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

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THE University of the South. This popular bumper sticker slogan obeys the Honor Code-it does not lie. However, Se- wanee, to those who know and love it, is not merely THE University of the South, but, quite simply, THE University. Admissions and Public Relations personnel have little dif- ficulty in finding appealing adjectives to promote Sewanee- English traditionalism, purely liberal arts education, and individualized instruction. Unfortunately, some or all such descriptive statements might well apply to many small lib- eral arts colleges. Yet, Sewanee stands alone in its fineness. What makes Sewanee different? The answers are numer- ous but the truth is obscure. Sewanee is rooted in tradition- alism-academic gowns, Saturday classes, the dress code, Lessons and Carols, two a.m. truck stop raids, party week- ends, night study, the fog, and Zachary. Sewanee students are confronted with so many traditions that one may won- der if there is any time left for creativity, innovation, and ex- ploration. The question is easily resolved. In 1979-80 Sewanee students tried steak-less Wednesdays and probed the pros and cons of a five-day week. The Se- wanee Purple became a monthly news magazine instead of a weekly newspaper. Some students spent the summer in Oxford, England under the British Studies Program. Athletes gained recognition as the football team won seven straight while the women ' s basketball team recorded its first win- ning season ever. Sewanee talent was exhibited in the play The Importance of Being Earnest and the musical Guys and Dolls. As always, the Lecture Series brought distin- guished guests such as Hugh Trevor-Roper while the Con- cert Series provided a variety of musical entertainment in- cluding Dave Brubeck. Certainly, Sewanee is not stagnate when it comes to student affairs and intellectual and cul- tural opportunities. Sewanee ' s goal as an educational institution is to cultivate academic excellence. Its prestigious record of Rhodes Scholars, doctors, lawyers, and successful businessmen and women is evidence of this achievement. However, a Se- wanee education provides more than intellectual growth. The environment at Sewanee encourages trust in fellow hu- man beings through the Honor Code. Sewanee stimulates the challenge of ideas through its liberal arts tradition and fosters commitment to those concepts which merit per- sonal value. Opportunities for community involvement in social service programs such as Sewanee ' s Big Brother Big Sister organization allow for students to be exposed to the needs of others outside the college circle. While Sewanee broadens the mind intellectually and helps to shape one ' s character, it also allows for spiritual ex- ploration and growth. Sewanee was founded by Christian men who saw a need for God ' s gifts to men to be cultivated and realized through education of the mind. Sewanee ' s College of Arts and Sciences and Seminary are sources of knowledge and education which enable each student to ex- plore his spiritual questions and needs. Sewanee provides the means by which each student may make his personal choice. Sewanee stands apart from other educational institutions because it is a place where people are committed to in- creasing their knowledge and discovering the truth through both traditional and unconventional methods. It is a place where people learn acceptance and respect individualism. A little closer to heaven? Maybe. Sewanee-THE University of the South.