Susquehanna University - Susquehanna Today - Spring 2006

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Spring 2006

A Look Back: Social Activities

This spring, Susquehanna University opened the student social space, Trax. In recognition of this, we share a few glimpses of past student social activities: two undated photos of student dances, a picture of a "watermelon party" from 1957, and several items of memorabilia.

Do you recognize anyone depicted here? Do you have a story to tell about the pictured memorabilia? E-mail us at sutoday@susqu.edu and we'll add your information below.

Dottie Anderson's Memories

Holly Hedborg '81 Miller e-mailed:
The top picture ... shows a boy and girl holding hands dancing. I'm pretty sure the guy is Charlie Zlock '80, I don't remember the girl's name. The picture had to have been taken between 1976 and 1980.

Warren E. Steele '57 e-mailed:
"To my surprise, I recognized the scene in the [top right] photo in this issue! The scene for which you were asking for information took place at Theta Chi circa 1955. Left center is Jack Bishop '57 with Betty Ann Ormond '58 Scully. Also facing is Don Rook '56. Others are unknown."

Merle Ulsh '55 also e-mailed regarding the same photo:
"A Theta Chi Function. I think the setting is the old Theta House on Pine St. [Pictured] left is Jack Bishop '57, middle is Don Rook '56, and right is Clayton Leach '56 -- all Theta Brothers. Probably took place in 1956. Perhaps another brother will remember the social gathering."

We asked Dean of Students Emeritus Dottie Anderson '62 to share some of her recollections of some social activities through the years. Between being a student and being a dean, Anderson has spent more years on campus than off. After four years on campus as a student, she returned as assistant dean of women in 1967 and retired as dean of student life in 2002. In this time, she saw substantial changes:

In the late '50s and early '60s, female students still had midnight curfews. Dances occurred much more often than now, and each class hosted its own prom-like event in the gym or the cafeteria. Many of the dances were fraternity events, held in the houses complete with favors, themes, and house mother chaperones. The Student Christian Association would hold a major dance before Lent, because no dances were allowed during that season.
In the late '60s, the parental rules of the college were being challenged, and war protests were occurring. "Formal dances were replaced by more casual hanging out and 'y'all come' kind of parties at fraternities," Anderson says.
Anderson's favorite memories of student social life are of dating and double dating, which was "much more formal and not at all like the pick-up kind of events that occur now."