by Lisa Marsh Ryerson President of Wells College 

Since its doors opened in 1948, Weld House has played a key role in defining the values and tone of the Wells community. This re-dedication of Weld represents no less than the beginning of a new era for Wells College. And it is a reminder that even our fondest and most enduring traditions require care and renewal. Everyone involved in this project has given a precious gift to future generations of Wells women.

We all know Weld House is far more than a pleasing architectural structure. This building represents personal relationships for generations of alumnae and the highest ideals of a liberal arts education: the realization of the vision of William Ernest Weld.

Looking back, it was very appropriate that this college home, which has so much character and such a strong identity, was named in honor of our beloved William Ernest Weld: the 8^th president of the college.

He is one of only three former presidents to have a campus building named in his memory. It is a monument raised in honor of his far-reaching contributions to American higher education. Let us make a pact today that as the inheritors of his legacy we will continue to carry on his work.

Dr. Weld served as our president from 1936-46. But his involvement with this institution began much earlier. He was a member of the board of trustees beginning in 1931. He gave the Commencement address in 1932 - the year his daughter, Helen, graduated.

Dr. Weld brought with him a distinguished reputation as a scholar, teacher, and administrator. And he was pleased to share that reputation in order to raise Wells’ academic stature. He was a professor of economics and dean of the arts college at the University of Rochester and also taught overseas. He received his bachelor’s degree from Wooster, his M.A. from Princeton, and his Ph.D. from Columbia.

To this day, the lore of the college is filled with tales of the Weld years when monumental, global events created both daunting challenges and limitless opportunities. During those uncertain times, the Welds encouraged a sense of family and community at the college. Faculty, staff, and students joined together for plays, athletic events, and bridge tournaments that are famous to this day.

When the Weld cornerstone was laid in 1948, Class President Mary (Mactaggart) Campbell presented remarks that were sealed in a time capsule. In this year when members of the Class of ‘48 are celebrating their half-century Reunion, we will take the class biography and put it in a time capsule to be placed with Mary Campbell’s remarks. I can think of no better record to leave for the future than this documentation of the lives of extraordinary women who were so much a part of this unforgettable era.

Weld Residence Hall in 1948 stood as a bridge between Wells’ successful formative years and the education boom of the post-war era. As we leave the post-war era behind us as well as the 20^th century, Weld will again serve as a bridge to a new era of prosperity.

Weld House was the first residence hall to offer inter-class housing. The building itself was viewed as a modern wonder when it first opened. It was also the first residence hall on the north side of campus. And its Greek Revival style is reflected in the design of subsequent campus buildings.

As is so evident today, Weld House has experienced a rebirth. We can again know the wonder and optimism that was so pervasive on a similar day 50 years ago. Weld will now be a home to new generations of students. These women, like their predecessors, can flourish in a homelike environment that offers support and comfort while they are engaged in serious pursuit of a liberal arts education.

The first floor now has two, state-of-the-art computer labs. And the entire building is cabled for access to information technology including e-mail and the Internet: the essential tools of the new scholarship.

Weld is now completely handicap accessible. The facilities have been remodeled. Heating, ventilation, water, and electrical services are renovated. The living spaces have been updated. And public spaces have been renovated and decorated. In these improvements we see the same attention to detail and quality which can found in other campus refurbishments that have resulted from the generosity of Pleasant Rowland ‘62. The former resident advisor’s suite is a guest room. And three student rooms have been named in honor of Dr. Weld and his family.

Still, this space resonates with the joy and accomplishments of the past. No one can pass through these halls without feeling the spirit of this place and finding inspiration. I welcome all of you to Weld House: a 21^st century wonder.

Now it is my great pleasure to introduce Shirley Schou Bacot ‘58 who is completing a very successful term as chair of the Wells College Board of Trustees. Among the many achievements that took place under her leadership were vast improvements in the physical appearance of the campus. The Weld renovation is a highlight which I know has great personal meaning to her.

Delivered Friday, May 29, 1998 outside Weld House on the Wells campus.