Susquehanna University - 1990 to 1999

The rock group The Badlees, based out of Selinsgrove, rose in popularity in the 1990s. The group's lead singer, Pete Palladino, was a 1990 Communications and Theater Arts graduate of Susquehanna, The band was best known for the song "Angeline is Coming Home" which hit number 67 on the Billboard Top 100.

In 1991, the Blough-Weis Library brought its new computerized card catalog online, simplifying research methods. The original card catalog was kept in the library for anyone wanting to use it, but was no longer being updated.

As more students began bringing cars to campus, parking became a bigger and bigger issue. It was not uncommon to drive around campus several times before a spot could be found. The number of parking tickets issued in 1980 was 30. In 1991 it was 900. Despite the sharp rise, the Director of Public Safety felt there was adequate parking available on campus.

As the divorce rate among the parents of SU students began to rise in the 1990s, the Counseling Center formed a support group for those whose parents were separated or divorced. Weekly, hour long meetings gave students the opportunity to voice any fears, stresses or worries involved with their familial situation.

The advent of email in the early 1990s opened a whole new world of communication for students, faculty and staff. The Crusader's Inquiring Photographer asked students how the University's new email system had affected them. While some thought the new system was a good way to keep in touch with friends, others felt that the system was down too often for it to be useful.

Sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs, ISMS Week was held on campus for the first time in 1990. The name ISMS was derived from the -ism of words such as racism, sexism, and heterosexualism. Student Association for Cultural Awareness, National Organization for Women, Black Student Union, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance for Susquehanna Students helped to plan the event. Each night lectures were held and the week ended with a dance at the International House.

Seibert Auditorium hosted approximately 100 people intested in a panel discussion with a group of non-racist skinheads. The purpose of the lecture was to "de-mystify the stereotyping of the skinhead organization" and the members of the panel portrayed themselves as just another youth group.

The Men Against Rape organization aimed to have men "re-examine their attitudes toward rape and sexual assault." The group also took part in community projects such as renovating a battered women's shelter and participating in the Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition's lecture training program. The organization was the focus of this 1991 Crusader article.

In the spring of 1990, 20 Susquehanna University students added their voices to a demonstration at the state capital as a part of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) protest. "From degraded land comes degraded lives" was the theme of the march. The rally's targets were bills easing restrictions on state wetlands and state parks.

The Senshu Program began in 1985. The University hosted students from Senshu University in Tokyo, Japan for six weeks. While at the University, students studied law, literature and English conversation.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew became the second most powerful hurricane in history. In response to the destruction, the student group S.H.A.R.E ( Susquehanna Hurricane Andrew Relief Expedition) led by Chaplain Thomforde, visited the hard hit city of Homestead Florida. The group spent seven days helping to build temporary housing. The group completed one house and started work on three others.

A popular place for students to eat drink, and dance was the Upstairs Down Bar, located on Market Street in downtown Selinsgrove. Anyone was allowed to grab a bite to eat or listen to music before 9pm. After 9pm, however, it was a 21-years'-old and older crowd. The establishment also offered live entertainment from student and local bands, DJ music and a 48 inch wide screen TV for Monday night football.