Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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l riieJl 24 COMMUNITY

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Thoughts of the Dean of Students The 1972-73 school year was characterized by a de- cline in student activism and an improvement in the general attitude of the college community as a whole. Some labeled this trend apathy while others called it contentment . There continued to be differences of opinions and viewpoints on such matters as class atten- dance regulations, assembly attendance and dormitory visitation policy. Students advanced the view that class and assembly attendance should be voluntary and that their bedrooms were their living rooms while older heads maintained that students were here to learn and should go to classes; that assembly programs were val- uable exposure to cultural matters and that bedrooms were bedrooms. While most recognized that these pro- blems were beyond solution that would satisfy each individual, viewpoints were exchanged and respect for the viewpoint of others continued in evidence. One of the major problems that remained unsolved was the growing ineffectiveness of student government. Dissatisfaction with this aspect of the college life was expressed from all segments of the college community to such an extent that the future of student government as a viable, contributing body was doubtful. This situa- tion has resulted perhaps as an aftermath of the violent 1960 ' s when student government narrowed its area of interest to lobbyist activity only and the failure of the student body as a whole to contribute to student govern- ment and to require that it serve all facits of the college community. Closely allied with this lack of support for student government was an attitude of indifference to destruc- tion of property by fellow students and a failure on the part of the student body at large to be a deterrent against needless damage to property. The casual ob- server of the habits of our students could assume that many of our students lacked solid, personal values but the studied observer would learn that they had person- al values but were not willing to protect and defend them among their peers. The ninety-third year of the college ' s life has left its proper impact on the future of the college. Changes and additions to the academic program, expansion of student activities and construction of physical facilities has reflected optimism and confidence in the future that should be a challenge to us all. BENJAMIN F. IVEY, JR. Dean of Students COMMUNITY 23

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PC has been described as a small Christian college for small Christians. That cynical phrase distorts much truth. PC is small in size but because of that factor (and a high percentage of people who are committed to humanity), students don ' t get lost here. They don ' t have to face problems without help. A student who gets a Dear John or Dear Jane will often be taken home that first miserable weekend by a friend or a faculty family. Friends rally around when someone has a crisis back home. PC ' s care-quotient can be very humanizing. However, PC ' s smallness also facilitates some de- humanizing. It is sad but true that some girls wouldn ' t be caught dead having a good time with other girls on a big social weekend. Many student radars sense every- thing from how one is expected to dress to where one must and mustn ' t sit. It is easier to get through the identity stage and into the integrity phase of life in the more anonymous communities. PC is a school of strong sub-cultures which I find much richer in variety than five or six years ago. Whether one ' s interest is scuba, the Brotherhood, vol- unteer service, or square dancing, there are kindred spirits to share most interests. This is a healthy trend as well as a reflection of the larger culture. I ' ve been most involved with the volunteer service group which nu m- bers about 25% of the campus. I think they have signi- ficantly contributed to the quality of life on campus as well as in the community. One of the most detrimental influences on campus, in my opinion, is barbed criticism, from all segments of the community, which is based on minimal information, some of which may be distorted. Its an Indian saying which goes, Don ' t criticize a man until you ' ve walked in his moccasins. The kernel of truth there is that ego needs, generalized frustration, and, too often, com- munity approval often encourage unjust, sarcastic cri- ticism. This is not human, academic, Christian, or decent and yet it hurts our community at all levels. This worries me. I see PC as a microcosm of that world out there. You ' ll find the same divisions and strengths that are reflected in the church, party politics, and the eco- nomics and social spheres. The petty and profound, the heartless and the most altruistic behaviors are present for all to observe. It ' s a very real world, a re- flection of and, hopefully, a positive contribution to that larger world. I find it every bit as meaningful as life itself. Jack Pressau COMMUNITY 25