Susquehanna University - 1960 to 1969

This 1967 article in The Crusader explains the band change for that year's Homecoming. After "The Young Rascals" cancelled, "The Doors" became the most economical choice for the Student Government Association as most other big name bands charged $6,000-$7,500 to appear, a mere pittance by today's standards.

The 1960 leap year Freshman Frolic was declared a success by The Crusader, the student newspaper. Hosted by the freshman class, the dance featured humorous entertainment with birch beer and pretzels for refreshments.

In November 1965, Susquehanna University Athletic Director and head football coach Jim Garrett resigned after a situation at a football game against Lycoming College. His coaching staff also resigned out of loyalty to Garrett. Already committed to playing two remaining games, the team was coached by President Weber and Assistant Professor of Education, Donald Wissinger.

In 1961, the Social Studies Division at Susquehanna sponsored a lecture by Gladys Harrington. Harrington was a representative of the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE, a civil rights organization. She discussed the work of CORE and the sit-in demonstrations the group sponsored in an effort to abolish racial discrimination.

Susquehanna University held its 14th Annual Shakesperean Festival in the spring of 1963. The Susquehanna Players, a group formed under the direction of Professor Axel Kleinsorg, presented the festival. Shown are several of the actors preparing for their roles in Twelfth Night by growing beards. The group is sporting a look quite similar to the popular beatniks.

Led by student Dave Hesel, 361 students participated in a silent march on Selinsgrove Hall. Nearly all wore signs expressing the sentiment " I am concerned." The group met behind the Benjamin Apple Theater and peacefully made its way to Selinsgrove Hall. Once there, the students sang one verse and the chorus of the Alma Mater and walked back to Bogar Hall in an orderly manner. A letter sent to Dr. Weber prior to the march explained that the protest was meant to address only general attitudes and not specific problems at that time.

Susquehanna University was not exempt from the popularity of public protests sweeping the nation in the 1960s. In the spring of 1964, the behavior of students off campus was investigated by University officials after an article appeared in the Sunbury Daily Item concerning Susquehanna University students who had violated a Selinsgrove ordinance regarding the possession of beer. University officials met with Selinsgrove town authorities and informed the student body of the problems off campus. These probelms included drinking, littering, trespassing and a lack of proper moral conduct. The student body felt that specific proof of these matters was not given, that the University did not defend its students to the town authorities and that their moral characters had been insulted. In retaliation, students placed various protest signs in conspicuous places around campus. This newspaper article discusses the students choice of protest and other options they might have had to address their concerns.

A sign of the times? This 1961 Halloween photo shows three students dressed as beatniks. The Beat Generation followed a literary movement that rebelled against middle class standards and traditions.