28 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



its resources. They have ever been the leaders in the advances 

 that have been made in agriculture and kindred sciences; they 

 have been at the forefront in the onward march of the mechanic 

 arts; they have been prominent in the professions; they have 

 been foremost in all movements having for their object the 

 improvement of society and the betterment of humanity. 



These young men and young women have gone from this 

 institution into all the walks of life and everywhere have taken 

 advanced positions among their fellows. Their great services 

 to the state have more than repaid the people of Michigan the 

 investment they have made here — repaid them many times over 

 in a material way, while in a greater and grander sense the return 

 has been such that cannot be measured by dollars and cents. 

 It has taken the form of increased knowledge, increased happi- 

 ness, improved conditions of living, better environments, higher 

 ideals, and nobler lives. This great reward is like unto that 

 treasure which is laid up "where moths and rust do not corrupt 

 nor thieves break through and steal." 



While Michigan has naturally and properly been the greatest 

 gainer in every way by the work of this grand institution of 

 learning, the great good accomplished has spread far beyond 

 the borders of our state. It has found its way into every state 

 and territory and even into lands beyond the seas. Everywhere 

 the graduates of this institution are in demand to carry forward 

 the work of development and progress. No better or more 

 positive proof of the standing and character of this College could 

 be adduced than is found in the fact that from all states and 

 countries there comes a call to it for aid and its graduates have, 

 from year to year, responded to this call and demonstrated their 

 ability to measure up to all demands and meet all requirements. 



And I doubt not that this great institution will go steadily 

 and grandly forward, keeping step with the onward march of 

 humanity, broadening its work, and increasing its usefulness 

 throughout the years that are to come. 



