Truman State University - Echo Yearbook (Kirksville, MO)

Page 14 text:

President McClain named former Ohio State coach Woody Hayes as graduation speaker and it became a by Jim Salter and Colleen Cook very graduation is filled with excitement, a sense of E accomplishment and even sadness. Spring graduation had all of these plus an added element most graduations lack: controversy. The controversy was about the man chosen to speak at the ceremony, former head football coach at Ohio State University, Woody Hayes. In the same issue as the announcement naming Hayes as the speaker, the Index ran an editoral denouncing the choice. For the rest of the year, the editorial page of the Index was dominated with letters for and against the choice of Hayes as speaker. Hayes had been fired in December of 1978 following an incident in which he punched a Clemson University player , m3 3 S. Borders 1980 spring commencement speaker Woody Hayes Disputed call speech was very irrelevant and his whole speech seemed off the wall? Graduating senior Paul Wernsman felt differently. ttI thought he was the best speaker Iive heard? he said. itThere was a lot of criticism about him, but really, he is a hell of an educator and a great speaker. Hayes is a 1935 graduate of Denison University, Granville, Ohio, where he majored in English and history. He was the head coach at Ohio State for 28 years, compiling a record of 205-61-10 and winning 13 Big Ten titles. He also coached the Buckeyes to two undefeated national championships in 1954 and 1968. The day was memorable in other respects. Unlike last year when the temperature dipped into the 403, graduation was held during warm, sunny weather. iiHow many chances is a man allowed in lifeiw 1 Presiden t M c Clain during the final minutes of the Gator Bowl inhwhich Ohio State lost 17-15. I In the April 10 Index, President Charles McClain said several people were considered before Hayes was chosen. McClain said he was aware of the Gator Bowl incident but felt one mistake was not enough to keep Hayes from speaking. How many chances is a man allowed in life? he asked. ttIt will be a more exciting commencement than average? After hearing Hayes speak, the opinions still differed. Graduating senior Valerie Johnson said, ttHe was really terrible. I thought the choice of using him in the first place was inappropriate? Johnson said the speech had a negative tone. til didnlt like the way he seemed to cut down todayis women. The -1 GGraduation Graduating senior Susie Gerstenkorn said, tiltis a day Illl never forget. I cant explain the pride I felt knowing I was now a college graduate. All those long hours of study now seemed worth the trouble? Most of the graduates were pleased with the ceremony. Johnson said, ttlt was a neat feeling, walking from Baldwin Hall to Stokes tStadiuml with everybody watching. You felt like you were in a paradefi - Graduation was the last day many of the seniors would be in Kirksville. Some graduates were now faced with the task of looking for a job, while others already had one. But they agreed the diploma was important. tilt confirmed my last four years were well spent? Gerstenkorn saidIEtD Anticipation. - Waiting to hear her name caIIed to receive her di'pIoma, MarIene Iddmgsi face reveals mixed emotions. Iddings earned her masters degree in education.

Page 13 text:

Graduation Final journey- The 1980 graduating class takes the last walk around campus on the way to Stokes Stadium. President Charles McClain's chalce for a commencement speaker sparked controversy. 8. Borders Elections The candidate-Christopher Bond speaks on campus during the 1980 campaign. Bond defeated incumbent governor Joe Teasdale in the November election. Many students became involved in the campaign. 0. Brook New Wa ve music Haute couture-Junior Teresa Lock, sophomore Marty Dmytrack and sophomore Michele Aoun pose as a new wave group. Bizarre lyrics and a faster, more excited beat are characteristics of new wave. 3- Borders Student life 9t

Page 15 text:

S. Borders 111 med off 7 HI istory. Ten ited e last ,duation 111 : day I study Wlng Baldwin er diploma, er mastefs You 3 would th the one. nfirmed emony. Graduation 1 11