Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1888 [PAGE 135]

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138

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

full report showing the relative condition of things, while there i& not room for it here, would be a valuable contribution to the educational statistics of the State. The whole number of schools now accredited by the University is forty-five. Twenty-two of these I have personally inspected. Nine others have been declined. I t is probable that, owing to the change of teachers, and other vicissitudes, some of those now on the list should be dropped. I n this connection I desire to renew my request that leave be given to have a properly illuminated certificate prepared, and a copy sent to each accredited school, on condition that it be suitably and permanently displayed. I am convinced that no funds set apart for advertising the University can be more profitably used than in this way, nor is there any way in which the accredited schools can be kept so well in touch with our work. I desire to note the gratification with which I have heard the warm expressions of sympathy and good will which have lately been multiplied from the leading teachers and county superintendents of the State. Our University is daily coming to be recognized as the State University of Illinois. The men referred to feel more fully than they have before felt, a personal interest in our welfare, and a personal pride in our success. I n many cases where I have visited schools public addresses have been delivered, at the request of the teachers or school officers, the statement being, tell us about the University. I have also endeavored to respond to all calls of county superintendents for such aid as I could give in their occasional institutes. I have received assurances from a considerable number of the county superintendents that they would hold the examinations for selection of honorary scholars in June next. These examinations will serve not only this purpose, but give to any who desire an opportunity to pass the regular entrance examinations in the immediate vicinity of their own homes. In closing this portion of my report I have to add only this: The growth of this University will depend upon the degree in which it becomes rooted in the sympathy and confidence of the people of this State, that will result from wise planning and faithful execution of plans; that involves earnest, and faithful, and devoted work, at the University, and abroad in the State. The work is going forward, and as surely as God hath ordained that harvest shall follow seed time, so surely will this work win its reward.