February 1965 at Western Michigan University saw the second snow-less Snow Carnival in two years, the addition of a Peace Corps training program, and retirement of a well-known and well respected Dean of Women.
Here are a few of the highlights from the February, 1965 issues of the Western Herald.
It was announced that Peace Corps Volunteers would be trained on campus. “The volunteers are expected to arrive on campus between June 15 and 21 and leave in early September. About 75 to 100 instructors will be needed during the training period, some for as little as one week. Wherever possible, WMU faculty members will be used, but language instructors will be hired off campus.”
It seems like this collaboration was viewed as a win-win for all parties involved. “Most encouraging is the selection of WMU as a Peace Corps training center. Not only will the trainees benefit from the excellent facilities available here, but the university and the community as a whole will benefit from having said trainees here for 12 weeks of training.”
Snow Carnival featured Snow Bowls, the Snow Queen contest, snow sculptures, a beard growing competition, Ski Clothes Day, a jazz concert, and the annual Snow Ball. Pamela Asher of Dearborn Heights reigned over the weekend’s activities as Snow Queen.
“All fears of a second straight snowless WMU Snow Carnival were well-founded when over the weekend better than a foot of snow in the area disappeared because of a sudden warm spell. As of this writing, there is not enough snow to cool beer, but the weatherman was promising colder weather and some snow so it is possible some of the outdoor events will go on as planned.”
Dr. Elizabeth Lichty, Dean of Women, who had seen Western through a time of great growth, announced her resignation in February 1965.
“In a letter to President James W. Miller, Dean Lichty wrote: “It is with my regret that I will leave WMU. My eighteen years here have been very busy, but very happy years, made especially pleasant because of the fine people with whom I have worked.” Miss Lichty plans to spend her retirement in travel and relaxation.”
“Dean Lichty came to Western when the enrollment was 4,000, including 1,300 women students. There was only one residence hall for women. Last fall the enrollment reached 13,770, of which 6,000 are women.”
“The president said: “Dean Lichty has given most generously of her time and talents to Western. She has provided thoughtful and kindly guidance to many hundreds of women students and it is with regret that we learned of her intention to retire. On behalf of the university, I wish her much happiness and good health in the years ahead.”
The WMU Zhang Legacy Collections Center is home to the Archives and Regional History Collections, which includes resources, such as the archives of the Western Herald. To learn more, click here.
Photo Captions from the 1965 Brown & Gold Yearbook:
The top photo features all the Snow Queen candidates dressed for the annual “Ski Clothes Day.”
The bottom photo features (L to R) Ron Ranck, Roger Swing, and Chuck Filice shaving their winning beards.
Posted by Samantha Macy