Duke University - Chanticleer Yearbook (Durham, NC)

Page 17 text:

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Martin Luther King was cheered by a largely sympathetic crowd, the active agitation of the previous year seemed superseded by another Cause.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

Page 16 text:

-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

Page 18 text:

year of the national elections. Gold- water buttons interspersed among John- son-Humphrey ones seemed to replace the black and «hite Freedom Now buttons over the campus. Literature was distributed by the Duke Young Republicans Club and College Students for Johnson-Hum- phrey, and applications for voters registration found their wiv to desks and doors. As election date grew closer, the West Information Desk re- ceived varied requests for a notary public ' s signature on absentee ballots from wallet-size to map-size. Buses were filled to hear Johnson speak in Raleigh, and the Beanbirds arose at dawn to welcome Lady Bird to the area. In the ZBT mock election, out of 1745 votes cast, Johnson led 988-757, with 56.7% of the overall vote. Of these. West Campus went 52% for Gold- water, but the East Campus, graduate, and faculty votes swung the balance to Johnson. Besides the poll, the Chronicle and the Lorum presented both sides of the issue, and equal time and space was a University policy as well as a national one. On East Campus, WSGA sponsored a three-day seminar on the Presidency, with Dr. Robert S. Rankin, political science professor and member of the U. S. Civil Rights Commission, head- ing the speakers. Problems of the presi- dential succession, and party as well as national demands on the President were faced in the academic arena this time. As political interest extended into the national field ot concentration. 14