University of Massachusetts Lowell - Sojourn / Knoll Yearbook (Lowell, MA)

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THE GREEN YEARS (The following is to be the humble record of the adventurous Class of 1953, through its four years of arduous ?? labor. ) FRESHMAN YEAR-CTHE AGE OF INNOCENCE) In September, 1949, the class of ' 53 made its debut— 133 strong; the largest class to be en- rolled in the history of Lowell State Teachers College. The portals of L. T. C. opened wide to welcome us, a group of timid Freshmen, into its bold newness. How meek and green we were in those days! Remember how self-conscious we were when called upon to speak— how awe stricken when spoken to? What feeble excuses were made! How seldom we ventured to ques- tion; how often to stare! ! Never will we forget the week of initiation— that week in which we officially became mem- bers of the Freshman Class! Remember the welcome our big brothers and sisters of the Junior Class gave us? What spectacles we were— the girls wearing cotton skirts upside down and inside out, men ' s sneakers, and lamp shades for hats— the boys adorned with nightgowns and high-heels! The Juniors raised havoc and preyed on us at every chance . . . But as the months passed, the name Frosh was used less frequently as we gained confidence in ourselves with the faithful guidance of our faculty and the assistance of our big brothers and sisters as well as other classmates; studies became routine and we began to feel at home at L. T. C. Our Advisor Mississippi Memories To facilitate the operation of class functions, we elected Professor Julian Roberts as our class advisor for four years; Jerry Richardson as President; Jesse Peterson, Vice President (these boys later to be inducted into the service); Nina Lee, Secretary; and Clara Fuschetti as Treasurer. Under their leadership our Freshman Year progressed with tranquility. The coming of the Christmas season brought with it our first dance— the first social event attempted by the class. This gala Holly Hop, into which went elaborate preparation, was well worth the effort. All present had a splendid time. Then came our talent night entitled Ama- teur Antics, bringing with it a new world of joy and pride. We watched our classmates do their bit, and very well too, in a fantasy entitled Mississippi Memories. It was then that we realized that talent was in our midst. The show was a superb hit and a credit to all those who strove to put it over. We achieved the crowning glory that night when awarded the trophv for putting on the best performance of all the classes. That evening will never be forgotten. In early spring, a brilliant presentation of the Creation, an oratorio, was performed bv the Glee Club, including all students of the college, under the able direction of Professor Cvrus Thompson. And so it continued; manv activities accom- plished, manv more to begin— each dav helping us to gain more confidence until we felt justified in replacing our former humilitv with an ever- swelling pride. 13

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It was worth it! The first year was now almost completed and we were justly proud of ourselves for accom- plishing the first mile of our long journey. With our thoughts turned toward vacation, we ad- journed school, looking forward to our Sopho- more Year. SOPHOMORE YEAR (THE AGE OF SOPHISTICATION) Behold Sophomores now! Back at L. T. C. once again, we now strolled around with an air of confidence, sure of our steps and certain of our destination. We were now full-fledged Collegians. In fact, we quite well filled the definition of Sophomores or, ' wise fools. ' Many times we had to be reminded that, although we were not the babies of the College any longer, we were not the upper classmen either. Our second year was a year of surveys and revisions. Many of us recall the days, that we subjected ourselves to the Sophomore National Examinations; the retirement of our beloved President, Dr. James Dugan; the very able but temporary replacement by Professor Gourville; and the installment of our new President, Dr. Daniel O ' Leary. Part-time job. 14 And too, in our memories is the untimely death of one of our beloved classmates, George Walsh, whose memory will forever linger and in whose honor was established the George Walsh Memorial Scholarship Fund for deserv- ing students. Realizing our responsibilities, we turned to the election of our class officers. They were: President, Barbara Meagher; Vice President, Rosemary O ' Connor; Secretary, Elizabeth Gan- non; and Treasurer, Jean Curtis. One of our major responsibilities was our par- ticipation in the Investiture Ceremony for the Senior Class. How proud we were in assisting these upper classmen to don their academic robes— their big step toward their goal. The picture they made in their caps and gowns and the brilliant ceremony they engaged in, left a great impression. Class of ' 73. In early February, we conducted the Sopho- more Dance. Enlisting the services of The Four Clubs as our orchestra, we were endowed with an evening of lavish entertainment which was enjoyed by all. Once again came the time for our Amateur Antics show and with it the revelation of our great talent. Entitled Manhattan Magic, it was under very able direction. Once again we won plaudits for the best performance. And how could we ever forget the Mystery Ride we Sophomores engaged in? Oh! What a gala evening it was— not only in searching for the ' Y Camp, but indulging in those famous Faculty Meeting impersonations. Early spring brought with it the Glee Club presentation of the Stabat Mater, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd.