Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

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Dave Mennen, songleadcr for FarmHousc, leaves the North Ballroom stage with the Winner's Trophy during INSing's closing ceremonies. (Gina Zordani photo) Chuck Nalon, Mark Erwin, Tony Avellana, and Greg Mantock of the Varsity Glee Club perform fifties music as the group Ba-Na-Na. (David Whittemorc photo) Chi Omega and FarmHousc, winners of the 46th annual University Sing, pose with smiling faces for a formal picture while parents In the audience look on. (CIS photo)

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Dave Mennen of FarmHouse said, U-Sing! What an experience! It was exciting to see 100 people working for a common goal. By Jenn Hiler New and old friendships were set aside for a day of tradition, as the highly competitive spirit unique to Purdue students shone through once again in the 46th year of U-Sing. On Saturday, April 19, Lift Up Your Eyes filled the Elliott Hall of Music with beautiful music for all 4,600 in attendance to enjoy. As the last notes left the Hall, all fell silent. Soon after, the final decision came. The winners were — Chi Omega and Farm-House. Again, the Hall was filled. This time the Hall was filled with applause and cries of praise. Pam Bard, songleader for Chi Omega, said U-Sing was a great experience. So many Friendships were formed, and a winning bond between Chi O's and FarmHouse prevailed. The feeling of accomplishment and significance more than made up for the long hours of practice, frustration, and pressure which seemed endless in the previous two Music Really Does Bring People Together! months. Dave Mennen, Farm-House's songleader, summed it up best. The many hours of practice, hard work, and pressure finally counted when we won U-Sing; however, we will never trade that trophy for the close relationships that were formed and the many memories. Each of the five best groups, of the 22 entered, received trophies. In second place were Phi Mu and Phi Kappa Tau. Following them were Kappa Kappa Gamma and Alpha Chi Rho. Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Nu received the fourth place trophy, while Meredith Hall and Wiley Hall took fifth. In 1913, the mere idea of putting on a University Sing was overwhelming. Just the thought of all those people invading the campus for a only a few hours was inconceivable. So why not combine it with other spring events? This idea set the ball rolling. In 1919, the Purdue Student Union Board took on the task of presenting everyone with the first May Day Pageant. This Pageant was a combination of the May Day Celebration, Univer- sity Circus, and University Sing of the past six years. Some years down the road, U-Sing was performed in conjunction with Mother's Weekend and May Day Celebration. However, the first official U-Sing wasn't even held until 1940, and then it took place outdoors on the steps of Fowler Hall. Since that time, U-Sing has been the highlight of Mother's Weekend. In essence, it has taken 73 years to perfect U-Sing to what it is today. Kathy Adams organized this year’s U-Sing and concluded with, What is so neat about University Sing is that it involves more students than any other campus activity. It also brings in different kinds of students and doesn't differentiate between a student's housing choice. It's a fun activity — that's why students come back and participate! They spend a lot of time practicing, and the parents, especially mothers, enjoy it and come back to see their kids. Somewhere in the audience a parent is thinking, 'that's my baby up there.' ♦ 20 ♦U-Sing

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Gala week is .... By Melissa Cline Excitement peaked on Thursday evening with the crowning of Gina Zordani as 1986 Grand Prix Queen. The queen contest followed the Grand Prix Girls and Grand Prix Promoters fashion show, just one of numerous activities sponsored and promoted by the men and women during Grand Prix Gala Week. The spirit of competition prevailed throughout the week as students participated in tennis, golf, and racquetball tournaments. The Grand Prix Distance Classic, a five and ten kilometer race, also offered students, faculty, and the general public an opportunity to excel in competition during Grand Fes Prix. The Les Filles Prix provided something for everyone. Based mainly on spirit and enthusiasm, it consisted of teams of five girls trying to complete an obstacle race in the shortest time. The main purpose of all the events was to raise money for scholarships. Students helping students was the theme of Grand Prix. More scholarships were awarded last year than any other year, said Zordani. Recipients were not chosen on the basis of financial need. Rather, they were chosen on the basis of their contributions to the advancement and welfare of their fellow students. The original motive behind Grand Prix was to provide a fun and enjoyable activity for students before finals week. Although Grand Prix has served that purpose since 1958, many facets of the race have changed over the years allowing more students the opportunity to become involved. The Grand Prix Foundation, one of the largest organizations on campus, sponsored all events before and during the race. Assistance was received from a number of students serving as senior and junior board members. Grand Prix Girls and Promoters, trackworkers, and safety and security workers. All the hours of service devoted by students insured the success of Grand Prix for another year, students helping students in every sense of the meaning. ♦ Grand Prix Girls and Promoters released balloons, signifying the start of the opening ceremonies for the Grand Prix race. (Paul Siegfried photo) 22 Gala Week