A Warm Welcome
In 1945, Paul V. Sangren, who served as president of Western from 1936-60, greeted new students, the first class to enter the college post war, and reminded them that faculty and staff were there to help.
"You enter college in a new world devoted to reconversion, reconstruction, and the reestablishment of peace. Yours can be an altogether constructive program. Yours can be happy years because there is no war to fight. Yours can be constructive years because you have only to build and not to lay waste. Your college years can be devoted to peacetime recreation and enjoyment, as well as to study and work. If only you can capitalize on these new and favorable conditions, how much more you and your class can accomplish than has been possible in the last six years."
A Full Social Calendar
Several event notices also signaled the beginning of a new year. The first student council meeting would be held on Thursday, Oct. 18 in Walwood Hall.
Freshman women were invited to the 'Jean Jamboree' where they had the opportunity to ditch their skirts for true western fashion at the annual junior-senior sister 'Who's Who" party (in the men's gym, no less).
"Square dances to the tunes of real old fashioned, fiddle-scraping orchestra will provide plenty of exercise for the party-goers."
The event also included performances from a band named the 'Deserted Gulch Six,' a 'Lulabelle and Scotty act,' a cowgirl tap dance, and refreshments.
"The chairman, Beverly Whyment, has been seen dashing furtively from farm to farm this summer and rumor has it she has been driving hard bargains for various implements and baskets of garden produce which will adorn the gym."
Freshmen were also encouraged to attend Freshman Days, which kicked off Monday, Oct. 15 with an assembly in the ballroom of Walwood Hall and ran until Thursday morning when classes began. On Saturday, the Student Council scheduled the first student party and dance of the fall semester in Walwood.
The Women's Senior Sister was also getting ready to kick off a year filled with fun social activities, first with the Western Mamouth Carnival on Wednesday evening. All students and faculty were invited to the evening event intended to give Western's incoming freshman a warm welcome; 24 campus organizations would have booths, a jukebox would provide the music for dancing, and a grand prize would be given to the organization with the most original and colorful booth.
"The small sum of five cents will be charged at all booths alike and this way all can afford to go and have a good time for as little as a quarter. It is hoped that every student on campus will be on hand to inaugurate Western's first big mixer of the year and an evening of fun is guaranteed for all."
Business Time
"In a step to meet the requirements of an ever expanding educational program began some time ago, Dr. Paul V. Sangren, president of the college, announced a reorganization of the college administration this summer which took effect on September 1 of this year."
Wynand Wichers was named vice president, John Hoekje was named the new dean of administration, Deyo Fox became the Director of Vocational and Practical Arts Education, and Loften Burge would direct teacher education. Additionally, Leonard Gernant was announced as assistant to the registrar.
A Farewell
Finally, as campus began to slide back into the ease of peacetime, one remaining symbol of the war was in the process of departing.
"To the faculty, students and personnel of Western Michigan College. In 1943 Western Michigan College was one of many institutions to avail it’s fine facilities to the navy for the purpose of training Navy and Marine officers. Since July 1943, approximately 1,800 Trainees have attended Western, many of which have gone into active service.
The personal interest of all individuals connected with Western Michigan College shown to all the Navy V-12 Unit will long be remembered by those serving here with the Navy. The Officers, Ship’s Company, and Trainees wish to thank all those who have contributed to the success of the program.
Admiral Denfield expressed the feeling of the V-12 Unit when he said in a letter of commendation to Western Michigan College, “Now that your share in the work is nearly completed, I should like to add just one thing more, the Navy’s traditional phrase of approval, a hearty “Well done.”
Lt. Ernst W. Carl, USNR
Commanding Officer
In celebration of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Western Herald, email Storyteller@MyWMU.com if you have a story or memory about WMU's student paper. Whether you wrote for it or read it, we want to hear what you remember!