Heman Humphrey draft of commencement address, 1824
Description:
A draft, possibly written by Heman Humphrey, of the address to be given at the 1824 Commencement. The author bids the Senior Sophisters (the graduating class) to come forward and receive their testimonials. He goes on to pronounce that, in the name of the president, professors and trustees of the Collegiate Institution, he certifies that the graduates have completed the scientific and literary course provided in most respectable colleges of New England and so they are entitled to the honors, tokens, and privileges which are given to men of the same standing in such colleges. The author then discusses this solemn moment, the journey the students have undergone, and hopes for their futures. References to Christianity appear throughout the address. A note written on the last page of the document states "sketch of an address to the Senior Class on the day of Commencement 1824."
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In 1824 the Collegiate Institution of Amherst, later known as Amherst College, had not yet received charter from the state of Massachusetts and thus did not have the authority to confer degrees, instead testimonials were provided for graduates.