Susquehanna University - 1960 to 1969

The University's new campus center was dedicated in 1968 and opened with the 111th academic year. The student center was renamed the Degenstein Student Center in honor of major benefactor, Charles Degenstein. Mr. Degenstein was the son-in-law of Sigmund Weis, who was a member of the SU class of 1903 and co-founder of the Weis Markets grocery store chain. Mr. Degenstein was an executive with Weis Markets and his philanthropy played a significant role in the University's development.

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.

Proper attire was expected of all Susquehanna University students while both on and off campus. Times were changing in the 1960s and so was student attire. In 1965, the Susquehanna administration issued this memorandum to remind students that proper attire was still a requirement at the University.

Sporting one of the defining fashion trends of the 1960s, the mini-skirt, these young ladies take time out of their busy academic schedules to socialize in 1969.

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.

Students take the time to socialize with each other while waiting in line in 1966. Note the cars in the parking lot, particularly the Volkswagen van, a symbol of the1960s counter-culture era. Peace and love, man!

All settled in for the night and preparing to look spectacular the next morning? Fire alarms can be quite cruel as this 1968 photo proves.

The original Lambda Chi Alpha, formerly Bond and Key, fraternity house was located at 309 University Avenue. In 1961, the fraternity sold the house and built a new residence next to rival fraternity Theta Chi. Shown from left at the 309 University Ave address in 1958 are Lambda Chi Alpha members T. Pupo, F. Chrvala, R. Rumble, D. Patterson, R. Yeingst, M. Tobias, R. Richie, J. Barlow, J. Stone, C. Rovenolt, D. Lehmer, G. Herbster, L. Heinze, R. McTague, and B. Kenyon.

During the mid-1960s, some men began to move away from the more conventional crew cut to grow their hair longer, mimicking the styles worn by some popular rock singers. This cartoon, which appeared in a 1968 school newspaper, plays on the question " Is it a boy or a girl?"

Before the advent of CDs, iPods, and Mp3 players, students enjoyed their favorite tunes by "spinning" vinyl records on their turntables as shown in this 1968 photo.