University of Virginia Library

Virginia's Obligations

In his report to the alumni of the
University of Virginia President Edgar F.
Shannon, Jr. spoke not only for the great
institution he heads but for the cause of
higher education, particularly in Virginia,
especially in relation to State supported
colleges and universities, and it is grimly
significant that he stresses the fact that in its
support Virginia ranks 39th in the efforts of
the 50 states.

This is given poignant significance in the
words of Thomas Jefferson in speaking of the
establishment of University of Virginia:

"The great object of our aid from the
beginning, has been to make the
establishment the most eminent in the United
States, in order to draw to it the youth of
every State."

Though ranked among the great
universities and with a representative drawing
from the other states, the sad truth is that
39th ranking in aid from the State. Private aid
has enabled it to maintain its relatively high
position but increased aid from the State is
imperative for continuance in qualitative
development. As of now the lack of adequate
State funds means that because of the surge
of applicants for admission, some of them are
likely to be turned away because of lack of
facilities to handle them. This consists of
9,378 applicants so far compared with 6,707
last year.

The emphasis by Mr. Shannon is on the
assurance that this growth is qualitative as
well as quantitative. And, as has been
reported before, sheer qualitative demand will
mean 18,000 students by 1980 and State
funds must provide the facilities. Quoting Mr.
Shannon:

"So what we are talking about, then, for
the University of Virginia of tomorrow is a
controlled and planned for growth in size,
with new facilities to assure a continuing
growth in quality. We are also talking about
our obligation to discharge increasing
responsibilities to the Commonwealth and the
nation."

The address as a whole is a text for the
times on higher education for the youth of
this state and this nation. Every institution of
higher learning can read in it application to its
own problems and in effect hold it to be
spokesman for them all. But Virginia can not
afford not to meet the obligations so clearly
and succinctly stated by the speaker.

—Ed.