University Archives Audio-Visual Collection

[00:00:14] McPhee brings up the issue of not having a location for the convocation [00:00:45] McPhee talks about diversions of previous convocations such as the World Series [00:01:14] McPhee talks about the new gymnasium that could host the convocation indoors in the coming years [00:01:30] McPhee talks about seeing and talking to new students around campus [00:02:49] McPhee talks about the growth of the college faster than ever [00:03:18] McPhee talks about what links of all the people including students, faculty, and accreditors attending the convocation [00:05:14] McPhee talks about the origin of Cal Poly in 1903 and its evolutionary growth over the years [00:06:29] McPhee talks about how Cal Poly has kept pace with the educational demands of an ever changing society [00:07:07] McPhee talks about the challenge of keeping Cal Poly open during the Great Depression [00:07:52] McPhee discusses Cal Poly's objective and philosophy of educating those who can apply their knowledge to society [00:10:04] McPhee talks about how the educational structure of Cal Poly is different than that of other state colleges [00:12:39] McPhee emphasizes the student-teacher relationship that gives Cal Poly an impressive reputation [00:13:47] McPhee talks about the importance of having a vision to light the way for the future [00:14:31] McPhee talks about the general criticism of education at the moment [00:16:15] McPhee talks about the different intelligence and ability levels that people can contribute to society [00:17:36] McPhee talks about the importance of feeding the various employment needs of society [00:20:25] McPhee urges people to vote "Yes" on Proposition 3 in order to expand the educational opportunities that Cal Poly can offer [00:21:37] McPhee reminds the audience that building expansion is not enough, and must be accompanied with more teachers and instructors [00:22:30] McPhee wishes everyone a successful year [00:22:44] Conclusion of the convocation service

[00:00:00] Caution: Loud Wind at beginning of speech and occasionally throughout [00:00:10] McPhee brings up anecdote about a windy day during an older convocation and hopes of moving the convocation inside [00:00:38] McPhee talks about his hope to move future convocations inside the new gymnasium [00:01:32] McPhee begins his speech by pointing out errors of other speakers [00:03:15] McPhee welcomes all of the new students [00:03:56] McPhee discusses the challenges he faces as leader of an institution that tries to be different in the age of conformity [00:04:48] McPhee emphasizes Cal Poly's objective of instruction for occupational education [00:05:18] McPhee describes the characteristics that define Cal Poly students from other college students [00:07:05] McPhee states Cal Poly students are not afraid of hard work and practice [00:08:13] McPhee praises Cal Poly students' willingness to try new things [00:09:06] McPhee discusses the reasons why employers are impressed with Cal Poly graduates [00:10:34] McPhee talks about the importance of being of service to society [00:11:50] McPhee discusses the warmth and friendliness of the Cal Poly student body [00:13:00] McPhee summarizes the points he has just discussed [00:15:10] McPhee offers advice for the coming year [00:17:10] McPhee insists on the utility of asking for advice, and balancing advice from people who know you and those who do not [00:18:06] McPhee urges students to find a group identity to learn new things and meet new people [00:19:14] McPhee discusses the importance of a time budget to obtain everything that students came to Cal Poly for [00:22:12] McPhee reminds students that there is more to college than being secluded with books [00:22:46] McPhee summarizes his three pieces of advice [00:23:28] McPhee comments on his plan and responsibilities as President for the upcoming year [00:23:41] McPhee talks about his job of keeping the Cal Poly program "sold" to the state legislature and education department [00:24:18] McPhee talks about protecting Cal Poly's interest of redefining higher education [00:24:48] McPhee talks about the time and energy needed to attend the high number of meetings with committees and personnel [00:26:15] McPhee provides the score to the Dodgers baseball game [00:26:40] Audience rises for the benediction [00:27:03] recording ends shortly after the benediction begins

[00:00:00] Robert Kennedy greets audience [00:00:08] He explains the itinerary for the parents' day of viewing the campus [00:00:51] He says that this is the first time Cal Poly has ever invited parents [00:01:03] He is surprised by the amount of parents since his kids would not have told him [00:01:35] Kennedy says he will pinpoint three things: Week of Welcome, Higher Education, and Higher Education regarding Cal Poly [00:02:03] He begins explaining WOW and the students' role in it [00:02:59] There are also special programs that are tailored for specific aspects a student might be interested in [00:03:11] There are two speakers that are for both freshman and transfer students [00:03:32] WOW clubs will meet with the students' counselors, faculty advisors, academic departments while also registering and touring the campus [00:04:16] There will also be social events for the WOW Clubs like: dances, recreational events, watermelon feed, beach party, as well as climbing the "P" [00:04:33] WOW concludes with a Church night, the night before classes [00:04:57] Kennedy explains the importance of WOW week for students at Cal Poly [00:05:25] He then explains the system of Higher Education in California [00:06:07] He states the differences between Junior, State, Private, and Universities of California colleges [00:07:08] The agency that pulls these colleges together in California is the Coordinating Council [00:07:58] He then explains who governs each type of college in California [00:08:45] Following, he explains the admissions and entrance standards [00:09:20] The state colleges are comprised of the fastest growing college system of higher administration in the western world [00:10:19] He explains how state colleges provide in depth training for careers [00:10:51] He begins explaining Cal Poly's place in Higher Education [00:11:02] He also highlights the history of Cal Poly [00:11:30] He states that Cal Poly stopped allowing women to attend for 27 years [00:11:43] In 1940, Cal Poly was authorized to grant the Bachelor of Science for the four year curriculum [00:11:51] The first class to receive a BS degree was in 1942 [00:12:20] After a few historical events, the teaching staff has grown and the facilities have been renovated to keep up with enrollment growth [00:12:45] He then explains the imperative differences of Cal Poly and other State universities [00:12:50] Cal Poly focuses on the applied fields of agriculture, engineering, business, and home economics [00:13:17] It also was one of the first state colleges to have any departments of engineering, and it is one of the largest undergraduate enrollments in the West [00:13:51] Cal Poly's faculty members are some of the best educators that are involved in research, industry, and more [00:14:35] He explains how each students' curriculum is focused on its major while also incorporating support and general education courses [00:14:47] Cal Poly's curriculum is referred to as the "Upside Down" program [00:15:46] Past students, employers, and parents refer to Cal Poly as a "Healthy, friendly, constructive environment" [00:16:18] There are also other Cal Poly groups that heighten the positive experience at the college [00:16:43] Cal Poly received a framed copy of a joint resolution from the legislature, commending Cal Poly [00:17:53] Kennedy wants to provide the best educational experience possible for Cal Poly's students [00:18:35] Most students complain about the food in the cafeteria [00:19:25] Cal Poly students are expected to play an active role in decision making [00:20:16] Kennedy would now like to introduce the represented faculty members [00:20:47] The faculty members that are present, volunteered for this assignment [00:21:21] He then introduces each faculty member and the college they represent [00:23:56] Kennedy interrupts himself by telling an anecdote about one of the faculty members [00:25:04] He then resumes with the faculty introductions [00:25:54] Kennedy asks about the time schedule for refreshments [00:26:03] He asks if anyone has anyone questions [00:26:50] Dr. Lawson reminds the audience that there are special tours [00:28:00] Kennedy says everyone can now gather to the patio and enjoy the refreshments [00:28:40] Classical music begins playing

[00:00:02] A recording plays over talking about young minds and dreamers [00:00:19] A speaker tells the faculty that they have already taken the dare [00:01:06] Students from all over the world have traveled to Cal Poly's campus [00:01:18] 5,000 young minds will come to campus and come in contact with them looking for what they will supply [00:01:59] The speaker adds that some faculty have taught for years, and says you are never truly ready [00:02:27] They are here to refresh their understanding of why they are at Cal Poly [00:02:33] Another speaker talks about the hardships of being a faculty member [00:03:21] The first speaker highlights that they are all "old-timers," so it's not entirely new information [00:04:06] The second speaker then concludes that they wouldn't be anywhere else [00:04:23] Most people probably stick around due to the year round climate, beach, or mountains [00:04:37] People might sick around due to the activities: fishing or hunting [00:05:06] However, the first speaker underscores the real problem is finding a house to settle down in San Luis Obispo [00:05:36] The second speaker highlights that no one really understand Cal Poly until they've been there awhile [00:06:07] The faculty enjoys their field and they stay for the young people [00:06:17] It is presented that teachers want to teach, that's why they are teaching [00:06:30] Teaching at Cal Poly is different, the students are taught the Cal Poly way [00:07:35] The Cal Poly community are doers, showers, as well as fighters and scrapers for what they believe [00:07:50] The second speaker mentions that, that is why Cal Poly has grown so rapidly [00:07:59] Cal Poly is the largest undergraduate school for Agriculture and the second for Engineering [00:08:54] All the faculty comes together to fight hard for Cal Poly [00:09:07] The first speaker underlines that Cal Poly is more like a family, including students, faculty and staff [00:09:56] The second speaker talks about the importance of helping the students [00:10:07] Cal Poly is not old enough to accept mostly "legacies," since it is only 20 years old [00:10:39] The students, instructor relationship is the most important [00:10:58] Two, distinctive terms that are Cal Poly's successful philosophies are: Learn by Doing and The Upside Down Curriculum [00:12:54] The importance of student, instructor relationships is reiterated [00:12:57] The same kind of training that started the development of the Pomona campus [00:13:12] Cal Poly is the only regionally designate state college [00:13:40] The campus is outside city limits, but it produces 7 million dollars per year [00:13:57] It also has its own police and firefighter department with its own hospital [00:14:22] It also has its own transportation system with the largest car and bus pool for state colleges [00:14:57] El Mustang is a self supporting poly project that is both a public and printed newspaper created by students [00:15:55] The Cal Poly handbook and catalog are resources for the faculty [00:17:49] Cal poly is a college that has its "sleeves rolled up" [00:18:18] Organizations on campus will probably exceed eighty [00:18:58] The student activities office is set up to guide students [00:19:05] The college health center is also ready to help students [00:19:59] The counseling center is prepared to help students with any problems [00:21:45] The supplying of the facilities is also a challenge to accommodate due to Cal Poly know being a meeting place [00:23:19] The students, faculty, etc. are all apart of what makes Cal Poly's Product, which stems from the atmosphere on campus [00:23:37] Other distinguished victors have talked highly of Cal Poly while visiting [00:24:44] Singing concludes the talk

[00:00:01] President McPhee greets the students, faculty, and guests [00:01:24] He speaks to his experiences as an undergraduate [00:01:57] He tells the students he is extremely proud of them [00:02:43] Cal Poly students know what they want to accomplish [00:03:51] He asks the students to consider the question, 'Why are you here?' [00:04:00] He then gives several reasons as to why they would want to be at Cal Poly [00:05:01] He hopes that all the incoming students will enjoy Cal Poly and become supporters [00:05:33] He likes to have these convocations to get in contact with the students and faculty [00:06:21] He encourages the freshman to stick it out for a couple of weeks to get acquainted with the campus [00:06:47] Many students went to the War and came back to Cal Poly instead of going home [00:07:08] Some students stay 7-9 years before graduating because they love Cal Poly that much [00:07:34] He encourages students and faculty to allows smile because that is what makes Cal Poly a friendly campus [00:08:10] Cal Poly Alumni still remember McPhee's convocations and the rules he stated [00:08:28] He wants students to address any issues with the rules and explains how they can change them [00:09:06] When McPhee came to Cal Poly in 1933, there was only one campus with 125 students [00:09:24] In 1964, Cal Poly is now represented by three campuses [00:11:40] He explains that the faculty are going worldwide to get in contact with other programs [00:12:57] Cal Poly was established as a polytechnic college to tailor them for specific occupations [00:13:50] He explains the 'Learn by Doing' standard and how that relates to the 'Upside Down' curriculum [00:14:12] He describes the importance and uniqueness of the relationship students and faculty have [00:14:30] The Cal Poly plan adds the 'know how' to the 'know why' [00:15:50] McPhee asks, 'What is a good citizen?' [00:16:19] As citizens, we should care about the social and economical issues [00:16:59] McPhee encourages the students to participate and get involved in clubs and the community [00:18:18] Cal Poly students are the future [00:20:54] He says that Cal Poly's training for citizenship has been one of the first Cal Poly objectives [00:22:12] McPhee says its important to be good leaders, but to also be able to follow good leadership [00:22:45] He stresses the importance of writing out reports properly for employers [00:23:00] Cal Poly strives to have the best teachers in the faculty staff [00:24:15] He states the importance of respecting others [00:26:08] He discusses the facility work that is occurring on campus [00:26:57] He is hopeful that the student union will be finished [00:27:14] He wants students to keep in mind the importance of perseverance and the use of their time [00:28:34] McPhee closes with his best wishes for a happy and successful year

[00:00:01] The Speaker open the Commencement with a prayer [00:00:28] Another Speaker begins a speech for the Class of 1955 [00:01:48] He pinpoints the importance of education and their future roles in society [00:03:27] He speaks for the Class of 1955 and thanks Cal Poly for the influential experiences [00:03:45] A third speaker presents the senior class gift: remodeling the student union [00:04:19] He presents a check to President McPhee [00:04:29] McPhee thanks the Class of 1955 [00:04:56] He introduces Reece Taylor as the guest speaker and honored guest [00:06:10] Reece Taylor begins his speech [00:06:36] In his speech, he wants to target the economic aspects of life [00:07:57] The mark of progress and opportunity is everywhere around us [00:08:45] In order for this to happen, you have to take the big chance instead of settling [00:09:47] He has discussed this subject with several industries [00:10:02] He then explains the security mindset [00:11:10] None of these securities are possible unless somebody earns them [00:12:53] He makes a joke about the train passing by [00:14:02] Those cannot be or do great without a sort of willingness [00:14:35] He expresses his concern about security in different scenarios [00:16:05] He also give examples of the people who took chances and did not settle [00:16:33] He expresses that each individual was given a special, economic opportunity [00:16:51] Life always has a greater reward for the optimist than it does for the pessimist [00:18:36] He gives Henry Ford as a prime example of this perspective [00:19:16] He continues to give examples for the importance of optimism [00:20:17] Opportunity is shaped in the eye of the beholder [00:20:35] As young individuals, it is your job to keep the dream of America alive [00:20:47] He concludes his speech [00:20:48] The audience applauses [00:21:00] The choir begins to sing their first piece [00:22:21] They conclude the first piece [00:22:22] The audience applauses [00:22:38] The choir begins to perform their second piece [00:25:05] They conclude the second piece [00:25:06] The audience applauses [00:25:23] The choir begins to perform their third piece [00:27:07] They conclude the third piece [00:27:08] The audience applauses [00:27:18] McPhee thanks and honors another speaker, regarding an agriculture degree [00:29:31] This honorary speaker thanks Cal Poly for this specialized degree in agriculture [00:30:00] The audience applauses [00:30:44] The Class of 1955 has the the first group for candidates of commission in the United States Army [00:31:33] The candidates begin the oath for initiation [00:33:05] The audience applauses [00:33:33] The head of the Army department welcomes and commends the candidates [00:33:49] 391 students of the class of 1955 completed all satisfactory requirements for graduation [00:34:32] 27 students are candidates for the Masters of Arts degree in education [00:34:41] Of the 342 Bachelor of Science graduates, 185 are in agriculture [00:35:00] An airplane flying overhead, interrupts the commencement speech [00:36:58] The speaker repeats his statements said before [00:37:10] Of the 342 Bachelor of Science graduates, 126 are in engineering and 31 in liberal arts division [00:37:52] 39 members are graduating with honors [00:38:05] Members of the Class of 1955 are coming from 160 different California cities, 25 different states, and 11 foreign countries [00:38:34] 132 graduates are veterans [00:39:48] The speaker presents the graduating Class of 1955 [00:39:50] The audience applauses [00:40:42] At this time, McPhee announces he will begin giving out diplomas [00:40:55] A prayer conducts for the graduating class [00:41:25] The band begins playing, ending the ceremony

[00:00:00] Recording begins in the middle of the opening benediction prayer [00:00:41] Student representatives talks about the role that McPhee played as President of Cal Poly [00:01:04] Student praises McPhee's leadership and high goals that helped to build Cal Poly from 300 students to over 8,000 [00:01:56] Student brings up the funding that was set aside by McPhee to build the Student Union on campus [00:03:24] Student introduces the Executive Vice Chancellor of the California State Colleges, Dr. Raymond A. Rydell [00:04:09] Rydell talks about the legacy of McPhee as the President of Cal Poly [00:04:36] Rydell talks about the magnitude of the ideas, plans, and successes held by McPhee [00:05:55] Rydell details McPhee's defense of the students and faculty of Cal Poly [00:06:53] President Kennedy begins to speak on the purpose of being [00:07:58] Kennedy states that McPhee lived for the dedication to service to others [00:09:05] Kennedy talks about McPhee's tremendous faith in work and its balance with play [00:10:10] Kennedy talks about McPhee taking pleasure from being with his family and interacting with students [00:11:05] Kennedy says that McPhee used his strength and leadership skills practically to achieve his goals for the educational system [00:12:48] Kennedy talks about McPhee's appetite for accurate information in order to make wise decisions and his willingness to continue learning [00:14:18] Kennedy concedes that far more could be said about McPhee's accomplishments that what has been said in this memorial [00:15:06] The prayer of benediction begins

[00:00:10] McPhee says that the State of California recognizes those who have been employed in state service for 25 years [00:01:06] McPhee calls up the three recipients Spelman Collins, Robert Kennedy, Paul Winter to receive their awards [00:01:29] McPhee remembers when he first recruited these employees to work at Cal Poly [00:03:34] McPhee begins his speech with a joke about how long he has had to prepare the speech [00:04:32] McPhee says he doesn't intend to give a sermon and would rather talk with the audience as colleagues [00:04:45] McPhee talks about the busy schedule he has had to follow lately [00:05:10] McPhee talks about the speakers who spoke about him at the State College banquet in which he and Glen Kendall were honored [00:06:56] McPhee jokes about all of the banquets and events he has had to attend so he hasn't been able to prepare to move [00:07:30] McPhee begins reminisces about the staff club before he retires [00:07:44] McPhee talks about his faculty experiences beginning in 1933 dealing with funding shortages [00:08:45] McPhee says in those days you could differentiate between faculty and staff because everyone had so many different duties and responsibilities [00:09:40] McPhee states how close that group of faculty and staff was through their work and social activities [00:10:10] McPhee remembers a variety of fun games, shows, and entertainment the staff club use to have [00:12:00] McPhee admits that he had not been around Cal Poly much recently because of his other statewide responsibilities on different campuses [00:13:00] McPhee talks about the struggle of gaining students and having a tight budget which made the staff full of energy and spirit [00:14:46] McPhee proudly says that this spirit exists on the Kellog campus and the Bores campus, too [00:15:30] McPhee says the important thing is that this spirit of friendliness and happiness is instilled onto the students that go out into the world [00:17:01] McPhee talks about reminiscing about the first time he taught a class at an old high school in Pomona in 1917 [00:18:47] McPhee says his only hope is that this same spirit will continue in future years [00:19:51] McPhee says that he would hate to see this kind of institution become spoiled and states that other faculty are impressed with the friendliness and service of the people of Cal Poly [00:20:49] McPhee says he does not want to stay around San Luis Obispo so as not to interfere with his successor or have other influences [00:21:10] McPhee talks about his plans to spend time with all of his relatives [00:22:02] McPhee thanks the audience and they applaud