Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

served that invention does not find its place in the world within the walls of laboratories. Not until the work of the scientists is brought into the field to test its social as- pects can the real value of discovery be established. We have an outstanding example in radio for it was during the First World War that the radiophone began to talk. Suddenly it was realized that this device was not merely a new voice for use in war but a voice for service to people everywhere regardless of race or creed. The great industry of broad- casting became a new outlet for the liberal arts. Speech and music found new avenues of appeal and expression. Here was a new me- dium of communication — a new instrument of culture. Wisely the educators of America took up the microphone so that those who listened might learn. Similarly, out of the Second World War, television has emerged greatly improved by wartime re- search and development. Now, sci- ence offers the liberal arts a new extension in communication that appeals to both ear and eye. Televi- sion intensifies the responsibility of the educator, the theologian and the broadcaster. Each day can be a school day on the air; all the coun- try is a classroom. Science Has Paced the Arts At this point it may occur to you that the liberal arts are much older than science, and you may ask why science dominates. The reason is that technological progress has by- passed the arts—science has run far ahead. In some parts of the world, the materialistic side of life has threatened to supplant the spir- itual, as the dominating force. Establishment of a true balance between these spiritual and mate- rial elements calls for a new kind of leadership. For instance, it is essential that we put the same em- phasis on training young men and women for government as we do in qualifying them as engineers, doc- tors, lawyers and scientists. The liberal arts must provide the hu- manitarian charts and controls for the unending developments of tech- nology. As a result of wartime achieve- ments in science, those of you who have pursued the liberal arts may wonder if you should have followed scientific instead of classical stud- ies. You have no cause for regret. Science needs the wisdom that stems from the classics. Alongside the great names of the nuclear physicists, there will be listed new names on the roster of Fame— names distinguished in the arts be- cause they will have helped to make the splitting of the atom a triumph for the progress of humanity. Do not forget that discovery and invention in themselves are not as important as the uses to which they are put! Electricity can be used for destructive purposes or it can be utilized to light the world and to operate industrial machinery. Radio can be used to communicate around the world, to entertain and to educate, or it can be employed to guide winged atomic missiles in a shower of destruction. The airplane can be used for swift flight and pleasant travel between nations, or it can be used as an engine of terror. Man makes the choice. The Graduate's Opportunity You, as graduates, go forth from your Alma Mater into a world that seems fraught with danger. Yet it is alive with opportunity. Ahead of you lies great adventure in the arts and sciences which may be inter- twined to provide greater abun- dance of the necessities of life and to advance the ways of peace. Those (Continued on page 25) CITATION To Brig. General David Sarnoff at Awarding of Doctor of Laws Degree by Bethany College, June 9, 1946 Dean Forrest H. Kirkpatrick: Among the men who dream great dreams there are some who let dreams become their master, and then there are those who become the master of the dreams by making them come true. David Sarnoff is a man who has the capac- ity for great dreams and the courage, determination, and high sense of purpose to master those dreams, turning ideas and ideals into channels of usefulness and helpfulness. More than any other man, he is responsible for making radio a great industry and a great art. More than any other man he has given leadership, in opening the doors of research, engineering and commercial utilization, for television. The same could be said of many forms of electronic development and communication services. But more than this, Mr. Sarnoff has been a great public servant—in war as an active ofl^icer in the U. S. Army Signal Corps, in education as a spokesman for better schools and colleges and as a member of the governing board of the largest university in this world, as a champion and sponsor of fine arts, and as a business statesman pointing the way for intelligent progress and high integrity. Mr. Sarnoff has honored us by his presence and his thoughtful, discerning message today. The honors of this college always belong to men with the ability and vision that he brings to us. I pray there- fore that he may be invested with our degree and diploma as Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. President Craniblet: David Sarnoff. outstanding leader in a great industry and great art, distinguished by his service to our country in time of war and in time of peace, personification of the American Dream to all of us here at home and to millions beyond the seas. By the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees, I confer upon you. Sir, the Degree of Doctor of Laws, with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereto. IRADIO AGE 5]