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One
hundred years ago the first class of theological students graduated from
Concordia College. This took place on 12 December 1912 – the twelfth day of the
twelfth month – and the twelve graduates became known as the ‘Twelve Apostles.’
The occasion was momentous for these young men, a culmination of many years of
intensive study.
It was the custom for each class to adopt a Latin motto, and it was certainly fitting that this group chose a quote from the ancient Roman writer Horace: Nil nisi magno labore vita dedit mortalibus which can be translated as Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.
These words would have also have resonated with Director Graebner whose health was suffering from the strain of 8 years of overwork.[1] There is little doubt that this milestone occasion brought him great relief and joy. Because his substantial valedictory address at the graduation ceremony was delivered in Latin,[2] it is highly probable that many of Graebner’s sentiments were not fully understood by most of those attending!
It was the custom for each class to adopt a Latin motto, and it was certainly fitting that this group chose a quote from the ancient Roman writer Horace: Nil nisi magno labore vita dedit mortalibus which can be translated as Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.
These words would have also have resonated with Director Graebner whose health was suffering from the strain of 8 years of overwork.[1] There is little doubt that this milestone occasion brought him great relief and joy. Because his substantial valedictory address at the graduation ceremony was delivered in Latin,[2] it is highly probable that many of Graebner’s sentiments were not fully understood by most of those attending!
[1] In the following April, Graebner was granted rest and
recreation leave to return to America until the end of 1913.
