University of San Francisco - USF Don Yearbook (San Francisco, CA)

Page 24 text:

The Adios ANDRE C. CHICOURRAT GERALD J. CROWLEY HARRY J. BUTLER PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER Senior Representatives: KEVIN H. CROWLEY, VINCENT SULLIVAN THE CLASS OF ‘47 lire Class of ’45 graduates two years Ix-hind schedule and under a new designation— the Class of '47. 'I here have probably been more action and eventful activities in the six year period than in any normal tenure of college life. Although behind schedule, the ('lass of '47 will take with it memories of history making years—four years all told—evenly divided into periods of two years. The years 1941 to 1947 were the greatest in the history of the University of San Francisco. Hie Class of ’47 served as the foundation lor these epoch marked years: they were in from the start and played a vital part in the formation of many of its affairs. Scattering now to their variously chosen fields, the Class of ‘47 can look back with satisfaction at a job well done, a task which accounted for many hours spent in the behalf of the University. Hut now in retrospect, the ('lass of ‘47 can well l c proud and the thought of having taken such a significant part will linger with them throughout their life. Entering as Freshmen in the Fall of ‘41. the eager, fearful newcomers were embarking on their four year course of study only vaguely aware of the important events which were to transpire. The ('lass of '4 entered the University during the era which had been prophesized as the greatest years of the Hilltop in all activities, the Golden Age of the University of San Francisco. The greatest enrollment in the history of USF had just been completed and the ('.lass of '45 was the largest f reshman class ever to pass through the west portals of the Administration building. The athletic situation was indeed bright with |clf Cravath up from the South to build a great Don football machine; new buildings were being contemplated and a reorganization of activities was to take place. The future was truly encouraging and great things were expected of the new class. The ('lass of ’45 was to Ik- the class which would go down in the annals of the University as the one who would he the s|x nsoring group of new and varied events. The Senior Patio, a gift of the recently-departed seniors, was first opened in the autumn months. In an obscure corner of the Foghorn was a small story telling of the drafting

Page 23 text:

SENIORS

Page 25 text:

University of San Francisco of thirty Dons, the Senior Class President included. Father Patrick Foote, S.J. was honored hy the City for his sixty years of devotion to the Jesuit order. New professors had been added to the faculty; and the Activities Committee, under the head of the colorful John Gallagher, was already laying plans for the various rallies and functions for the football season. “George Washington Slept Here, a West Coast premiere at that, was handled in a masterful fashion by the College Players and was the first grand production viewed by the new Freshmen. Father Joseph Stack, S.J. conducted the first Retreat most of the new students had ever attended. I he Maraschi Club was holding its annual cioppino feed for the footballers and the St. Ives I.aw Club was featuring well-known alumni speakers. Ed Cremcn was elected president of the young ciass while other officers included: Hill Barry, Frank O’Connell, Fran Blackwell, and Mario Barsotti. An impromptu rally on the Friday before the Bronco game landed the Dons at the Mayor’s office, the Chief of Police’s office, and eventually to Third and Market streets where the (Irccn and Cold banner was strung up at this, one of the busiest intersections in the city. A premonition of things to come occurred early in November when Dan Fisk, one of die beloved football immortals of the I lilltop, was killed in an air training crash. The University took some time to recover from this blow. 'lhe football machine continued to roll on with the Dons breaking even in their contests but having the distinction of being the highest scoring eleven on the Pacific Coast. Alpha Sigma Nu was conducting a club survey of the University while the Gavel, IRC, Wasmann and Bio-Chem Clubs were all having their own special programs. The Soph Drag came and went with Ernie I leckshcr and his band supplying the music. The Senior Raffie was conducted and the Adios stall appointed while the Execs attempted early morning meetings because of conflicting class schedules. 'Hie famed Jesuit, Father Martin Cyril D’Arcy, S.J., made one of his rare public appearances at the University and s|K ke to an interested capacity audience in the University Auditorium. Bob Riordan, Joe Kelly, and Frank Poggi represented the Freshman ('lass in a northern California debate. Mississippi State was welcomed into town with a huge reception, a parade up Market Street and pre-game festivities, featuring a huge night rally which was broadcasted. This was the first great interscctional tilt the school had contracted. The first issue of the Quarterly went on sale in December with Gene Murray, Pete Eojo and Bob Riordan well representing the ('lass of “ ’45 . Though the Dons lost the interscctional game, they were not a defeated group of men as they relived the day’s experiences that night at their post-game dance. 1 Jardly had the cheering died down on that Saturday night—the last peaceful night many Dons were to enjoy—when the black cloud of war appeared on the horizon. Pearl Harbor had been attacked and a new chapter was to Ik- added to the story of the ('lass of ’45. The University was to Ik mobilized. At the assembly held the following Tuesday, the late Colonel Donald Sanger delivered one of the most inspiring speeches ever heard on the campus. His conclusion was a prophecy: “We won’t be on the short end. I lis words had been paraphrased by Father William Dunne, S.J., in a message to the Secretary of War, offering the full facilities of the University to the War Department. Like the lull before a storm when things are normal, the University continued its full round of activities for the students, but deep in the hearts of all was the knowledge that a greater task was in the offing for the majority. Believing that memories were to play an important part in the future of students, the various activities were conducted as previously planned. The Winter Festival was held successfully along with several receptions and the Class of ’45 took an active part in the leadership of these affairs. It was the prelude to fare wells which were to conic. In addition to all of this, the Class of ’45 began spearheaded drives to help the war effort. Under the direction of Father Lyons, S.J., a Civilian Defense Hospital Corps was organized with over 200 men taking part. A benefit dance for the Red Cross was held, while a