The Chronicle - May the light shine on: Sanford leaves mark on Duke, North Carolina

EDITORIAL

In his 1961 inaugural address as the governor of North Carolina, Terry Sanford promised his constituents a "New Day" and a better way of life through education. From that point on, it became a philosophy reflected in Sanford's actions as well as his words.

But the words are only echoes now.

Terry Sanford has passed away after eight triumphant decades, leaving only the memories of his spirit and the fruits of his labor.

The University will remember Sanford as a president firmly committed to the establishment of a democratic institution. He served as a link between the small liberal arts college of the past and the expansive University community we have today; to a large degree, he was responsible for the University's development into one of the finest institutions of education in the country.

But he will also live in our hearts as "Uncle Terry"-a man who hosted student breakfasts in his office, who urged them to continue learning outside of the classroom, who lived his life to the fullest and taught everyone else to do the same.

The people of North Carolina will remember Sanford as a man with the ability to realize his own visions. During Sanford's term as governor, the state's public education funding nearly doubled. His administration built schools, paved roads and changed lives.

The South will remember Sanford as a man who stood out from his contemporaries and took a stand for civil rights. Undaunted by the activities of the Ku Klux Klan and the prevailing attitudes of the time, Sanford enrolled his own child in a desegregated school, an action almost unheard of in southern society.

The country will remember Sanford as a man who declared he was going to "turn this damn country around" through moral leadership. Occasionally, he garnered criticism for his actions; at other times, he was accused of inaction. But, through it all, Sanford remained calm and did what he thought was right.

There is no question that Sanford will be remembered and revered for his achievements and leadership-but the way in which we choose to honor him will become the true test of his legacy. Will we simply bask in the light he has cast on our lives, or will we strive to ensure that the light continues to grow brighter?

In remembering Sanford's life we must not forget the golden opportunities that lie within our own.

Those of us at this University are blessed with the freedom to learn, to grow and to speak out for what we believe-providing us with the chance to live up to the ideals exemplified by Sanford. By responding to his challenges, we can ensure that his legacy lives on.

© 1998 The Chronicle / Duke University  Used by permission.

Class on the Sanford Building Lawn
Class on the Sanford Building Lawn