To be at hme in all lands and all ages;
To count Nature a familiar acquaintance,
And Art an intimate friend;
To gain a standard for the appreciation of others's work
And the criticism of your own;
To carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket,
And feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake;
To make hosts of firens...
Who are to be leaders in all walks of life;
To lose yourself in generous enthusiasms
And cooperate with others for common ends -
This is the offer of the college for the best four year of your life.

Adapted from the original "Offer of the College"
by William DeWitt Hyde
President of Bowdoin College 1885-1917

Bowdoin Prospectus 2008-2009, Bowdoin College, p. 2 and Bowdoin College online, p. 1.

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