The University of Rochester’s history is rich and long. This week I want to share a fabulous video. A condensed version of University of Rochester Vice President Paul Burgett’s lecture on the 160 year history of the University of Rochester. Click on the photograph below to see the video. Produced, shot and edited by Matthew Mann. Music by Nujazz Trio and Jasser Haj Youssef.
Meliora is a Latin adjective meaning “better”. It is the neuter plural (nominative or accusative) form of the adjective “melior, -or, -us”. It is the motto of the University of Rochester at Rochester, New York. In this context it is accusative and used substantively (i.e., as a noun) to mean “better things”, “always better”, “ever better”, or, more fully, “for the pursuit of the better”.
Another translation of the word, in which it would be pronounced with long o and a vowels, would be the second person singular imperative of the verb meliorare, “to improve (something)”. As such, Meliora would form a complete sentence: “Make [something] better!”
For the complete lecture go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgbveVaR1eo
College is about exploring yourself and making yourself better. The educational experience also changes the world. What a great motto for such a great school!