Carnegie Mellon University - Thistle Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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Andy Gillnpit

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“Polar bear, polar bear,” bellowed a herd of counselors. So went the ritualistic chant of Carnegie Mellon’s Freshman Camp. Campers were dragged out of bed at six or seven o’clock each morning to swim at the lake, eat donuts, and drink coffee as the sun rose. The 430 campers participated in outdoor and indoor games, particularly a group sing in which teams made up lyrics to popular songs and sang them for the other campers. At night, campers could be seen dancing, laughing with (or at) a comedian, singing at a campfire, or horsing around on a hay ride. Many campers found solace in spending a night under the stars with newly made friends. The three day, two night stay at Camp Lutherlyn, located in Prospect, PA, was not all fun and games. Andy Phillips, this year’s Head Counselor of Freshman Camp, with the help of Student Affairs, worked long and hard to get Freshman Camp underway, as well as Freshman Orientation which included many of the same activities, including a welcome speech by President Dick Cyert, meetings with department heads, and relay races. Andy was with some friends at his home when he saw a pillow which his mother made with the quote “Roots to help them grow, Wings to help them fly’’ on it, a statement which would be an appropriate theme for a freshmen entering a new environment. Time and dedication on the part of Andy Phillips, Student Affairs, and many counselors made this year’s Freshman Camp and Orientation one of the best ever. One camper, reflecting on her experience, said “It was amazing at camp. I was sad to leave but knew that the best had only just begun. The friends I had made at Freshman Camp will last me for a lifetime!” When Freshman Camp came to a close, all the students and counselors bussed back to Carnegie Mellon where orientation had begun for those who did not attend camp. Andy Phillips thinks that Freshmen Orientation and Camp help provide freshmen with a social bonding that will last forever. “Roots to help them grow, and Wings to help them fly” is certainly an appropriate theme for nervous, post-high school students starting a new, exciting life at Carnegie Mellon. Campers take a dive in the Polar Rear lake as part of the cooling off process on this cold summer day at Camp Lutherlyn.

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ne of the most enjoyable of the traditions in the Carnegie Mellon campus is the annual Watermelon Bash. Sponsored by the IFC (Interfraternity Council), the event was held throughout the day on Saturday, September 5th. It gave freshmen their first real exposure to the fraternity experience. The fraternities provided plenty of food including, of course, a plethora of watermelons which were filled with a variety of liqueurs in order to enhance the party atmosphere. A variety of events added spice to the “Bash,” among them a live band which offered a diversity of musical styles for everyone to enjoy. In addition, mud and water slides were implemented for those who were willing to take the plunge. A break in tradition occurred this year, as the rope used in a tug-o-war was misplaced, causing the cancellation of the competition. However, several other games, including an epic game of 5 table quarters, invited those who were not preoccupied with the ritual driving of the proverbial porcelain bus, to actively participate in the festivities. Another gap in tradition occurred with the fact that the events on Saturday began the “pre-rush” period. In past years, Watermelon Bash had served as the kick-off for the fraternity rush. This year, rush began on September 14th allowing both freshmen and fraternities more opportunities to party together before the official dry rush began. Annie Golding, of Delta Delta Delta summed up the event as, “ ... a great opportunity for the greek and non-greek communities to get together and have a great time.” Watermelon Rash, isn't it? So we're watermelon—and plenty of it. Is that O.K.?!