Tufts University - Jumbo Yearbook (Medford, MA)

Page 18 text:

N o one can argue that the 1980’s did not take on a face of its own. The country changed drastically and in¬ stead of staying behind, Tufts changed with it. We rejected any negative influ¬ ence and eagerly welcomed positive impact. The 1980’s glorified the role of modern-day college students who have a responsibility to participate in all aspects of campus life. Gone are the days when students submitted to decisions and poli¬ cies determined at the administrative level. In¬ stead, we took action on problems and issues we found important. In doing so, we grew when we could have shrunk, we improved when we could have digressed, we united when we could have been separated. When the nature of the national mood changes as sharply as it did in the 1980’s it is of great value to assess how these changes were translated on campus. If the first half of the eighties left such noticeable changes, it will be interesting to follow the path of the latter half of the decade. And beyond that, what will the 1990’s mean to America, to students, and to Tufts? One thing is certain: if the 1980’s did not successfully uproot Tufts University, no other era in the future will be able to shake the founda¬ tions upon which this school is built. ■