Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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and dignity of SENIORS! The full im- portance of this new station in life came to us when, on Cap and Gown Day, we marched into chapel to the accompaniment of Pomp and Circumstance. The burdens of preparation for Open House and Alumni Weekend fell upon our shoulders and we carried them success- fully. Continually we were faced with problems demanding judgment and re- sponsibility, and we were quick to perceive the wonderful benefits procured therefrom. In philosophy class we came to realize the small but vital part we were to play as teachers. Interviews with super- intendents worried and intrigued us all, and before graduation many had already signed contracts. Our professional training was furth- ered by our off-campus training in the public schools. The personal value to each of us is something which can never be measured. We grew in strength of charac- ter, wisdom, and understanding. The majority of student organiza- tions were presided over by members of the senior class, who proved themselves capable, efficient, and inspiring workers. As a group we launched the traditional sale of Christmas cards. Noon-times and after classes we found representatives displaying a wide assortment of greeting cards and other holiday supplies in the Rotunda. As reaffirmation of our faith in Mildred Duggan, we had once more elected her to the class presidency. She was cap- ably assisted by Louise Payne as vice president, Mary Cronin as secretary, and Anna Gibbs as treasurer. Under their leadership, we held frequent meetings to plan the details of graduation. There were so many things to occupy our minds out- side of classes, that we often wondered if we would ever have time to do all the things we wanted to accomplish. Endless hours were consumed in discussions of the picnic, the banquet, baccalaureate, and graduation luncheon. We adjusted caps and gowns, concentrated on term papers, hurried to and from classes and then stopped long enough to notice that the pages of the calendar had rapidly fallen away. It was with a deep sense of gratitude for all she had done that on June sixth in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-eight we bade farewell to Bridgewater Teachers College. Our feelings were mixed with sorrow and joy — sorrow because we had reached the end of four wonderful and valuable years, joy because we had now attained that distant goal where we would have an opportunity to put to practical use the harvest of four years ' toil. The years are gone, but the memories we shared will always be ours. They are for each of us to cherish in his own way. (21

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us that September was the increased enroll- ment of male students. We had been primarily a women ' s college for so long! The waiting lists were crowded with the names of hopeful ex-G.I. ' s. That old bogey, Training School, was now uppermost in our thoughts. Ex- pectant of every fear known to man, each division solemnly entered upon eight weeks ' practice teaching under the able guidance of the faculty. At the end of that period, we emerged having encountered the pre- scribed number of pitfalls as more mature individuals, fully appreciative of the great task which lay ahead. Varsity sports at Bridgewater once more came into prominence, and the men received the enthusiastic support of their fellow students. Social life gained impetus; and the juniors, not to be outdone, experi- mented with an off-campus formal in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hotel Kenmore in Boston. Formerly all dances had been held in the gym. This new idaa was eager- ly accepted by the student body as evi- denced by the large attendance. The biennial Gym Jam took place in spring. It was then that we realized the physical and emotional benefits derived 20 from active participation in sports during the year. The junior class was rightly proud of the girls who so expertly demon- strated their skill in tennis, modern dance, basketball, tap dancing, apparatus and tumbling, and a wide variety of other activities. Mildred Duggan headed our class this year and in her absence we were led by Mary Ruth Sullivan. Phyllis Jones was kept busy with the secretarial work at the frequent class meetings, while Ruth Mori- arty handled the treasury department. The Kernel Korn Radio Revue was de- cided upon as our class project, and when the program was presented in the spring every member of the class took an active part. We became more fully conscious of the extreme importance of class spirit. It was this fine sense of loyalty and co-opera- tion which underlay the success of all our ventures. After three long years, we took our places in the daisy chain at graduation. Our minds were troubled with thoughts of finals, yet we took time out to reflect upon the difference the years had made. But a few months more and we would be in the places now occupied by the seniors. It was inconceivable! Not even the excitement which accompanied the realization of our elevated status could quell the sense of loss we felt as we watched the Class of ' 47 assembled for the final ceremo ny of their college life. September, 1947. The enviable prestige of seniors was at last ours. No more did we hold doors for upperclassmen. No longer did we arise upon the arrival of fellow tablemates. We, the wide-eyed, motley crew of ' 44 had attained the rank

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Dorothy Q. Adams Social Studies Witty, dependable, artistic HORTENSE E. ARCHAMBAULT English Capable, staunch, loyal Hester M. Barnes Ki ndergar ten-Prim ary Petite, efficient, demure Richard A. Belcher Social Studies Energetic, suave, assured Frances S. Burbank. Elementary Spontaneous, energetic, unaffected