Ball State University - Orient Yearbook (Muncie, IN)

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A ¥ Watermelon Bust normally may) fe o oe f se the end of the summer eR beginning ‘of fall. Spectator participants used the Bust as a Seat their last the year. --photo by Kim Ferrill ; Le a; by Bill Thornbro and Patty Light Rain, or in this year’s case, the threat of rain has become as much of a Watermelon Bust tradi- tion as the pre-Bust sexist accusa- tions and the post-Bust trash and litter. The history of the Delta Tau Delta Alpha Chi Omega spon- sored event is cursed with cloudy skies. Approximately 4,000 water- melon enthusiasts huddled, cuddl- ed, nudged, and chowed on the spaceous Delta Tau Delta lawn on Watermelon Bust September |3. They were there not only to celebrate the annual event, but also to renew old friendships and find new ones in this first weekend back from a long summer vacation. Over 700 melons became vic- tims of the fun and games which stretched from early afternoon to early evening. This year’s Bust crowd was again plagued by swarms of bees which were attracted to the sweet smell of the melons splattered on the lawn by both participants and spectators of the annual event. The stars of WISH-television’s P.M. Magazine in Indianapolis, Ball State alumni Kim Hood and Tom Cochran, served as co- masters of ceremonies for the 1980- 81 Bust. Muncie Mayor Alan Wilson and Ball State President Jerry Anderson made special guest appearances. It was even suggested that one way to improve relations between city government and student body would be to have the mayor organize city council members into [most a Watermelon Washout a team for next year’s Bust. When t he sun finally did break through the overcast skies temperatures were high and the day was hot. Certainly the weather didn’t bother the ten queen candidates who rode majestically in the pre- Bust parade in sparkling Chevrolet Corvettes. And Ball State’s Cardettes and rifle corp seemed comfortable enough. Few people enjoyed the day more than Carol Hagans, Green- field sophomore, and Nancy Ben-

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: conspired to make the incoming freshmen feel at home in the un- familiar surroundings of college. Beginning with the President's New Student and Parent Convoca- tion, the freshmen students were welcomed by President Jerry Ander- son. The talented Ball State Univer- sity Singers followed performing several numbers. Later that evening was the time for freshmen to meet with their SOC Leaders from sum- mer orientation. The SOC Leaders took down school addresses and gave out their own in case they needed to be contacted. They listen- Vance Balancing wood for his bed loft and carrying a refrigerator was a tricky As the moving begins to get tiring, Debbie Hughes and her sister Rhonda Tinker break the monotony with some comedy. --photo by William E. ed to problems, answered ques- tions, and provided a welcome, familiar face. In the residence halls ice-breaking activities were put into action to help familiarize the freshmen with their new “homes.” Hall meetings were held to explain regulations and hall policies, letting the new students know just what they could, or couldn’t get away with. For a more social note, the halls also presented skits and games to help break the first-night ice. While residence halls all over campus were filling up, flurries of challenge. --photo by William E. Vance moving activity were occurring in many houses surrounding the University as off-campus students began packing things in for another year. Into dwellings of all sizes and conditions, off-campus students brought in loads of the accumula- tions of previous school years as well as more practical necessities of life. Bringing extra loads of pots, pans, and furniture and other homey essentials was the price paid by those who wanted the in- dependence and responsibility of off-campus living. Many paid the price gladly for the opportunity to escape visiting hours, hall staffs, and dorm food. Julie Powanda, Birm- ingham, Michigan senior, was one who preferred to make some sacrifices in order to live off campus. “I like the privacy and the feeling of independence,” she said. “You have to depend on yourself to sur- vive.” Although many graduate from residence halls to off-campus living by their own choice, for approx- imately 1,500 freshman the choice was finding off-campus housing or not coming to Ball State at all. Even Although it was a long haul from the parking lot to Brayton Hall, Rhonda Tinker didn’t complain much. Over 1900 students moved into LaFollette using study lounges for housing and three to a room living arrangements, residence halls were simply filled to capacity. There was no room to squeeze any more in. Huntertown freshman Beth Berdelman was secretly looking for- ward to living in an off-campus apartment. “I thought I would enjoy living in my own apartment,” she said. “Actually it could get really lonely. | felt like I was missing out on something by not living in a dorm.” Fortunately it was well realized that living off-campus away from the main campus activity could be lone- ly. With that in mind special invita- tions were extended to off-campus freshman to attend hall discos and events. A disco was held for the off- campus students, and the Student Center Governing Board Activities Night was recommended for all new students who wanted to get involved so they could look over the various campus activities. Before the week was out, as students settled into new classes, new rooms, and new friendships, the element, missing from the sum- mer, was no longer absent. U Complex on September 7.--photo by William E. Vance EE Eee wail Moving In

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) chart, Bloomington sophomore, who finished first and second runners-up respectively in the queen contest. Hagans was spon- sored by Painter Hall and Nancy by Delta Gamma. But the day belonged: to Karen Roman, Westville junior, spon- sored by Delta Delta Delta. Roman, by virtue of her being one of the top ten finalists in the preceeding week’s penny vote, earned an interview for the final queen selection that Saturday morning. Roman earned the Watermelon Bust Queen crown that afternoon. In the field of athletic endeavor, Wagner, Elliott and Menk Halls finished respectively in the men’s hall division of the Watermelon Bust. Crosley Hall’s first team won the women’s division and Alpha Omicron Pi took the sorority honors. The fraternity division was won by Sigma Phi Epsilon, team two. Following them were Sigma Phi Epsilon Unicorns and Theta Chi continued Many different forms were used in an attempt to toss the watermelon. A member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority uses the underhand toss to establish distance during the Bust.--photo by Kim Ferrill Se ae Special events give students, especially those in theater, a chance to don costumes and make-up for a crowd. Jay Masters, Anderson sophomore, wears a clown costume at Watermelon Bust, which took place on the lawn of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. --photo by Kim Ferrill After the year long planning, some members of Delta Tau Delta and Alpha Chi Omega got a chance to sit back and take a well-deserved rest. But only during the actual day of the Bust. Planning began the very next day for 1981 Bust. --photo by Kim Ferrill Watermelon Bust