Duke University - Chanticleer Yearbook (Durham, NC)

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-Si tions was lifted, more subtle coercions were still available, yet the early exodus for home was increased. If only in a negative direction, the individual decision was registered collectively. Classes continued, and the individual was still responsible for what he chose to miss. The weighing of values and choices made, deliberately, or without thought — all found their ramiHcations on the tally sheet. The Honor System was again rejected by the vast majority ot classes, an honor system with the al- mo.st impossible stipulation of a neces- sary 100 ' acceptance in each class. Yet whatever the motives behind the negative votes, the student was still given the collective voice in determin- ing the possible direction ot such a Universit ' polic ' . What is the goal ot such changing directions within the University and extending beyond? Perhaps it is ulti- mately the hope of deserved distinction. In his choice of individual direction the student works toward success in his own terms. The sights are hopefully high, and results may often equal the goal. In a subtle process up through the 12

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ycr virall ' alive thrcL ' -hour discussion with a sL-minar ot hfc ' students, a class in whicii the problems ot other men and other places are seen as ulti- mateh ' one ' s own. Worlds literally far a a - and long ago are brought to bear on a dirterent time, a totally difiercnt place. And this is but one example of the renewed attempt to cross the bridge between administrator and stu- dent, one example of the integration of the University w ithin itself and be- yond itself. The establishment of the Forum continued this thrust in a renewed di- rection of stepping across the lines of university classification and the walls encircling the college world. The Board of Governors ot the Forum was comprised of members of the faculty, Trinity College, the Woman ' s College, the Engineering, Medical, and Law Schools. Interests and debate topics ranged university- and world- ' ide: the President ' s new house, the National Student Association, questions of South iet Nam and the recognition ot Red C hina. Even a visiting British debating team was asked to participate, bringing the struggle between Labor and Con- servative parties to first-hand light for those congregated on the West quad. On East, the outside world seeped in through the program of the visiting scholar in residence, initiated by Dean Ball. Dr. Julia Henderson, Director ot the United Nations Bureau ot Social Affairs, was first to undergo the har- ried rush from morning coffee, to luncheon, to afternoon coffee, to din- ner, to evening lecture. The pattern w as a familiar one in the college day, but the dialogue and meeting of the minds formed a new contact with a person intimately involved with the international scene. The problems of underdeveloped countries and the pos- sibilities of United Nations work for graduates were both explored by Dr. Henderson with the individual and the many groups on campus who met her. The casual coffee and dinner con- versation provided another nucleus dur- ing the year, this time for the new Faculty Associate programs in East dormitories. Again the lines were crossed between professor and student in another attempt to bridge the gap of real communication within the Uni- versity. As students took on the responsibility for initiating these new programs, they also found themselves given greater responsibilities in the realm of aca- demics. As the suspension-penalty tor cuttint; classes before and after vaca- 11

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ranks, the goals attained by the in- dividual arc finnlh- reflected by the attainments of the University. Dr. Knight has said, Much has been given us, and much will be expected. VV ' e dare not be satisfied, as a result, until we are a national force in every Held which legitimately concerns us. Wc have the skill for it; together we can find the means for it; and we must live up to the obligation of them both. Ironically, these words have become a marchbook motto, yet as such they are a constant reminder of the coordinated individual effort and the existence of a purpose beyond the self-sufficient uni- versity community. Thus the honors won by each student contribute to the distinction of the en- tire University. This year seven rising seniors won Duke scholarships, which are usually awarded for the coming year to the five in each class who have maintained the highest average the preceding year. For the first time there was a six-way tie of a straight 4.0 average. By the middle of the year over seventy seniors had been tapped into Phi Beta Kappa, and fifty-seven were chosen as members of Ulw ' s Who. In a different light, the University profited from the distinction of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Martin Luther King. Page Auditorium overflowed to the lawns outside, where speakers were set up, and the crowd gave a standing ovation to the man who has been so active behind the Civil Rights scene. Several letters were subsequent- ly written to Duke in protest to King, including one from an alumnus of 1949. Yet the tenor of campus thought had been registered by the reaction of the audience that afternoon in Page. This was one of the few times that Page had been completely filled in the past few years for an outside speaker. V hether from curiosity or support, the University community demonstrated its willingness to participate in this pro- gram sponsored by the Student Union. In other ways the element of par- ticipation gave an impetus to the grow- ing life of the University. Although Martin Luther King was cheered by a largely sympathetic crowd, the active agitation of the previous year seemed superseded by another Cause. In this 13