Manhattan College - Manhattanite Yearbook (Riverdale, NY)

Page 230 text:

Don Murphy and the boy5elreland's finest. Rhode Island CIub-all present and accounted for.' For many years the rolls of the graduates of Manhattan College have included the names of many men who were not natives of the metropolitan area or even of New York State, In this group, small but significant in the history of the college, it would be readily apparent, were statistics to be compiled, that a surprising number of these outlanders come from the not-too-distant environs of the smallest state of the Union, Rhode Island. Products, for the most part, of the Christian Brothersl High School system in Rhode Island, these men formed together in their nine month home away from home into a homogeneous organization, thereby emphasizing and strengthening their identity through solidarity. It is in the spirit of cooperation that real unity is achieved. This society, although its members are from the same state, I No man will dare deny that on the 17th of March Erin is transplanted to New York City, but the members of the I.C.S. feel much subdued if they can't reenact the scene on the other three hundred days of the year. Of course, they march up the avenue in their greenery only on the beloved seventeenth, but their activity could never be confined to these few twenty four hours. Throughout the rest of the year, the I.C.S. furthers the spirit of the Etnerald lsle and the sons of the old sod on our campus. One of the high spots of the year, as far as they and many of their campus cohorts are concerned, is their annual dance at Croke Park, the Mecca of every Irishman in the metropolitan area. The memory of the fineness of this attair is hardly fading when the annual Irish Night comes into view, iust a few days before the Day of the Great Saint. Have the Irish a culture of their own? Are their songs, their dances, their poetry equal to countries with a more well-known popular culture? You can bet a pound of peat they do, and the boys and girls who take part in this extravaganza will let you know in no uncertain terms. But the crowning glory of the I.C.S. comes on the 17th of March when they go strolling down the green line of Fifth Avenue, shillelaghs swinging and derbies tipping to the colleens who line the curbs, followed by a host of Irishmen, real and honorary, who take part in the annual celebration of the feast of the saint of a great and loveable country. rhode island club is united by stronger ties than sectionalism. it is in their bond as Catholic Students at Manhattan College that they achieve unity. They are able to serve their home towns and their state by their knowledge of common problems that must be corrected. In this endeavor they are aided by common interests and motivated by those Catholic principles that they have received at Manhattan College. At the annual Catechist Field Day its members serve in various capacities as well as distribute lunches and awards. This spirit of Catholic Action is typical of the various services performed by the members. The society is looking forward toward an increased program of activities in the following year and will be aided by their moderator.

Page 229 text:

Members of the Blood Bank discuss the possibility of getting 400 pints this time. blood bank Very few campus organizations can capture the attention and interest of the entire student body. Many groups strive toward this end, aware that it is the purpose ofr student organizations to benefit the college by betterment of its students. On two special days, one in the chiily days in the fall, and the other in the bright season of early spring, the attention of the entire college is focused on such a group. One might expect the entertainment to be spectacular, the benefits many, or the compensation plentiful for an organiza- tion to so commandeer the spotlight. Conversely, the enter- tainment is slightly painful, the benefits intangible, and the compensation, not of this world, for the Manhattan College Blood Bank lays down as its first principle the Christian virtue of Charity. It was this same principle which inspired Manhattan men of 1949 to form a medium whereby the College might aid in satisfying the great need for plasma. Today, seven years later, the blood donated stands at some five thousand pints. The Blood Bank is literally a bank, oftering the most sound security to investors. Its function is to receive the plasma from all persons connected with the College and in turn cater to their needs. Any member or his relatives are entitled to use the services of the bank at no expense. The organiza- tion will furnish as many pints of blood as are necessary to insure the safety of the beneficiary. JV You are right, there is blood in your veins. It tickles. i

Page 231 text:

Founded expressly for Manhattan men originating from the Albany area, the Capital District Club was reorganized in 1953 by Tom Whalen and Joseph Prezio. This group, after having been inactive for several years, was given the momen- tum it needed to reactivate it by these two men. With a revised constitution, the organization immediately set upon a planned system of campus and outside activities. In keeping with the purpose of the Club... to stimulate interests and cultivate friendship of those students at Mon- hattan College from Albany, Troy, Watervliet and the surrounding area the club has held many affairs since its reorganization. The Capital District club taking things sitting down. Prominent among its annual functions are the Thanksgiving and Christmas Dances held in the Albany area and a Com- munion Breakfast at the college. The highlight of the club's social activity during the year is the Easter Dance held at the exclusive Albany Country Club, in cooperation with the Albany Alumni Association. This extensive plan of activity has been maintained during the past year under the able leadership of president Jim O'Brien, veep Dick Lewis, secre- tary Don Bean and treasurer Harry Allen. With the addition of a new moderator, Brother Luke, also a native of the capital district, the club can be expected to continue in even better fashion than has been customary in the post. But,'Horry, it's easier this way. ski club Each year at the first serious dipping ot the thermometer, a group of the hordiest Jospers on campus assemble with their only concern the snow laden mountain only hours away. Armed with the worm toga, the slippery ski, and the most athletic data to be had, the members of the Ski Club are oft on one of their many outings. Although, during the past year, the club did not realize the goal of president Bill Murphy, to conquer Matterhorn with the ski, none will deny the success encountered. Through altiliotion with the Intercollegiate Outing Club Asso- ciation, and under the leadership of Bill Murphy and Phil Lenihan, few open dates were to be seen on the Ski Club calendar; and through the many safety precautions, fewer damaged limbs. The latter can be accredited to the system providing for the instruction of novices under the expert tute- lage.of the more advanced members of the group. On every trip, it one takes careful notice, he can see the tyros tumbling over to the committee and shortly afterwards gliding away to the infirmary for shock treatments. In addition to their skiing trips the Ski Club carries its work into the related sports of camping and hiking, arranging outings throughout the year at the frequent meetings. Throughout the past year the Ski Club was to be seen ascending the slopes in a wide variety of resorts such as Belleayre, N. Y., Mohawk, Conn., and Stowe, Vermont.