Truman State University - Echo Yearbook (Kirksville, MO)

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A rainy circumstance Rain started the day for the graduates of the class of 1977. Every radio was turned on hoping that the weather forecast had been changed and the rain would quit before 10 a.m. But the rain did not quit and for the first time in several years graduation was held inside Pershing Arena. It was hot inside and to the pleasure of the crowd. Senator Harold L. Caskey, a former faculty member and graduate, kept his remarks short. He addressed the packed gymnasium with the idea that formal education was a map. but even the best maps were fallible. Caskey advised the graduates to “take pride in what you do. With all rights, honors and privileges pertaining to their diploma. Dr. William O’Donnell Lee. president of the Board of Regents, conferred the appropriate degrees on the 800 graduates. Scott Monroe. Ann Schmidt Piper, Mary Ann Templeton and Diane Emge were given special recognition as they graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. Linda Gilbreath was recognized as the tenth member of her family to graduate from NMSU. An Emeritus Status degree was bestowed upon Humberto Alvarez, a retiring profes- sor of Spanish, who had taught at the university for 16 years. When the ceremony was conclud- ed. graduates were greeted with beautiful sunny skies. Many had their wish fulfilled. —Nancy James Nancy Madsen The family of a graduate congratulates him after the ceremonies. 24

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The cost of the generator rental was split between .Student Senate and R.E.O.. and Student Senate had to pay for its transportation from Cummings. Mo. A special stage had to be built before R.E.O. would perform. In addition. Student Senate had to pay $100 as a rental fee for a piano belonging to R.E.O. to be used in their performance. Firefall's demands were similar to those of R.E.O. Student Senate was required to hire an Additional sound and light system at a cost of $1,750. Also, an organ had to be rented from R.E.O. for Firefall’s performance. Besides these expenses, a fee had to be paid to the booking agent. Total cost of the concert added up to more than $12,727. Despite some unfavorable publicity in respect to these demands, the groups were greeted enthusiastical- ly by a packed arena on the night of the concert. One student described the over 3.500 student crowd as being ‘ wall to wall people.” Firefall appeared first for 60 minutes. They performed their hits You are the Woman” and “Cinderella” among others. R.E.O. Speedwagon gave a magnetic performance with many songs from their newly released album. The audience was on their feet moving with R.E.O.'s greatest hits, including Like You Do.” “Keep Pushin,” and Golden Country. “Ridin' the Storm Out. the group s final number before returning for two encores, was highlighted by a superbly done light, fire and smoke show. During the synthesizer prelude to the song, the arena was darkened and as the cresendo increased, a blast of fire and lights prevailed. In an Index interview with R.E.O.'s lead guitarist. Gary Richrath commented on the concert: “Great! I loved it. I thought it was super.” Most students who saw it agreed. By Nancy James [Cronin made good use yed stage during REO’s jauses in his prancing for ictly in front $f the Appealing to a crowd of thousands. Firetall is well into their hit singlo You are the Women during the Spring 1977 concert. 23

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Rain caused ceremonies to be moved into Pershing for the first time in several years. Board of Regents President William O'Donnell Lee confers degrees upon Graduation is a time when seniors get candidates. Dean Krueger has just presented together for the last time. tho candidates for graduation. 25