Inaugural of the President of Brigham Young University

Inaugural of the President of Brigham Young University By Lowry Nelson, Director Extension Division, Brigham, Young University. The formal inauguration, on October 17, 1921, of Dr. Franklin Stewart Harris as President of the Brigham Young University, was marked by the attendance of a large number of Church and educational leaders of the state, an atmosphere of academic dignity and the voicing of a vision for the future progress of Church school education. The event was particu- larly unique and memorable in the educational annals of the state, since it was the first time in the history of Utah that a president of a higher institution of learning has been formally inaugurated. Invitations were sent to practically all of the educational institutions in America, and from them were re- ceived many excellent sentiments of greetings and congratula- tions. The ceremonies of the day included the inaugural parade at 9:30 a. m., services at 10 o'clock, banquet at 1:30 p. m., and the inaugural ball in the evening. The line of march for the parade was from the University grounds, south on University Avenue, to the stake tabernacle, Prove The march was headed by the Board of Trustees and General Church authorities, fol- lowed by the faculty of the Brigham Young University, and the representatives of faculties of other institutions of learning. Fol- lowing these were the University Women, Alumni, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen. Then came the various classes of the B. Y. U. high school, followed by the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Women's Municipal Council, Provo Chamber of Commerce and friends and patrons. President T. N. Tavlor, Chairman of the Executive Com- mittee of the Board of Trustees, presided at the inaugural ser- vices in the tabernacle. Seated on the stand were Elders Rudger Clawson, Geo. F. Richards, Joseph Fielding Smith, Richard R. Lyman and John A. Widtsoe, of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith; President Sey- mour B. Young, of the First Council of Seventies; C. W. Nibley and David A. Smith, of the Presiding Bishopric; Superintendent Adam S. Bennion, President George Thomas and President- Emeritus J. T. Kingsbury, of the University of Utah, President

142 IMPROVEMENT ERA Guy C. Wilson, of the L. D. S. High School; Superintendent E. S. Hinckley, of the State Industrial School, members of the Board of Trustees, principals of high schools, and representatives of the faculties of the Utah Agricultural College and the Uni- versity of Utah. Music for the occasion consisted of the following: "Build thee more stately mansions, 0 my soul," by the University chorus; tenor solo, "Homing," by Richard Condie, and "Without you," by the B. Y. U. Faculty Male Quartet. Dr. George H. Brimhall was the first speaker, and in ap- propriate sentiments, clothed in eloquent and fitting words, de- fined the spirit of the Brigham Young University, and paid trib- al JfeiL, ri - ilMii '•H*t;, Z. HIV fiSP ^^ ON THE LINE OF MARCH ute to the scholarship and achievement of his successor, Doctor Harris. The inaugural address set out clearly the mission of the Brigham Young University, as the central Church institution of learning, and described the steps by which its mission could be fulfilled. The address clearly demonstrated the broad intel- lectual vision of its author, and his ability to place in definite form a program of progress for many years to come. The ad- dress will appear later in the Era. Church School Commissioner Richard R. Lyman was the concluding speaker and laid stress on the importance of the mis- sion of the Brigham Young University as an institution for the building of character, in accordance with the principles of the Church of Jesui Christ.

INAUGURAL OF THE PRESIDENT 143 The program at the inaugural banquet consisted of the following toasts, with Superintendent Adam S. Bennion as toastmaster: "Dr. Harris, the neighbor and Church worker," Dr. John A. Widtsoe; "Dr. Harris as a research student," President E. G. Peterson of the Utah Agricultural College; Dr. Richard R. Lyman read a greeting from President A. W. Ivins on "Dr Har- ris the boy and young man;" "Dr. Harris the college professor," Dr. George Thomas, president of the University of Utah. Dr. D. L. Daines, of the University of Utah, who was the official representative of President Barrows, of the University of Cali- fornia, responded in behalf of that institution. Professor Levi Edgar Young, on behalf of the Young family, spoke on the "Vission of the B. Y. U."; and President-Emeritus George H. Brimhall expressed his satisfaction with the progress which the institution is making. In responding to the toasts, Dr. Harris expressed his appre- ciation for the many kind things that had been said of him and the institution, and voiced the hope that he might have the con- tinued support of the people and his associates in carrying out the ideals of the Brigham Young University. Mrs. Harris ex- pressed her appreciation for the many courtesies that had been shown her and her husband, and the kind things that had been said, and expressed a determination to put forth her very best efforts for the advacement of the school. There's Nothing Just Like Whistling Whistle when inclined to scold, Whistle when you get the blues, Just whistle! Just whistle! Promptly 'twill the feelings mould For a jolly thing to use With new thoughts as good as gold; Something lively you can choose, For a kind heart would you hold Try a tune that will amuse — There's nothing just like whistling! There's nothing just like whistling! Whistle when you want to cry, Whistle when inclined to swear, Just whistle! Just whistle! It is better than a sigh Not an oath can e'er compare Or the tears that flood the eye; With a whistle loud and fair; 'Tis the best thing you can try, — In o'ercoming every care, There's nothing just like whistling! There's nothing just like whistling! Albuquerque, N, M. Joseph Longking Townsen