“You have come here to engage in the challenging and stimulating study of medicine. From the medical institutions in our country, you have selected ours to become your Alma Mater. The motives, which impelled you individually to this choice, were no doubt diverse. Whatever may have influenced you, we indulge the fond hope that by reciprocal aid and action you may attain at least a degree of excellence in your studies, which will satisfy the most exacting critics.  Of the faculty, I feel safe in saying every member will take the keenest interest in your welfare and will ever strive to do all that is possible to make your progress satisfactory and rapid.  It certainly gratifies me to be able to say that you will find all of my colleagues worthy of your respect and confidence.”

Dr. John Milton Duff, From This Seed Our Glory, September 1886