St Josephs College - Phase Yearbook (Rensselaer, IN)

Page 28 text:

September I, 1968 marked the ush¬ ering of a new era at Saint Joseph ' s College as eighty or so young women registered as the first female residents on campus. Although their invasion force was small in number, it had pre¬ cipitated in its advance much pre¬ paration and planning. This prep¬ aration was necessary in order to carry out the conversion of an all-male institution into a coeducational insti¬ tution. Changes had to be made to the campus physically. Among the major physical changes was the erec- v tion of a new dormitory to house the coeds, and a general beautification program launched to give the campus a more appealing look to the female eye. A significant change also had to b,e made in the organizational structure of the administration as the new post f;; of Dean of Women was necessarily created. Searches and painstaking re¬ viewing of applicants for the position resulted in the placement of Mrs. Har¬ lan Noel as the Dean of Women. It had been through only careful analysis of each applicant that selection was made. In the wake of all preparations, the girls still caused a stir among the body of Saint Joseph ' s students. The atti¬ tudes of many male residents showed that the girls were not a welcome addi¬ tion to the student roster. It had been the conditioning of many years of all-male living that resulted in this opinion, and the coexistence with females on this campus was a shock to the system. However, in face of the fact that girls are now a reality on the campus, the majority surrendered their opinions, and have reoriented them¬ selves to the situation. This reorientation has appeared in many ways. One is the increase in activity of the campus organizations. Most clubs now include girls on their membership rolls, resulting in larger groups. Another obvious change is found in the classroom situation. Faculty and students alike have shown a remark¬ able difference in manner over previous years. The faculty members have altered their presentations to be compatible with a mixed class, and the student has amended his classroom bearing to correspond to that of the faculty member. Less obvious changes in the male student include improved language, covered feet, combed locks, and clean clothes. There is no doubt in the mind of any student, professor, or administra¬ tor that the coeds have caused signi¬ ficant changes to Saint Joseph ' s College, and according to Bill Warrick, NBC news correspondent, One thing is certain. The old college will never be the same.