University of Notre Dame - Dome Yearbook (Notre Dame, IN)

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Watt ATO ' s entfcer JiMd of its ierof iiel of Brthe ' Staff ope), Bb tier ' s etime oiling iron a. On September 25, Mr. Charles Goren, one of the foremost authorities on bridge, visited the University. His visit was timely, since it gave added emphasis to the weekly bridge tourna- ment which was subsequently held throughout the year. Mr. Goren gave a lecture in the afternoon in Washington Hall and later put his advice into practice by participating in the first round of the year-long tournament. The wi nners of the tournament that afternoon were presented with autographed copies of Mr. Goren ' s book, Con- tract Bridge Complete. Mr. Goren is the author of the syndicated column, Goren on Bridge. Visitors Each year Notre Dame plays host to many noted visitors in varied fields religion, the graphic arts, music, theatre, political science, military science, and entertainment. This year was no exception. Many came in conjunction with the University-sponsored Concert and Lecture Series. Others appeared and contributed their talents because of the friendship which exists between them and the Univer- sity. Still others were visiting for the first time and mixed business with pleasure. Whatever the case, it is proper that their presence be noted since they are a part of the social, academic, and cultural life of the University. Eddie Fisher, popular television and record- ing star, appeared at the University on Sep- tember 30, telecasting his NBC Television Network show, Coke Time, from the Indiana pep rally at the fieldhouse. Accompanying Fisher in his first in-person show from a college campus were conductor- arranger Axel Storda ' hl and his orchestra, an- nouncer-emcee Fred Robbins, and the pro- duction personnel of the Coke Time program. The Notre Dame Band and Glee Club also performed in this show, which was the first opportunity for many students to watch a live telecast. Debbie Reynolds, Eddie ' s wife, also ap- peared before the Notre Dame students after the telecast had been completed. Eddie and Debbie dropped in on the Engineer ' s Ball later that evening, and watched the Irish trounce Indiana the following day. 23

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Laetare Medalist General Alfred M. Gruenther was named Notre Dame ' s Laetare Medalist for 1956. In announcing the selection of NATO ' s commanding general. Father Hesburgh said, General Gruenther exemplifies to a superlative degree the devotion, integrity, and resourceful leadership that the United States expects of its military men. General Gruenther was appointed Supreme Commander of all NATO forces in Europe as well as Commander-in-Chief of the United States European Command in July, 1953. For the previous two-and-a-half years he had served as Chief of Staff at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), first under General Eisenhower and later under General Matthew Ridgway.The land, sea and air forces under General Gruenther ' s command have been described as the most powerful peacetime alliance of free powers in world history. The Laetare Medal winner, selected for his outstanding accomplishments as a Catholic layman, is named each year on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. In 1955, A.F.L.- C.I.O. President George Meany received the award. Patriot General Curtis E. LeMay was voted Patriot of the Year by the Senior Class of 1956. Pres- entation of the plaque and scroll, emblematic of the award, was made at the 107th Annual Washington Day Exercises held in the Drill Hall. General LeMay was born at Columbus, Ohio, November 15, 1906. He holds a Bach- elors Degree in Engineering from Ohio State University, and completed his flight training at Kelly Field, Texas, in October, 1929. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed a Second Lieu- tenant in the Regular Army. During World War II General LeMay held top commands in Europe, the China-Burma- India Theater, and the Pacific. For two years after the war, he was deputy Chief of Air Staff of Research and Development. While serving as commander of the U. S. Air Forces in Europe during 1947-48, he initiated the Berlin Airlift which successfully countered the Soviet blockade of that city. Since 1948, LeMay has been commanding general of the Strategic Air Command. 22

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Brigadier-General David Sarnoff, board chairman of RCA, delivered the principal ad- dress at a special gathering to mark the dedi- cation and formal opening of WNDU-TV on September 30. Reverend Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., Notre Dame president, conferred a Doctor of Sci- ence Honoris Causa degree on General Sar- noff, citing him as an American genius of public communications whose contribution to the twentieth century wonders of radio and television have put our country and the world immeasurably into his debt. General Sarnoff. a pioneer in the radio and television industry, congratulated Notre Dame on its foresight in establishing its own televi- sion station, stating that the medium of tele- vision is becoming more and more important as a means of education. General Sarnoff presented the University with a color television receiver, which was placed in the Student Center for the use and enjoyment of the student body. Visitors Notre Dame has been very fortunate in the past two years. In 1954, the Honorable William 0. Douglas visited the campus and talked to law students and prospective law students. This year the Law School arranged for the appearance of the Honorable Thomas Clark, associate justice of The Lnited States Supreme Court. Mr. Justice Clark acted as the head of a three-man court who heard the finals of the Fall Moot Court Competition. His presence alone was an added impetus to the finalists and to all those interested in the study of law. 24