At the end of 1922, for the January 3rd edition of The Daily Sentinel., President A. W. Birdwell wrote the following article. It demonstrates in clear words the apprehension which he and others faced in the coming year; and yet, it also demonstrates his sense of purpose and determination, his incredible sense of mission, the clarity of his sympathy for students and education, and his understanding of town-gown relationships. No better words describe the sense of place and mission which SFA has had in East Texas. (JLJ)

The Daily Sentinel, January 3, 1923

NINETEEN TWENTY TWO - NINETEEN TWENTY THREE

Nineteen twenty-two has been a wonderful year. As a nation and as a people, we have been prosperous. Crops have been fine, prices have been good, and there has been everywhere a great revival in business. We are at peace with the world, and we have been spared pestilence and calamities.

We should therefore approach the new year, with all its uncertainties, with fortitude and courage. Optimism and buoyant hopes should reign universally.

To Nacogdoches and East Texas has come the partial fulfillment of "dreams long deferred." The Stephen F. Austin Normal College is assuming material form. The building is long underway, and should be teaming with students long before another new year comes. The plans call for one of the most imposing and most modern buildings in the entire state, and the construction is being done in a superb manner.

Named in honor of one of the builders of Texas, and situated on property formerly owned by another. In a community rich in history and tradition, surrounded by as beautiful a forest as can be found anywhere, this institution is destined to become the "Star of Hope" to thousands of young men and women. They will come from every hamlet in East Texas, and will carry back with them the wholesome, strengthening, constructive influence of cultured minds.

And their coming to Nacogdoches will bring many opportunities and many responsibilities. They must be nurtured and protected. We must see that they have the influence of a righteous and law-abiding community. They must be housed and their physical wants must be supplied. Not only their mental but their spiritual and social advancement must be assured.

There is much work for the college to do; there is more perhaps for the community to do. In all there should be the most sympathetic cooperation, and there should result from the doing of many tasks that lie ahead therefore a keen sense of comradeship. Every one can and should have a part, and "there will be glory enough to go around."

May I not, also, on this New Year's Day, sincerely thank the people of Nacogdoches for the cordial reception that has been extended to me and my family since our coming, and wish for each one the greatest measure of happiness and prosperity in the many tomorrow's to come?"

"Alton W. Birdwell"