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

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an innovation was introduced — the presentation of awards to the Man and Woman of the Year. Seniors Robert Kroeck and Bar- bara Flaherty were chosen in re- cognition of their achievement and their service to the University. An overcast day which threat- ened rain seemed Ukely to post- pone the Class Day program. For- tunately, the rain held off. The Hatchet Orations dominated the program as well as the interest of the audience. The Indian skit be- ■ ' Some Enchanted E ' gan in the traditional manner — one Indian defending the Univer- sity, the second tearing it apart — but the antagonists soon joined forces and a fast moving satire re- sulted. Antiquated and inade- quate University buildings, and the accumulated general griev- ances of four years provided the source material for a humorous and penetrating appraisal. This farce represented the final expression of the year-long con- cern that seniors had shown for 19

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: the Crossroads JUNE The June exodus left the campus virtually deserted except for the departing seniors and a few under- classmen of a curious or senti- mental nature. The full implica- tion of graduation was unmistak- ably apparent. A favorite tree- arched pathway, the rolling ex- panse of lawn, glimmering reflec- tions from College Pond — all came into sudden focus, sharpened by the impending sense of loss. Chapel chimes vibrated with an inner intensity that was almost painful. In the few days that re- mained seniors gathered together to officially conclude their uni- versity experience. The Soph-Senior Hop, spon- sored by the sophomore class, brought a momentary change of scene from Amherst to Hadley, where, at American Legion Hall,

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the future of the University. The extensive probing found its most effective expression in the editorial columns of the Collegian. The discouraging expedient that former staffs had been forced to adopt — offering a carton of ci- garettes to letter writers — was no longer necessary as letters to the editor overflowed to page two in response to the issues raised. The more prominent problems exposed were the near ridiculous inadeciuacy of library facilities, the pressing need for a new Liberal Arts building as well as a Student Union building, the difficulty of retaining good teachers and at- tracting good stvidents, and the ex- plosive question of student re- sponsibility. Now the main burden of this program was being trans- ferred to the shovdders of the un- derclassmen as seniors prepared for the graduation exercises. A persistent rain frustrated the plans for an outdoor ceremony on the library lawn, and the indoor closeness of the Cage had to be sub- stituted — to the disappointment of parents and friends as well as the University sciuirrel population. Tired seniors were awakened with a start by the disturbingly realistic message of the guest speak- er, Mr. Norman Cousins. With harsh vividness, he reminded the seniors of the horrors of the Korean War, and warned that the future called for awareness and fortitude. An end, a beginning — a college year was finished.