Susquehanna University - 1960 to 1969

On the cutting edge of technology, the Director of Admissions purchased a "time saving device" called an auto-typist in 1960. This machine came equipped with an IBM electric typewriter, could type 150 words per minute and would automatically type the body and closing of a letter after an operator entered the heading and personal greeting.

Ground was broken for the Univeristy's Student Center in 1965 and the building was dedicated in 1968. The Center's game room was a popular place to enjoy a game of pool, ping-pong, checkers or cards as described in this 1968 Crusader article. The next image provides an interior view of the game room.

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.

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.

Times were changing in the 1960s and SU students began questioning the purpose and value of "outdated" regulations. Dressing for dinner had been a long standing rule at Susquehanna, established at a time when dinner was an individually-served affair. With dinner now served cafeteria-style, students requested that a modified dress code be given a chance to succeed.

When a female student wanted to leave the campus before 7:00 am or after 7:30pm, a sign out sheet had to be completed. The student had to provide her destination and the time she intended to return. If the student found that she was going to be late, she was required to call the head resident. If she was more then 15 minutes late, the student would have to appear in front of the Women's Judiciary Board. These rules did not apply to the male students. In protest of the rules, student Kathleen Moriarty refused to sign either in or out. She also circulated a petition asking women students for their support in abolishing the sign-out procedures as she considered them to be a blatant double standard.

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.

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.

On May 10, 1968, the Lovin' Spoonful joined the ranks of other popular bands, such as the Doors, to perform for Susquehanna students. The band was known for such hits as "Do You Believe in Magic?" and "Summer in the City." In 2000, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Campus groups often sponsored events that brought the campus community together. In February 1966, the brothers of Beta Rho Epsilon sponsored a musical concert on campus. With the folk music scene in full swing, The Siblings Three's perfomance of popular folk music was a hit.