Tufts University - Jumbo Yearbook (Medford, MA)

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Alvin R. Schmidt He has two trademarks: a dour black cigar and a small piece of carpeting for his desk top. The two used together complete an accurate picture of the Dean of Men, Alvin R. Schmidt. The calm, firm, and self-assured Dean, puffing quietly on his stogie, legs fully outstretched, conveys a sense of repose that makes you wonder whether you had a problem before you entered his Ballou office. Dean Schmidt, in a word, is the “beginning.” All roads lead to his office. If you need counseling, information, or a lacing down, Dean Schmidt is still the first person you must visit. He does not deliver long platform orations in the Jonathan Edwards “sinners in the angry hands of God” style. There is no sarcasm, mordant irony, or flaying of arms. After stating the reason that prompts disciplinary action, he leans back into his chair and allows the bewildered offender to draw his own conclusions, realize his own mis¬ takes, enforce his own punishments. The Dean did not develop this style of counseling over- night, although he has believed in it all along. He served in a succession of counseling positions since his graduation from Tufts in 1948. Dean Schmidt went through Tufts in two years, under a special accelerated program and was graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Before being named Dean in 1960, he was Assistant Director of Counseling of Student Personnel, and Assistant Dean of Men. In much the same manner in which he maintains discipline, Dean Schmidt knows how to refuse anybody anything. He remains the University authority on How, and Why. Ex¬ pertly he can say “No” without making the student feel unfairly treated. More than one fraternity president has left his office mumbling to himself, “I don’t like the decision, but somehow I get the feeling that I made it myself.” Dean Schmidt, however, does not like to say (no), and this year has been a particularly memorable one in that he has not had to use his prerogative as often as before. The reasons for this are immediately recognizable. The mood created by the Jackson Self Study has allowed for more mature and free interchange between students, faculty, and the Administration. The atmosphere parallels a similar trend on campuses throughout the country—a trend which has directly involved students in all levels of University policy and decision-making. Tufts, this year, officially joined in this movement by admitting students as voting members of the Faculty Committee on Student Life and the Experimental College board. By the nature of his job, the Dean’s main function depends upon open exchange with students. The increased com¬ munication has made “more natural” his relations with his consulees. Since he is chairman of the Faculty Committee on Student Life, it is appropriate that this was the first com¬ mittee to extend voting rights to students. It is also fitting that this committee has broadened its scope from an organi¬ zations committee to a body that recognizes the importance of the non-academic and informal aspects of undergraduate life, since Dean Schmidt has long incorporated this attitude in his role as a Dean and a teacher. Other signs of a change in atmosphere that pleased the Dean came in differences in the men’s dorms this year. For the first time there is an added verve in the residence halls, not only in the new Wren Hall, but in a perrenial sorespot, Carmichael Hall. Part of this is due to the efforts of Assistant Dean Byrant Tolies; another part can be attributed to the dynamic faculty residents; but much of it can be attributed to the exprit de corps of the students who have presented films, recordings of Shakespeare, and a production of Dickens’ The Christmas Carol. Never allowing himself to remain static, Dean Schmidt appeared in a new role this year. Strongly influenced by Lady Bird Johnson’s Beautification Program, the Dean became the first unacknowledged University florist. As his first formal act, he personally chose the philodendrons which now grace Sweet Hall’s lounge. 14

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She believes that Jackson should remain a strong residential college. This is not to rule out off-campus housing but it is to imply that students must “learn to live in their area.’’ The boundaries of this area must still be determined. Miss Bone believes that “the small things can be solved” and she has been in active communication with the Jackson Student Council in an effort to solve these problems of relatively small significance, which seem to be causing so much difficulty. Her credo is “Jackson will be strength¬ ened.” The attitude is a positive one and Miss Bone brings great energy and talent to the task. Certainly her first 100 days have been extremely difficult but she has not shown any stress under pressure a nd ap¬ parently wishes to stay for a long time if Jackson “has got what I want.” Her con¬ tacts with the students have brought her much grief and much joy, but her position at Jackson seems assured if competence is the deciding factor. Miss Bone is a woman of very strong character. She is eager for com¬ munication, but will not be bullied. This kind of leadership may auger well for Jackson.

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Dean Schmidt is an active member of the campus. Here he attends Kids Day at Tufts. (above) Schmidt, Bouchard, and Belotti plot the fate of L.B.J.; (below) Schmidt studies Jumbo football follies.