Kilgore College - Ranger Yearbook (Kilgore, TX)

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 Bobby M«yn»rd 0 V Pjyn Soony 8ob »»ico A. J. SmtMey Opposite page, top- Kilgore College Students pledging for various organizations had to dress in all sorts of strange costumes and parade around the gymnasium floor after an ‘84 football pep rally. This paRt. left- Crew cuts and bow ties were the hip thing for non-square KC students pictured in a 1955 ycarbook.Thls page, bottom-Therc are many activities and events in which KC students can participate. Here, two contestants spar in a Saturday Karate tournament held in the KC physical education complex.

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The 50S Classes of crew-cut boys and poodle-skirted young women grew each year during the next decade. Enrollment during the 1950s increased about 10 percent each year under the presidency of Dr. Cruce Stark, and physical expansion of the campus in brick and concrete was amazing. And even more amazing, the student center, administration building, and two dormitories were funded completely through revenue with no help from the state! A new music featuring hard strumming, hip shaking, pounding rhythm known as Rock and Roll blared over car radios and from jukes in soda shops. New idols such as James Dean, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly drove the young female “bobbie socksers” into squealing frenzies at their performances. On the KC campus a variety of activities were available including trips and bowl games, beauty contests, talent shows, hula hoops, sock hops, and hot rods.

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During the 60s everything happened! A street philosopher once said, “It was a time of gaudy excess in all things.” Much was being discovered and experienced. Rock music (the roll seems to have rolled on) grew and so did Kilgore College. A new president, Dr. Randolph C. Watson led the school through an unprecedented expansion. As one person remarked, “he went out and found the money.” “Education is big business,” Dr. Watson exclaimed. He believed that Kilgore College had to acquire an image as being the best two-year academic program and develop the most powerful technical vocational departments in the state or even the nation. During the 60s decade new programs such as police science, nursing and cosmetology were added. Students could participate in a wide range of clubs, dances, SUB parties and other activities. Various organizations were making names for themselves. The Rangers captured five Texas Junior College Championships. The Rangerettes and Ranger Band became international stars and good will ambassadors with their many performances such as the Macy’s New York Thanksgiving Day Parade in three consecutive years. They also toured Vcnzuela and went behind the iron curtin The 60S