Auburn University - Glomerata Yearbook (Auburn, AL)

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Candlelight -the ceremony preceding a MRS degree Many students are well on their way to obtaining one of Auburn's most coveted degrees -the MRS. This is not your typical B.S. or B.A. degree. lt's actually a type of masters de- gree - you have to do some mastering to get one. There's no standing in line for this degree, and it doesn't have to be shared with thousands of others. For some students, it re- quires the art of subtle deception. Others can obtain it in a more straightforward manner. Also the time limit is variable. Some lucky lor maybe unluckyl students obtain it in less than a year. Others need four years, and still others never obtain one. There are many different approaches for obtaining this de- gree: 1. The follow-your-sweetheart-to-Auburn method 2. The get-yourself-in-trouble method 3. The wrap-around-your-little-finger method 4. The hold-as-many-as-you-can-at-one-time method 5. The set-me-up-with-a-blind-date method Of course, many of the methods are unsuitable for most cir- cumstances, but a wide variety leads to a higher matriculation rate. Students working on their MRS. can be found everywhere and in various stages. They are found intently studying each other in the library, Haley Center lounge, the concourse, and even War Eagle cafeteria. But probably the favorite spots for these diligent students are the quiet, off-the-beaten path kind of places. There are four basic stages which lead to the MRS., al- Students are making a decision to last a lifetime. A blind date? Maybe, she's not there. . , Betty Bledsoe and Bob Plaster are officially pinned. 26 lstudent life uv r an J

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George Bush garnered sup- port around Auburn. Neil Bush campaigns for his father on Auburn's campus. Political propaganda abounds on campus. ,gn Noe ERFURMA , . THE woEB50N P - M I Y. barbara v i-EMR A ' 'THE Tmmt gsigggeggucn D AN ERSO On the other hand, we continue to see tremendous debate between Democrat candidates, Senator Kennedy of Mas- sachusetts and President Jimmy Carter. After Kennedy's loss in the New Hampshire primary by 11 points, he saw that he must reverse his schedule. His campaign in New Hampshire had tried to counter the Chappaquiddick incident with televi- sion advertisements stressing his devotion to his family. How- ever, he is now approaching the inflation problem plaguing the United States. ln contrast to Kennedy's active personal in- volvement in his campaign, Carter has spent most of his time dealing with the lranian crisis and Afghanistan incident. Whatever the outcome of the elections brings in November, students at Auburn have had the opportunity to be exposed to a number of the candidates- mainly through representatives of the candidates speaking on campus. Through this kind of exposure, along with the many posters seen around campus, students can make better choices in their vote tor President of the United States. lEditor's note: As of March 9, 1980, John Connally withdrew from the presidential race.l student life 125

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though there are many variations. The blind-date or first date stage comes first. This is the most important phase, for what comes next is almost entirely dependent on the first date. Though this stage can be found anywhere, it is most easily observed in the freshman dorms. The later phases of being Iavaliered, pinned, and engaged are found mostly everywhere else. However, there are excep- tions. Some freshmen are in the engaged stage, whereas many upperclassmen are still going on blind dates. A special ceremony parallels the various stages. lt is optional and can be followed strictly, occasionally, or not at all. The only requirements are a quiet, dark room, a candle, matches, a group of girls, and a Iavaliered, pin- ned, or engaged girl. This ceremony, known as a candlelight, follows a basic format. The girls form a circle, begin singing to create an emotional and sentimental mood, and pass a lighted candle. The candle is passed from hand to hand with no one knowing whom to expect. Each time around the circle represents a different stage. lf the girl is Iavaliered, she will blow out the candle the first time she gets it. lf she is pinned, she blows it out on the second time around. The third time around signifies an engagement. The candlelight ceremony is unique and special to col- lege women. lt can be explained, but it can never be fully understood except by those who have participated. lt can best be described as the special ceremony leading to a MRS. degree. Krulien Fairey This student is not sure what to expect. She wasn't what he expected. I had a wonderful time! The third time around means an engagement for Marty Lou Foster. c. harris student life 127