Pittsburg State University - Kanza Yearbook (Pittsburg, KS)

Page 32 text:

Although there was no snow on the ground to remind students that it was winter, the wreath hanging on the Overman Student Center was a sure sign that Christmas was coming. — Dale Bratton The bright lights of Kansas City attract students alJ year round, giving them opportunities for enjoyment that are not found in Pittsburg. However, the beautiful Christmas lightes at the Kansas City Plaza hold a special fairland attraction, luring students to the big city during the Christmas holidays. —Dale Bratton 23 Christmas

Page 31 text:

Halloween costumes can either be purchased or thrown together out of what is in the back of the closet. Beth Blurton, Pittsburg freshman, and Kathy Usher, Pittsburg freshman, reverted to childhood for Halloween night, using their own clothes and a touch of makeup — Dale Bratton Halloween allows time for Ghouls and goblins, witches and ghosts. According to ancient legend, all these evil beings are locked up all their lives except for one night every year - Halloween. On Halloween night they are permitted to come out of their prisons and frolic and raise mayhem for just one night. Then, the next day, which happens to be All Saints Day, they are locked up again until the next Hallo- ween. But somehow along the way, this tradition expanded to allow children, parents and, of course, college students to enjoy in the frivolities of Halloween. I remember I loved Hallo- ween when I was a kid ' said Karen Vincent, Kansas City junior. At school, we would have parties and costume contests and the whole school would have a giant parade. My mother made all mine and my sisters' costumes, so we never wore any of those awful plastic store-bought masks. My favorite costumes were one year when I was a turtle and another year when I was a cavewoman. I won the school first prize both times. And then at night we would go trick or treating. We never brought houlish ood times home much candy, though, because we usually ate all we were given between houses. Now, however, Vincent prefers to stay home doling out treats rather than participating in Halloween festivities herself. I've dressed up and gone to a few parties, but I always get a bigger kick out of staying home and answering the door. I like the little kids who come with their parents especially. They're usually so cute and shy, I just want to hug them all. I think Halloween is a kid's holiday. If kids over like 10 or 12 come knocking on my door, I won't give them much. Ted Jones, Fort Scott senior, has a different perspective on Halloween, being the father of two young boys. I have great memories of Halloween when I was a kid, running all over town collect- ing candy and throwing eggs. But I don't let my kids do that. Even in a small town like Fort Scott, it's just too dangerous. I take the kids out in the car and we only visit houses where we know the people. I think it's an awful shame that a few screwed up people poisoning candy and shoving razors in apples are ruining one of the best holidays there is for kids, Jones said. Trick or treating is not the only way to celebrate Hallo- ween, as Mike Bradley, Olathe junior, knows. I haven't gone trick or treating for years, of course, but Halloween still ranks with Christmas as one of my favorite holidays. If I don't throw a party myself, I always dress up and go to one. My favorite costume of the last few years was a monster face I made myself, out of silly putty and an old pair of nylons. It was great, I looked really gruesome, Bradley said. Bradley does not feel the fun of Halloween should be limited to small children. Part of the fun of life is getting to act like a kid again once in a while. Maybe it's just an excuse to party, but dressing up in costumes makes the party a little more unusual and fun than an ordinary Friday night bash. So it seems the ghouls, goblins and other evil crea- tures will continue to have company during their once-a- year night on the town. □ Stacey Sanderlin Halloween 27

Page 33 text:

Dear SantaL It is that time of year when students are hustling and bustling on campus as they finish term papers and study for finals. But amongst all tills academic activity, the spirit of Christmas is still in the air. Since most of the students are ail suffering from, acute writer's cramp and nursing head- aches from late-night study sessions, 1 thought that it would he appropriate for me to write you a letter. As mascot of this swinging campus, I thought who but Gus could bet- ter explain to Santa the University's wishes and hopes for this Christmas season. After talking with students on campus, I found that good grades rank high on their wish list. Jennifer Odell, Fredonia junior, would like to get A's on all her finals. If you don't think it is too much to ask, Santa, could we manage that for all the students? They have all been so good and have worked so hard this semester! No one is ever too old to par- ticipate in the joys of Christmas. Although sitting on Santa's lap is generally reserved for younger children, some college students still enjoy lelfing Santa what they want for Christmas. — Dale Bratton Along the same academic line, Paul Mayberry, Cleveland, Okla., senior, would like to have his master's degree in psychology. But please, don't bring him anything like the ceramic donkey he received that one year. He doesn't mean to complain, but all that donkey is good for is sitting on the floor looking silly. Shawna Wallace, Winchester freshman, has only two requests. The first is a car, any kind, as long as it starts. After having shared a bedroom with three sisters and now experiencing dorm life, Shawna would like to have her own room. Maybe you could invite her to the North Pole and let her have the guest room? This next present may be a little hard to wrap, but Tami Dodds, Parson senior, would like to find Mikhail Baryishnakov sitting under her tree on Christmas Day. Please wrap him well so he doesn't freeze on the long trip from the North Pole, Santa, the weather has been really awful here in Pittsburg and everyone is concerned about traveling home for the holidays. Kaye Lynne Webb, administrative assistant to the president, has requested good weather so that everyone can be home for Christmas, including her grandchildren. Students are sometimes considered to be too materialistis, but Santa, that is not always true. Kevin Mangan, Derby graduate student, is feeling sentimental this Christ- mas and wants to spend more time with his wife, Yvette. He thinks that would be a much better gift than those doggie toys he got that one year, after his pet had already died. He also likes his wife better than those icky round fruit cakes, that people think make such nice presents. The fraternity guys in the Lambda Chi Alpha house do not mean to be greedy, but they have two wishes. They want a bus so they can go places and a Civil War cannon so they can take it to the football games and make lots of noise. Could you also bring those hungry boys some food too? Two of the guys, Jay Weaver, Independence junior, and Rob Greathouse, Crown Point, Ind., freshman, both said the best things they like about the holidays is the good food. Maybe you could leave them a few extra bananas in their stockings. Steve McLaughlin, director of the Student Center, would like more money for renova- tions - a new air conditioning unit, dishwasher, tables, chairs and lounge furni- ture. 1 know that sounds like a long list, but these gifts would benefit everyone at PSU. Since Steve is also the Lambda Chi adviser, how about giving him a helmet? There is no telling what those fellows will do with that cannon. Santa, there is no way to write down everyone's wishes, but in general, I think everyone this year wishes for happines, goodwill and the chance to be with loved ones. Take care Santa, and could you throw in extra bananas for Gussie and me this year? Love, Cus Christmas 29