University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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1944-1945 As the opening event of the year, a Pops Concert was sponsored by the Collegian. The production, given in Bowker Auditorium on October 14th, was reminiscent of our former show, Campus Varieties. Those featured on the program were Doric Alviani, John Delevoryas, and Mr. Richard MacMee- kin, assistant dean of Amherst College and amateur magician. Dr. Maxwell H. Gold- berg acted as master of ceremonies. Re- freshments were on sale during inter- missions and were served to a few faculty members and housemothers who were seated on the ramps. On October 17th, the first Social Union Program featured Conrad Thibault, much to the delight of the student body. Since this was election year and of vital concern to everyone, the campus arrived at Bowker Auditorium en masse on October 25th, to take part in a political forum sponsored by the United Religious Council. Former Congressman Joseph A. Casey of Clinton spoke for President Roosevelt, and D. J. St. Ger- main, president of the Republican Club, of Massachusetts, spoke in behalf of Thomas E. Dewey. Dr. Philip Gamble was chairman of the forum. Following the rebuttal, a straw vote was taken in which the Republican presidential nominee. Gov. Dewey topped President Roosevelt by a margin of forty votes. The guest artist for the second Social Union, in November, was Robert Frost in a discussion of modern poetry in which he cited examples from his own collection of poetry. On Saturday evening, November 25th, the Physical Education Department spon- sored Miss Carmen Rooker, dance direc- tor at Bennett Junior College, accompan- ied by Miss Irene Wisecup, in a modern dance recital. The Massachusetts State College Wo- men ' s Glee Club made its first appear- ance of the year on campus on November 20th. A short concert was given in the Old Chapel Auditorium. The Christmas season was opened here at M.S.C. with the Glee Club presenta- tion of Hansel and Gretel. Betty Bates and Connie Rothery sang the leading roles. It was announced on December 6th that a new subject — Fine Arts — had been added to the list of majors. Through the cooperation of the ROTC and the ASTRP, a traditional military ball was held in the Drill Hall on Decem- ber 16th. Marion McCarthy was selected as Honorary Colonel. Included in the week-end program was Deare st Abi- gail, a Roister Doister production based upon the Abbey ' s twenty-five years of existence. The Social Union Program on January 12th featured Miriam Marmein, a mimic and dancer. Winter Carnival Weekend took place February ninth and tenth. It included 11