Worcester State University - Oak Leaf Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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Tl (OLiioFia o o o o o In observance of the completion of the third quarter of our century, your editor of Lifetime Magazine wishes to tell you, its valued readers, of the work- ings of the most unique organization along educational lines in America. This unusual group, which Lifetime feels has done the most outstanding work in the second part of the twentieth century, was formed by the graduating class of 1950 of the State Teachers College at Worcester. The energetic band of forty- four ambitious and altruistic graduates joined interests to give the greatest aid in the efficient education of the children under their tutelage. They named them- selves the Ford Foundation in honor of John Ford, their class president. Let us see how their epoch-making venture was organized to better cater to individual needs and preferences and to accomplish more effectively and forcefully the educational task at hand. The first big problem was to secure a well-situated, adequately built, and comfortably furnished building. This was effected through the excellent ef- forts of William Brandli and Emmanuel Hoyen, who persisted until they secured the help of the city fathers, who took the idea to heart and fostered a mod- ern school which was dedicated to Agnes E. Scribner, class adviser of the unusual group. Many hazards and dis- turbances of earlier school days such as banging radiators, squeaky doors, sticky windows, slippery stairs and cor- ridors were not to be found in this ultra-modern structure. It was furnished by the Triple K School Furnishings, op- erated by Charles Korsun, George Ke- ville, and Anthony Kirmil. This concern furnished upholstered chairs which sup- planted the uncomfortable ones of the last era. Stan Roy, who was to have charge of the industrial arts depart- ment, had his say in determining the type of electrical fixtures to be installed. Jeannette Grise and members of the art department, Mary Murray and Vita Gordon, chose the decor. Anne Owens and Richard Buckley, art supervisors of the State Teachers College, were con- sulted before the school pictures were purchased. Since a healthy child is a happy child and better disposed toward learning. Superintendent of Schools James Loo- ney appointed James Mooney to man- age the cafeteria, for Jim ' s capabilities as an experienced nutritionist and an excellent manager have long been recognized. To know where to find material is almost as important as knowing the material itself; and, since Jane Noyes was a master at both, she became school librarian. The library was a pleasure to behold with its limitless wealth of books and comfortable plush chairs with adjustable lights on each. The Foundation felt that the reading and problem-solving abilities of school children were below par. Therefore, Mary Flynn and J. Elaine Lorys, known for their proficiency in these respective fields, were chosen as consultants. An outstanding feature of this School was its sports arena, which included the largest indoor swimming pool in New England. Plans for this elaborate un- dertaking were accredited to Phyllis Shulman and Gloria Braunstein. The program for girls was in charge of Joyce Russell with the exception of the swimming pool which was the haven of swimming instructor Barbara Dillon. Not to be outdone by the girls, John Ford became director of the program for boys and organized the first soccer team in Worcester. At the entrance of the gymnasim, stood a large statue of Alexander Fotiades holding a basket- ball. This excellent figure was the work of Ffenry Witko, recipient of the Carne- gie Sculpture Medal for 1960. It is said that a building is as beauti- ful as its landscaping. Thanks to the re- lentless efforts of John Rourke, the Scribner School was looked upon by all with great admiration. The educational life-line of every school is its book publishers. This insti- tution was f ortunate inasmuch as its faculty could turn to Donald Wilson who built up his company to such a de- gree that only the best and newest books were used for all classes. Since Don always possessed an aversion to anything pertaining to mathematics, Jerry Stepanian was employed as com- pany estimator. One of Don ' s best reading books for children was that written by Barbara Wiseman and il- lustrated by Shirley Feingold. Prior to this time, music had played a minor role in the education of school children. However, after Mary O ' Mal- ley ' s appointment as music supervisor, many courses were taught through the medium of music. The Massachusetts Health Program was highly systematized at that time with Dr. Frank Weaver, director of health, assisted by his nurse, Phyllis Du- Guay. Dr. Weaver assigned Ernest St. Jacques as physician of the Scribner School. In conjunction with the health pro- gram, school dentist, James McKeon, and X-ray technician, Audrey Hart, gave a series of lectures and demon- strations on the Importance of strong teeth. So that he could do his bit in this war against cavities, city chemist Walter Ouimette, made frequent exam- inations of the chlorine content in the city ' s water. One of the works for which the Foundation was responsible was its yearly scholarship to Worcester State Teachers College. The Carnazza Award was named for Paul Carnazza, who gained world acclaim for his revision of the standard geography textbooks. Joseph Philbin, chairman of the scholar- ship committee, had the job of devising plans for raising money for a perpetual scholarship to the college. The first choices among the recipients were to be sons and daughters of the grad- uates of 1950. Two outside forces which greatly affect the harmony of a school are Parent-Teacher Associations and school committees. The Scribner School was very fortunate in having at the head of its Parent-Teacher Association the form- er June Tower, who constantly strove for harmonious feelings among all groups. The school committee elected In the first election of Plan Z, for the most part, was cooperative. Howard Dona- hue, Charles Bray, and John Corcoran inaugurated many beneficial reforms in the schools throughout the city. The fourth member and chairman of the committee, Stephen Cronin, was rather difficult to manage at first; but later, he was In accord with them after his free insurance clause was inserted in teachers ' contracts. Long has the educational world awaited the presentation of Lifetime ' s award to this group of excellent teach- ers who, devoted to their ideals and Imbued with the strong desire to ac- complish the unusual, joined in enthusi- astic effort to effect the most unusual educational experiment of our time. Your Editor, ELLEN McKEON

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Each day, in the course of time, becomes a yesterday. When a group of yesterdays accumulates, a past is formed. It is from this past that we, the Senior Class of 1950, stand well equipped with knowledge, at the threshold of a great achievement in our lives. Let us refresh our memories by looking back to our first associations with this institution for learning, and review the rich past from which we have gained valuable experiences. Four years ago a shy, timid, anxious group of seventy- fve students entered the college as freshmen. For some, it was the continuation of school; while for others, it was the beginning of a life free from militarism and regimentation. The September of 1946 was a history-making one for Wor- cester State Teachers College; for our class was the largest ever to be enrolled. There was a different atmosphere about the building due to the large enrollment of men stu- dents, mostly veterans who had just finished one campaign in life, and now endeavored to start another, different in nature, but just as vital in importance. We remember the initiation day and the cordiality that helped dispel any of the qualms that we may have had in setting foot on strange territory. After the Senior-Freshman Tea and the introduction to the faculty we felt that we were a valid part of the college. We vividly recall the class-day assembly when we were instructed by the upper-classmen to have the girls appear in pigtails and different colored socks, to have the boys wear T” shirts, and to have all freshmen bear placards bearing the inscription , I AM A HUMBLE FRESHMAN. We took the stage in our hands, determined to prove to the school and ourselves that we were the one and only class. Then came the first crisis — examinations! How we de- pended on each other, asking questions, looking up answers, consulting upper-classmen as to what type of final the pro- fessors gave. All this, and only to find out that it wasn ' t bad after all. In the September of 1947, we entered the building with the assurance that we were a necessary and, yes, an out- standing group. We felt that we had made a decided step forward in scholastic achievements. There was no more walking around the corridors in bewilderment, or wondering about the programs, or scrambling for the words to the College Hymn and College Song. We were SOPHOMORES! How good it felt to be called an upper-classman, to have the self-satisfied feeling when we could tell the freshmen how hard the road was ahead of them, trying to harrass them as we had been harrassed by the Sophomores and Juniors before us. In October, we presented the Sophomore-Freshman dance. Only then did we formally open our arms to the Freshmen, trying to give them a taste of college social life. When the day for the Sophomore assembly came, we again proved the might of our class. Remember the Magic Show ? How Swami showed his aptitude and talents in naming the tokens held up by his assistant! Then there was our first formal, the May Dance. Everyone looked very happy and so poised in the social amenities. It was an evening that will always be pleasantly remembered. To top off the second year, there was the picnic at Pelo- quin ' s Beach, and the farewell campus weiner roast for our class president, Walter Morley. Had we learned anything from the second year? Just ask any Senior any defini- tion or to explain any formula. The answer will be ample judgment. It was in our Junior year that the class members chose specialized fields of study; some deciding on elementary work, and others devoting attention to the secondary field. The Junior assembly was the crowning touch to class week. Remember the great notables that came from the Metropol- itan Opera and our great Poet Loureate who made a name for himself? In this year our Class Song came into being. Remember how quiet the hall was when we first sang it? After mid-year exams, the Elementaries found themselves in front of real classes trying to apply all the principles and methods of teaching that they had learned. Did you notice the miraculous change in them? The professional cloak of the teacher was donned overnight, and pupils ' smiles in- spired us on our ambitious way. After much consideration we decided on the type and style of class ring that we were to wear. The brilliance of its true-blue stone, against the gold background, will always be a symbol of the innumerable happy hours as well as the hard work done at the college. The Junior Prom was the most outstanding social event of the year. How hard we worked to make the gym beauti- ful! The choosing of our Queen was justified, for Queen Shirley Feingold was all of that and then some. Every Junior lass looked so beautiful that the male students were thankful that they did not have the task of choosing her. The married veterans had their wives on their arms, proudly making the introductions to chaperons as well as to their colleagues. Qur feeling of nostalgia for the Junior year is understand- able for it was so full of events and happy memories. Through our experiences, we acquired the leadership necessary to conduct our future teaching. June, 1949, saw us a little more self-sufficient and a little better satisfied with our accorriplishments. At last the day we had long awaited arrived. We were SENIQRS! The Secondaries took leave for their apprentice- ship and for half a year the Elementaries upheld the dignity and respect befitting Seniors. This was the year we were supposed to coast, remember? After all, we re Seniors now! Remember the mid-year exams and the finals? We lived through them, and may it be known that many of us came out sadder and wiser. As college Seniors, with our newly acquired dignity, we had a better conception of what was expected of us and a full realization of what being a teacher means. Therefore, the donning of our caps and gowns was a meaningful ex- perience to us. The married men were a little prouder that day for they displayed their interesting and darling progeny for all to admire. The children, when on the stage, reflected the training of their scholarly fathers, but we suspect that they were more impressed by the sweets at the tea that fol- lowed the exercises. The next few months passed. Some thought they literally flew; others thought they would never pass. Finally, Com- mencement Week has arrived. With a wistful feeling of happiness, we greet our faculty, parents, wives, relatives, and friends, and are happy to have them share our festiv- ities with us, mindful of the help and inspiration they have given us. I believe all of us feel a confidence in our ability to put into practice the fine principles and standards we have re- ceived in our four years of preparation at Worcester State Teachers College. Qur lives have been enriched, and new vistas have been opened that might otherwise have remained always closed. Qur names will soon be added to the list of worthy grad- uates who have gone before us. With them, let us remain forever loyal to the traditions of our college and keep alive a permanent interest in its progress and welfare. May each member of the Class of 1950 find happiness and success in his new endeavors and reflect glory on those who have inspired him. Charles Baniukiewicz

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0 0 0 All Iiiveiifory A group of men and women, such os comprise the Class of 1950, con scarce spend four years of their lives within the walls of a college without having that college leave unmis- takable marks upon them. On the other hand, a group of men and women, such as comprise the Class of 1950, can hardly spend four years of their lives within the walls of a college without leaving indelible marks of its passing upon that college. It is fitting, therefore, that we, the Class of 1950 of Worcester State Teachers College, set forth in the form of an inventory, the joint and individual contributions of the members of the class to these marks. Such an inventory we now submit to you. ITEM The course of our passing gave rise to many difficult prob- lems for our President, Mr. Sullivan. On our part, it gave rise to a wholesome respect and loyalty for him as a man and as an educator. ITEM Our sojourn here often caused the faculty to grit their teeth a bit harder. On our part, we thank them for having ham- mered us into better men and women. ITEM With the thoughtlessness that goes with youth, we at times caused our beloved Faculty Adviser, Miss Scribner, some heartache. We, who have felt the power of her understand- ing heart, will, in the future, try to be more understanding of others. The individual members of the class leave the following items tor this inventory. Charles Baniukewicz contributes his information on how to become a master of cermonies. Bill Brandli relinquishes all monopolies on the art of mimicry. Gloria Braunstein gives us her new system of classifying notes tor all those who lose these important documents. Charles Bray leaves all his recipes. Dick Buckley bequeaths his paints and brushes. Paul Carnazza offers information on How to be a Successful Cab Driver.” John Corcoran yields his position as Coca-cola ' s ambassador to S. T. C. Steve Cronin submits his History of the Civil War. Barbara Dillon leaves with her concern for Mt. St. James. Red Donahue yields his place at the piano. Phyllis DuGuay willingly gives her puns — who wants them? Shirley Feingold reveals herein the coveted secret of her vitality. Mary Flynn bequeaths all her sheet music. John Ford presents all the data he has used in his learned ar- guments in economics. Al Fotiades turns over to us for printing, all of his basketball plays. Vita Gordon provides us with plenty of information for research papers in geography. Jeannette Grise wills all her pictures of Hamlet. Audrey Hart donates her dimple. Emmanuel Hoyen bequeaths all his debating materials. George Keville adds a note to the section on fishing, How To Tie Flies. Tony Kirmil leaves reservation cards for all who care to use his truck on field trips. Charles Korsun contributes his Studies of the Smoke-filled Rooms for all future students of politics. James Looney presents to the library, his long list of $64 words. Elaine Lorys leaves illustrated instructions on “How To Make Baskets. Ellen McKeon has drawn up a list of personality Do ' s and Don ' ts to follow for anyone interested in becoming popular. Jim McKeon explains How To Argue Successfully. Jim Mooney leaves because his wife did his homework. Mary Murray bequeaths her cooperative spirit. Jane Noyes offers her commuting tickets. Mary O ' Malley leaves us with a sigh. Walter Ouimette transmits all the help he can possibly give to French students. Ann Marie Owens contributes her copies of the scripts of the Holy Cross plays. Joe Philbin entrusts his memory of kissing the Blarney Stone. John Rourke permits us to use all his biology notes. Stanley Roy leaves a picture of his three children. Joyce Russell adds complete instructions for her Mexican folk dance. Phyllis Shulman leaves for graduate school. Jerry Slepanian bequeaths a copy of his letter to Arabia for all who need help in writing applications. Ernest St. Jacques leaves his bass viol backstage in our auditorium. June Tower leaves for Arizona. Frank Weaver hands down a written account of all the basket- ball games played by S. T. C. Don Wilson leaves with Mr. Curtis. Barbara Wiseman leaves a warm spot in all our hearts. Henry Witko provides instructions for decorating the gym for school dances. 77t« inve?itory has been compiled by KLAIMl lorys.