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

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CLASS HIST© Happy, happy, happy. Happy Talk • • • 1 One hundred thirty eager travellers boarded the S.S.L.T.C. in September, 1952, to embark on a four year voyage. Despite the confusion oL departure a congenial atmosphere soon devel- oped as a result of the friendliness and en- couragement of the officers and experienced Our luture course had hardly been charted, when a menacing, piratical group descended upon us. They took great delight in heckling us, and issued uniforms consisting of vegetable- decorated ragbags, odd shoes and pajama bot- toms. To add to our discomfort, we were dec- orated with war paint and balloons, and forced to perform unusual stunts. United by mutual bewilderment, we became better acquainted with members of our own group. This strategy we later learned, was the main purpose of our initiation. The clamor subsided, and we learn- ed that the seemingly unfriendly group was, in reality, our wonderful big sisters and brothers. We soon organized sufficiently to elect class officers, and Dr. John R. Hart as advisor. Our first year was efficiently managed by Dick Mc- grath, Don Lescard, Marcia Daley and Fred Gallagher. Our initial social (unction, the Snowball Dance; was a rollicking success. But hardly had the decorations been taken down, when we en- countered difficulty on board. On February 5, Barnes charred our starboard side, and forced our proud ship to port lor repairs. A tragedy had been avoided by the capability of the faculty and stu- dents, but still, many members of the ireshman and junior crew were injured, along with mem- bers ol the laeulty. ew quarters were soon provided by Lowell I cehnologieal Institute, thus enabling us to re- sume our studies and social activities, despite the unfamiliar, but cordial, surroundings. Two such functions were our roller skating parties, where many seamen displayed unsteady legs, but de terminedly tried again. Just before our summer vacation, we were plunged into final exams, which shattered us with premonitions of failure. However, we re- covered sufficiently to attend a class beach party which was a great success despite tears of an- ticipated loneliness. Our journey was resumed in the fall in a ship gleaming with new rigging. Several of the origi- nal crew had not returned but our sadness was tempered by our advanced position on board. With the newly acquired sophistication of soph- omores, we were ready to tackle duties which included the Senior Investiture of our big sister and brother class of 1954. This was closely fol- lowed by a cake sale, which provided as much fun as it did profit. Five days later the social room again rustled with the activity of set-up committees for the Pumpkin Jump, a barn dance which included everything that enlivened old Grandad ' s coun- try gatherings. November 25 was certainly a memorable day on our social calendar. The next few months were times of adjust- ment and introduction to history, geography and education. To many of us, field trips were a new experience, and Logan Airport and the Museum of Fine Arts were subjected to our boisterous, and curious, invasion. February 14 was a red letter day in our sophomore year, and weeks before we had en- thusiastically made plans for our Valentine semi- formal dance, Moonlight Magic, which again reflected the talents and cooperation of our class. As the school year drew to a close, we were saddened by the impending departure of our be- loved relative class. Our final tribute was a surprise presentation entitled This is Your

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A class, like a family, develops as the mem- bers become more aware of their responsibilities for themselves and for their fellow members. The first years of a family may find even the parents in a state of upheaval, wanting so much to do right by their young ones; yet wanting to set a pace, a standard for the healthy mental, spirit- ual, and bodily development of the family unit. Those early days allow for an awareness of the potentiality of individual contributions. Inev- itably, the clash occurs. But when met well, there emerges a wiser individual and a stronger family or class group. Congratulations are due to each and every one of you for the way in which you have met the challenge of growth, de- velopment and maturity. Good luck. 7

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Life, in which we displayed our gratitude and affection to the Class of ' 54. Our master of cere- monies, Gil DiLoreto, introduced such acts as the nimble-toed ballerinas, a peppy chorus line, and songs from Manhattan Magic, all rem- iniscent of their former days of merriment. The rest of the term was devoted to many farewell parties which left both classes with memories of the bond of friendship between big and little sisters and brothers. September, 1954, started a year filled with anticipation and apprehension. Methods and practice school suddenly became a reality, and the realization that we were juniors made us aware of the rough seas we would encounter. W -K However, we were temporarily diverted by the onslaught of new freshman crew members. De- prived of the joys of initiation, both classes nev- ertheless established firm and lasting friendships. We also elected new class leaders, and Presi- dent Janet King and class advisor, Dr. Mary E. McGauvran, led us through a difficult period. Busy plans for our Junior Prom somewhat alle- viated the academic pressures imposed upon us, and December 27 was the date set for our big- gest and most fabulous activity to be held in the Bav State Room at the Hotel Statler. The night was a gala one, with all members on deck enjoy- ing the dreamy, romantic atmosphere. Second semester came, with half of the class in training school, coming to the night meetings with excited reports of their experiences. This year, also, we enjoyed the use of a new ship, a beautiful addition to our fleet. Step singing marked the end of the year, with strains from South Pacific being sung with spirit, if not talent. We again boarded ship in the fall, for the last lap of our journey. The thought that we were Seniors was somewhat astounding, and even in- credible, but became a reality as plans were formulated for Investiture. On November 20, we donned our caps and gowns and, with them, a new dignity and assurance of our futures. Undaunted by the solemnity of this occasion, we joined the sophomore class in a spaghetti supper, which left many sides aching from over- indulgence and laughter.