Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

Page 8 text:

n 1971, in hopes of retain- ing some student interest in campus life, Wallban- gers and Campus Sounds were born. Shreve Hall was opened in 1970 to help accomodate the in- crease in campus resi- dents. For the first time, students Were al- lowed guest hours in the residence halls, totalling a grand seventeen hours. 5,274 newfreshman entered Purdue that year, increasing total enrollment to 25,582. 1973 temporarily restored the hopes of the nation as President Nixon announced Peace is at handf' But these hopes were quickly diminished as Nixon stepped up bombing in Vietnam. As the War dragged on, many students became disillusioned and apathetic. 1974 was ridden with more political dissatifaction as both the Presi- dent and Vice-President were questioned about their participation in criminal ac- tivities. Conflict in the Middle East forced our nation to wage our problems on an international scale. The economic issues facing the nation were similar to those fac- ing the students. Cutbacks in scholarships and loans combined with increasing food and gasoline costs :led many to question the sudden appearance of pinball maChiH6Si5iQQg--.the, expansion ofthe Purdue 4 l'l'vn Yours - in l 0 -N f. 'A Airport. Although the recession Was felt throughout the nation, tuition costs re- mained the same from 1974-76 and the res- idence halls saw less than a one-hundred dollar rate increase. With an end to the immediate concern of our involvement in War, students returned to a closer look at the events facing Purdue. The years 1974-79 saw an increase of 2000 students in the residence halls. The change of accommodations brought sec- tions of Married Student Courts and the Graduate House into single student use. Fall of 1976 was the Worst year for campus housing, and the number of students living off campus reached a peak of 469670. In January of 1978, students celebrated as the University shut its doors in response to a Wind chill factor of -50 and 25 mile per hour Winds. This was a result of one the Worst blizzards in the stateis history. 1978 brought a greater concern for students' is- sues. Twenty-four hour visitation became a major question for the dorms when a Resi- dence Hall Council survey indicated 40427 of the students in favor of the option. Stu- dents and administration both were alarmed by a 10W increase in night exams. Alcoholism became an issue when the De- partment of Health, Education, and Wel- fare indicated that 9642 of all college stu- dents drink. Do it in the darkv signs be-

Page 7 text:

fi.- 95 ,N K 52:01 -1'-if? D D Harlan

Page 9 text:

came the major symbol of President Han- senis announcement of a 25W cut in elec- trical consumption, which was caused by countrywide coal strikes. In 1979, Purdue enrollment reached an all-time high of more than 31,500 students. The increase of 1100 over fall of 1978 initi- ated discussions of limiting future enroll- ments to approximately 30,000. Debates on housing became a central issue in city elections. The SALT '11 treaty became of more importance when two leading au- thorities came to discuss it on campus. Pride in the university swelled when Pro- fessor Herbert Brown was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The past decade was a time of transition for Purdue. The early 70,5 had led to con- cern for predominantly national issues. But, as the country stabilized, thoughts re- turned to campus life. In the 1980,s Purdue will be forced to answer many of the questions facing stu- dents today. Housing will remain a stigma until adequate solutions are found. With fewer 'students graduating from high schools, no immediate plans are being formulated for erecting new residence halls. If natural decreases in enrollment fail to ease the situation, students will find it necessary to turn their hopes to private investors. As living conditions deteriorate, Debris Photo Contest Winner a push for stricter housing codes and better enforcement will be made. If drastic de- creases in enrollment do occur, academic practices may change, allowing for fewer large lecture classes and closer contact be- tween professors and students. Tuition and book costs will continue to increase, mak- ing-it difficult for many students to con- tinue their education without financial as- sistance. Even in the midst of these inter- nal problems, it seems Purdue will main- tain its reputation as one of the nation's leading educational institutions. By Robin Bennett I 1