Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

Page 12 text:

In the early fall, the migration of students begins. Some are newcomers, while many are veterans, familiar with the give and take of college life. For these returning die-hards, college life is routine. But for the newcomers, in the beginning, there in confusion. Strange faces loom across the table, and unfamiliar voices bark terse answers to hesitant questions. Long, long lines seem never to begin and never to end. Tired feet carry tired minds back and forth along weary paths. Then suddenly one day, it all makes sense. Faces acquire names; long halls and endless stairways are no longer dreaded labyrinths but familiar passageways; sensitive hearts find themselves full of new joy to replace emptiness and longing ... for this is home. This is where we belong. Our roots spread and each day reach deeper into the rich, fertile soil of study and play. s

Page 11 text:

THIS IS FURMAN, 1963... In her many guises, in her future promise. We find her constant but flexible, warm, secure, self-reliant. We come to Furman seeking knowledge and wisdom. We live among books, spurred on by unexpected inspirations. We search for kindred minds, and in others we meet ourselves. In quiet retrospect and in gray disillusionment, In cheering throngs and babbling crowds, In the eyes of others, in our private thoughts. In all that is familiar, dear, treasured, We find the spirit of Furman. Furman is, to shallow minds, an empty name; To us, a Way of Life.

Page 13 text:

With the fall comes the changing of the green hillsides to mountains of dazzling yellows, blazing reds, somber browns. The crackling of leaves beneath loafers and boots heralds the coming of cold winds and drizzling rains. Bare trees stand stark and gloomy against the purple skies of dusk. Groups of laughing students stand huddled together in the crisp fall air, their breaths a gray vapor. This is football weather! Thousands crowd into the stadium armed with scarves, blankets, gloves, hot coffee. The air of gaiety and expectancy is contagious. Yet how quickly the mood of a crowd can change! The stadium rings with shouts of triumph and then suddenly echoes with disappointed groans. The expectant crowds come away thrilled with victory or despondent over loss. But Furman, though confident in victory, is proud still in times of defeat.