University of Richmond - Web Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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PRESHMEN On Monday, September 12, the campus of Rich- mond College was invaded by the largest class in its history, and a day later Westhampton College received its second largest Freshman Class. The faculty and upperclassmen of each college sought to acquaint the new arrivals with their school and its traditions, requirements, and aspi- rations, through an orientation program which consisted of talks given by leading members of the faculty and student body. The freshman girls were the special charges of the junior class, whereas the freshman boys were divided into groups, to each of which an upperclassman was assigned as student advisor. “Rat Alley, here we come. On the morning of September 15, the freshman boys were conducted on a tour of Westhampton College, but it was not until that afternoon that the two freshman classes had their first social event, which was a reception given by President Boatwright where both groups had a pleasant and profitable hour. Later in the week the Stu- dent Government gave a reception, and a little “Oh, Me! What's it all about?” later yet, a dance. Both of these were well at- tended. On Friday, the seventeenth, both classes were introduced to class routine, and the discipline of the sophomores. However, the freshman boys were partially relieved of the latter evil until the end of rushing season, during which all fraternity men seemed to think each freshman the most im- portant person on the campus, and shook his hand and patted his back profusely. The Freshman Classes of both sides of the lake further distinguished themselves by electing of- ficers. Those elected for the Westhampton class were: President, Ethne Flanagan; Vice-President, Elsa Keuffel; Secretary, Gene Woodfin; Treas- urer, Laura Jenkins; Representative to College Government, Frances Badenoch; Song Leader, Shirley Fleet; Cheerleaders, Kathleen Abernethy, Anne Frank, and Frances Williams. Those for Richmond College were: President, Clinton Moore; Vice-President, Harold Weise; Secretary, Derek Hayley; Treasurer, Bert Milling; and Sena- tor, Stanton Richards. The Pajama Parade was one of the most color-

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“Truck on down!” ful events of the year. With flaming torches the freshman boys marched around the lake and up the hill to Westhampton where they frolicked be- fore the Social Activities building to the delight of both schools. After that the freshmen gained revenge by throwing the sophomores into the lake. A month after the Rat Parade, which was staged in the Richmond City Stadium between the halves of the Richmond-V.M.I. game, the freshmen set about gathering wood for the annual bonfire which preceded the William and Mary ‘Pajamas, torches, songs, sophs, and a swim.” Thanksgiving game. When the Wil- liam and Mary “Indians” sought to frustrate the Richmond rally for the game, they were “scalped.” Everyone, especially the freshmen, was overjoyed with Richmond’s victory over the “‘Ind1- ans,” because as result the “rat caps’ came off. In the meantime, the girls were received formally by the Y.W.C.A. and the Senior Class at a beautiful and symbolic candle-light service. In early November some of the girls were al- lowed to lay their “rat cards” aside, but the others, not being able to name the seniors present on Rat Night, had to wear theirs until Christmas. Later in November the Westhampton Class of 42 pre- sented the college with holly trees which were planted on the sides of the Greek Theatre. These a’ “A Crip?” robust freshmen gained second place in the hockey tournament, yielding only to the sophomores. In March the girls, after a long and diligent practice, participated in the annual Song Contest. Their performance, it is said, was the best of any freshman class in years. The boys, not to be out- done, gave their dance the same month, which was one of the most outstanding social events of the year.