why I am looking for a girl with money."

  4. Hanover College has the characteristics or qualities of an outstanding liberal arts college at which the student receives the type of education which will not only permit him "to earn a living but also to live a good life."  A liberal arts education is the most practical education which a young person can experience because it is concerned with the broader and long-range view of learning and life.  We like to believe that this kind of education leads to 

    1. Emotional maturity

    2. Cultural development through involvement with books, ideas, and cultural experiences

    3. It develops a reflective mind which we hope will lead to responsible citizenship.

    4. We hope, too, that a liberal arts education will develop a sense of curiosity so he or she can think for himself and continue his education after he or she leaves college

    5. Finally, education takes place at Hanover College in a spiritual environment.  We believe that the liberal arts tradition and the Christian tradition can go down the road hand-in-hand and not be in conflict.  This has been the pattern of life for Hanover College since 1827.  As the oldest four-year college in the state of Indiana, we have reason to believe that our efforts have been successful.

    6. So, today, we cordially invite you to give Hanover your serious consideration as you make plans for your higher education.

    7. Of course we hope that you have a very pleasant day on our campus and we invite you to return at anytime.



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