Worcester State University - Oak Leaf Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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rcss Each year it is the tradition of the Senior Class to plant an ivy to adorn the college campus. To- day this budding ivy is planted with the firm belief that it will remain a living memorial to the Class of 1950. We shall place its roots deep and firm so that it may withstand any storm or hardship. Those who follow in our footsteps will watch it grow straight and ever upward. Let it parallel the years we have spent within the hallowed walls of our beloved college; the years that were spent honestly and industriously; the years in which we laughed, cried, studied, and played; the years of many suc- cesses and some failures. This ivy, we hope, will be a living remembrance to the sacrifices made by our parents and wives, without whose aid, encouragement, and devotion we would not be standing here today. Let this ivy also be a testimonial to the faculty, who willingly matched our time and energy with theirs, in order that we might succeed. Today, the Senior Class plants this ivy with the hope that its members will, like the ivy, climb steadily upwards and flourish in the years to come. Dona d P. Wilson JAMES J. MOONEY, JR. LAWRENCE PAUL ROY KARYN ANN ROY ANN MARIE ROY WILLIAM T. BRANDLI DANIEL A. MOONEY JOSEPH and SUSAN CARNAZZA CHARLES PETER BANIUKIEWICZ, JR. ELAINE L. BRANDLI

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Capable and poised, tactful and sympathetic, Barbara’s sincerity is always appreciated. Her quiet enthusiasm is reflected in the enduring appeal of those dark eyes! If you w’ant things done artistically, just ask “Hank.” Generous, energetic, carefree, and siriiling, we like him!

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Each day, in the course of time, becomes a yesterday. When a group of yesterdays accumulates, a past is formed. It is from this past that we, the Senior Class of 1950, stand well equipped with knowledge, at the threshold of a great achievement in our lives. Let us refresh our memories by looking back to our first associations with this institution for learning, and review the rich past from which we have gained valuable experiences. Four years ago a shy, timid, anxious group of seventy- fve students entered the college as freshmen. For some, it was the continuation of school; while for others, it was the beginning of a life free from militarism and regimentation. The September of 1946 was a history-making one for Wor- cester State Teachers College; for our class was the largest ever to be enrolled. There was a different atmosphere about the building due to the large enrollment of men stu- dents, mostly veterans who had just finished one campaign in life, and now endeavored to start another, different in nature, but just as vital in importance. We remember the initiation day and the cordiality that helped dispel any of the qualms that we may have had in setting foot on strange territory. After the Senior-Freshman Tea and the introduction to the faculty we felt that we were a valid part of the college. We vividly recall the class-day assembly when we were instructed by the upper-classmen to have the girls appear in pigtails and different colored socks, to have the boys wear T” shirts, and to have all freshmen bear placards bearing the inscription , I AM A HUMBLE FRESHMAN. We took the stage in our hands, determined to prove to the school and ourselves that we were the one and only class. Then came the first crisis — examinations! How we de- pended on each other, asking questions, looking up answers, consulting upper-classmen as to what type of final the pro- fessors gave. All this, and only to find out that it wasn ' t bad after all. In the September of 1947, we entered the building with the assurance that we were a necessary and, yes, an out- standing group. We felt that we had made a decided step forward in scholastic achievements. There was no more walking around the corridors in bewilderment, or wondering about the programs, or scrambling for the words to the College Hymn and College Song. We were SOPHOMORES! How good it felt to be called an upper-classman, to have the self-satisfied feeling when we could tell the freshmen how hard the road was ahead of them, trying to harrass them as we had been harrassed by the Sophomores and Juniors before us. In October, we presented the Sophomore-Freshman dance. Only then did we formally open our arms to the Freshmen, trying to give them a taste of college social life. When the day for the Sophomore assembly came, we again proved the might of our class. Remember the Magic Show ? How Swami showed his aptitude and talents in naming the tokens held up by his assistant! Then there was our first formal, the May Dance. Everyone looked very happy and so poised in the social amenities. It was an evening that will always be pleasantly remembered. To top off the second year, there was the picnic at Pelo- quin ' s Beach, and the farewell campus weiner roast for our class president, Walter Morley. Had we learned anything from the second year? Just ask any Senior any defini- tion or to explain any formula. The answer will be ample judgment. It was in our Junior year that the class members chose specialized fields of study; some deciding on elementary work, and others devoting attention to the secondary field. The Junior assembly was the crowning touch to class week. Remember the great notables that came from the Metropol- itan Opera and our great Poet Loureate who made a name for himself? In this year our Class Song came into being. Remember how quiet the hall was when we first sang it? After mid-year exams, the Elementaries found themselves in front of real classes trying to apply all the principles and methods of teaching that they had learned. Did you notice the miraculous change in them? The professional cloak of the teacher was donned overnight, and pupils ' smiles in- spired us on our ambitious way. After much consideration we decided on the type and style of class ring that we were to wear. The brilliance of its true-blue stone, against the gold background, will always be a symbol of the innumerable happy hours as well as the hard work done at the college. The Junior Prom was the most outstanding social event of the year. How hard we worked to make the gym beauti- ful! The choosing of our Queen was justified, for Queen Shirley Feingold was all of that and then some. Every Junior lass looked so beautiful that the male students were thankful that they did not have the task of choosing her. The married veterans had their wives on their arms, proudly making the introductions to chaperons as well as to their colleagues. Qur feeling of nostalgia for the Junior year is understand- able for it was so full of events and happy memories. Through our experiences, we acquired the leadership necessary to conduct our future teaching. June, 1949, saw us a little more self-sufficient and a little better satisfied with our accorriplishments. At last the day we had long awaited arrived. We were SENIQRS! The Secondaries took leave for their apprentice- ship and for half a year the Elementaries upheld the dignity and respect befitting Seniors. This was the year we were supposed to coast, remember? After all, we re Seniors now! Remember the mid-year exams and the finals? We lived through them, and may it be known that many of us came out sadder and wiser. As college Seniors, with our newly acquired dignity, we had a better conception of what was expected of us and a full realization of what being a teacher means. Therefore, the donning of our caps and gowns was a meaningful ex- perience to us. The married men were a little prouder that day for they displayed their interesting and darling progeny for all to admire. The children, when on the stage, reflected the training of their scholarly fathers, but we suspect that they were more impressed by the sweets at the tea that fol- lowed the exercises. The next few months passed. Some thought they literally flew; others thought they would never pass. Finally, Com- mencement Week has arrived. With a wistful feeling of happiness, we greet our faculty, parents, wives, relatives, and friends, and are happy to have them share our festiv- ities with us, mindful of the help and inspiration they have given us. I believe all of us feel a confidence in our ability to put into practice the fine principles and standards we have re- ceived in our four years of preparation at Worcester State Teachers College. Qur lives have been enriched, and new vistas have been opened that might otherwise have remained always closed. Qur names will soon be added to the list of worthy grad- uates who have gone before us. With them, let us remain forever loyal to the traditions of our college and keep alive a permanent interest in its progress and welfare. May each member of the Class of 1950 find happiness and success in his new endeavors and reflect glory on those who have inspired him. Charles Baniukiewicz