THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS THE PUBLIC ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HON. WILMOT MAX RAMSAY, SECRETARY OF THE HONORS PROGRAM, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT BOSTON, IN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING THE ANTI-FIORISM CAMPAIGN. PROFESSOR JAMES F. BRENNAN, HONORS PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND SHERRY H. PENNEY, CHANCELLOR.
THE OCCASION, ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1990, WAS SPONSORED BY STUDENTS UNITED AGAINST FIORISM, SUAF.
(POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE)
Being once perfected how to grant suits,
How to deny them, who to advance, and who
To trash for over-topping, new created
The creatures that were mine, I say, or changed them,
Or else new formed them; having both the key
Of officer and office, set all hearts in the state
To what tune pleased his ear; that now he was
The ivy which had hid my princely trunk,
And sucked my verdure out on it. Thou attendest not?
-- William Shakespeare's The Tempest, Act 1, Sc. 2.
Welcome to one and all, on this unprecedented occasion -- an anti-Fiorism Mass Rally.
Let me take this opportunity of apologising for the absence of my maternal grandmother, Selina C. Chambers and my mother, Gwendolyn Victoria Scotland Ramsay, who have both sent their best wishes and regards.
This turn out here, this evening, is a clear indication that no 'isms,' including FIORISM can win over humanism.
Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, fellow students, it warms my heart to see your lovely faces and gracing this occasion with your distinguished presence.
In recent times, we have had to contend with an out-break of 'furyism,' which tried without success, to parade itself within the perimeters of the Honors Program. The coup failed. From elsewhere, I have read: "Publish or Perish" but, here today, I will add: Produce or Be Damned. We as students have sent a clear message that we shall not be moved 'cause we are not going to let no one turn us around. Yes, we will continue to keep ourselves circumspect. Our campaign has been one of non-violence; and we would like to keep it that way.
From the evaluations of a UMass/Boston student, I glean, and I quote:
Spring 1990. Honors 238: Images Of Women In Italian Culture.
Yes, indeed. The course, due to its controversial and radical nature; its tenet of Chastity coupled with other veiled images, demanded confidence, faith and passion.
The course enabled me to express myself both orally and written. The Challenge, though highly emotional at times, was worth it! We learned a lesson. It was like a journey from hell, through purgatory, to paradise!
The professor, Fiora A. Bassanese, unfortunately, demonstrated dictatorial traits which on closer examination revealed certain entirely unfounded charges and resulting with her having to tender an "apology" which was accepted.
What terrible error of judgment! I do hope no other student will have to endure such horror. No 'isms,' including 'fiorism,' can win over humanism.
And, continues the student:
Honors 228: Mozart In Vienna.
Yes, the well organized course took us on a journey from Salzburg, Germany through Paris, France to Vienna, Austria with the musical child prodigy -- Wunderkind -- Amadeus Mozart being our focus and Prof. Robert "Bob" Spaethling, our guide. We learned of the political, social and cultural settings of 18th Century Europe.
Professor Robert Spaethling's patience and willingness to discuss related matters and issues, his understanding and his unselfish manner of sharing his immense knowledge of his subject matter must be lauded. He is an authority! Also, his role as chief mediator in another related Honors Program matter, following a literary melee, abated what was clearly poised to be a highly explosive situation. The Deputy Provost is a shrewd public servant!
What a pity, Mozart In Vienna, as a course, had to end! However, through the excellent teachings of Prof. Robert Spaethling, our 'Mozart in Massachusetts,' I am confident that the immortal Morzartian flame will continue to serve as an inspiration and a fountain of learning as we, of Honors Class 228, will henceforth endeavor to spread the good (news). Prof. Robert Spaethling has made a difference! His retirement from the Hall and Garden of Academia is going to create a void! His good teachings, however, will serve to strengthen us. Robert "Bob" Spaethling has greatly enhanced the cause of humanity [,] nationally and internationally.
Auf Wiedersehen, Prof. Robert H. Spaethling! ... Auf Wiedersehen.
Had the ruse to defraud the Secretary prevailed, it would have given credence to illegitimacy and if I might add, an illegal marriage of Italian and Psychology. The plan, however, failed terribly, leaving them in disgrace and shame. The idea and intent of such treachery was Evil. The Heavens were not satisfied with such a plan and plot; hence a revelation, preceded by inspiration, dreams, visions. ...
Ananias, where is your Sapphire? Haven't you seen that she has dragged you into Hell? What a shame! The Psychologist, who thought he was Prospero or Ariel, the son of Circe -- Dramatists Personae of Shakespeare's The Tempest -- has been duped and destroyed by the hands and tongues of his own accomplice au mal. Was it Art imitating Life or Life imitating Art? I trusted you. And you knew it. I even believed in you. It is for that reason, therefore, that we had to employ a political solution for a political problem. Your own words and deeds, over time, shall find you out.
At the 9th Chancellor's Scholarship Dinner Award (and) Presentation (on Thursday, October 19, 1989), Chancellor Sherry H. Penney of the University of Massachusetts at Boston, informed us thus:
After meeting these students I have a strong feeling (that) they will not rest on their laurels. ...
The primary purpose of our institution is learning. ...
Let me remind you that one of the most important results of your university learning is creativity of the mind. ... It is possible to follow a course by learning its subject matter as it is presented in the textbook and by the professor, and thus to know it and be able to pass the final examination with good grades. But this is not enough. If you study and learn in this fashion only, you will miss a great deal of intellectual activity.
You must test the facts for yourselves, explore beyond your textbook, pull the matter apart to examine it analytically, put it together in different relationships, defend the theories and attack them, question, discuss and reflect. In this way you will make new discoveries for yourselves -- will achieve new insights of your own.
... We are here (today) because we have much to celebrate. We celebrate you, your families and our university. ...
Work hard, drink the cup of education dry. Be proud ambassadors of UMass/Boston in the future.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow students, I am, therefore, pleased to announce that the following Honors Papers of mine, done here at UMass/Boston, in the Spring of 1990, will find rest among the reference collection at the Marco Brown Public Library in my hometown of Cambridge, Saint James, Jamaica. The Papers are: "A LOOK AT DANTE AND PETRARCA'S STYLES"; "BITCHES, WITCHES, ... CALL THEM WHAT YOU WILL"; "THE FLAME AND SPIRIT OF THE RENAISSANCE"; and "MACHIAVELLI AND FLORENCE"; all from Honors 238: Images Of Women In Italian Culture. And, my "MOZART: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON?" paper from Honors 228: Mozart In Vienna will also follow suit.
This is a Referendum. We call a referendum and we put the question to the people and we ask of the people to decide.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is my humble plea. Thank you for hearing me out. You have been an attentive audience. And, without your help we could not have accomplished so great a feat.
And as it is our quest and duty to love our country, let us henceforth, send a clear declaration and message saying: No 'isms,' including feminism, communism, liberalism, favoritism nor 'fiorism,' can win over humanism.
It is predicted to be a long and hot Summer, as best as you possibly can, don't get scorched from the heat, but try to protect yourselves. It was ... good to have been here. And, yes indeed, there is much which we have heard; there is much to be learned and there is much, much more for us to hear.
You be good now ... walk hand in hand and proclaim humanism from North to South (and) West to East. Thank you.
(END OF POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE).
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