University of the South - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Sewanee, TN)

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Sewanee Student Life. Probably like campus life on all small, private episcopal campuses nestled in the Cumber- land Plateau. Yet, Sewanee stands alone in this category and so does its student life. To be sure, a casual observer might view Sewanee ' s frat parties, social c lubs, and sporting events as quite the norm as far as college activities go. But, a closer look will reveal a campus lifestyle which thrives on tradition without being stale, which encourages individ- uality without creating separateness, and which is, in the end, distinctly a Sewanee style all its own. Student Life at Sewanee consists of a variety of campus happenings and other more individual activities. Where else can you jog down to the lake on a steamy afternoon in late August after emerging from three hours of Saturday morn- ing classes? Such an excursion might happen you onto a small gathering around a keg or a group of frisbee fanatics showing off the latest marvels of the popular plastic disc. A September Saturday afternoon will find most sports en- thusiasts (of all descriptions) out at the football field await- ing—not the arrival of the football team— but the ceremo- nious procession of the drinking clubs. Of course, you can ' t talk about the Sewanee Fall Sea- son without mentioning the infamous Homecoming Party Weekend. With Friday beginning on Wednesday afternoon, this import attraction of the year is a string of live bands, in- formal breakfasts, coat and tie gatherings and so on. Small- town Sewanee nightlife becomes, perhaps, a big-time af- fair—if only for a few days. Student life at Sewanee is obviously unique, but, it ' s also more than the aforementioned social occurrences. Sewanee student life is students dining with professors and visiting the Vice-Chancellor when the porch light is on. It ' s standing in All Saint ' s and feeling the chills go up your spine as you witness Convocation for the first, second, or umpteenth time. And, later, it ' s being in that same place as you experi- ence the majesty of the Festival of Lessons and Carols. Sewanee life is those time and energy consuming finals and the endless nights spent in spooky Walsh-Ellett. But, there ' s always the consoling call of Gailor snack treats. However good it is to return to Sewanee after a relaxing holiday, February rarely seems appealing. Yet, even with the fog and the continous white stuff falling from the sky, Se- wanee students find life in fireside conversations and an occasional spirited basketball game. But, spring can ' t come quickly enough and it ' s always exicitng to find the first flower along the Abbo ' s Alley trek. Of course, seniors rarely notice the foliage since they are so caught in in some threat- ening phenomenon known as comps. Everyone, however, usually takes a break for Spring Party Weekend and other indulgences such as Softball, bike rides, and canoe or rafting trips. Happily or not, the year passes all too quickly. Events of major and minor importance all become but memories. And, it is, once again, when we stand in All Saint ' s at the fi- nal commenc ement ceremony, that we truly realize and ap- preciate our Sewanee Student Life. 18

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