Varsity Vagabonds, a refresher course in engineering, and the announcement of the commencement speaker were highlights from January 1965 at Western Michigan University.
The Varsity Vagabonds group was a predecessor to Gold Company. They went on tour to U.S. military bases for a month, with one unusual aspect to the trip.
“Although the members of the university’s singing group, the Varsity Vagabonds, expect to be as much as 3,300 miles from home during the next month, they still hope to keep in touch with their families, thanks to several ham radio operators in Michigan.
“The 15-voice singing unit will be touring U.S. military bases in Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland, and Labrador to provide entertainment for servicemen stationed in the northerly posts. Their trip, via Military Air Transport Service, was arranged by the USO and that National Music Council.
While the Varsity Vagabonds (pictured) were abroad, plenty was going on at Western. According to the Western Herald, “Western and the Kalamazoo Engineering Society are co-sponsoring a 14-week engineering refresher course.”
The course was “Designed to prepare engineers for the professional engineering examinations, the course will review material on statics, strength of materials, dynamics, hydraulics, electrical circuits, and engineering law.”
An exciting announcement about commencement was also made by President Miller:
“Governor George Romney will deliver the Commencement address at midwinter graduation exercises Saturday, January 23, President James Miller announced today. The Governor is to receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.”