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

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Co-sponsored by K I.A.A. and W.A.A. . . . music and slapstick . . . hoop contest . . . records and refreshments . . . artistry In snow . . . reigning queen and court . . . winter ' s highlight. 14

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Class History In the space of four years, members of the Class of 1955 have progressed from green freshmen to loyal, well-informed seniors. We entered as a group of strangers; now we leave as a unified class, having profited by the many and varied talents and abilities of the Individual members. The vast fields of knowledge which surround this complex world have been opened to us, and we have only to take advantage of the opportunities for achievement which lie ahead. But let us glance, briefly, back to the cherished moments that mark our college careers. Our days as freshmen began in the college auditorium as we listened to the orien- tation address given by President Eugene A. Sullivan. As we sat there, a hush seemed to fall over the group, for we realized the Importance of the days to come. With the start of formal classes, the initial molding of the present senior class began. In the freshmen year elections were held, and our representatives were chosen. John R. Finlay was elected president; David J. TwIss, vice-president; Marjorie A. Cavanaugh, secretary; John B. Loughnane, treasurer; and Pauline A. Kane, social chairman. Patricia T. Sullivan and Paul W. O ' Day were chosen class marshals for the four years. The class also held elections for the purpose of due representation to the Student Council. In the final outcome, John M. Reynolds and Louise J. Agurkis, who are also co-editors of our yearbook, were elected. Each year two conferences are attended by students of the college; Thomas F. Severance and Kathleen C. Kane were the freshmen chosen to attend the Swampscott and New York Conferences. The first social function was the annual Freshman-Sophomore Welcome Dance, which was held early in October. This proved a great success and paved the way to even finer activities throughout the year. No sooner were we aware of college life and the niceties accompanying it, than mid-year examinations blighted our happy dispositons. After the usual studying and cramming, we ventured Into our first big tests of the academic year. The customary weeping and gnashing of teeth followed every test; but we rose to the occasion, and most of us successfully eluded the pitfalls. On February 8, 1952, our freshmen prom was held at the school gymnasium. Not only was it well attended, but It was also a huge success from social, financial, and decorative standpoints. As In all proms, a queen was named to add that extra touch of royalty to the festivi- ties. Carole M. Cormier was chosen from the previously selected attendants, who enhanced the magic of the occasion. The days passed rapidly; and, to our amazement, the first year of college was nearing its end. With final exams over, the summer recess began with our most enjoyable freshman picnic. The sophomore year commenced as abruptly as the previous year had ended. The anticipation of new courses made the average soph a little skeptical. We found our varied subjects difficult, but stimulating. The study of the Intricacies of physics, the wonders of geog- raphy, and the significant events of history provided us with a formidable task against which were pitted our time, energy, and intelligence. Freshman Picnic 16