The Freshman class was the winner in the annual Tug-O-War competition against the Sophomores. The competition could have went to either class as the competition time concluded, but the judges decided in a secret session that the Freshmen were victorious.
An open forum, that discussed new alternatives for social activities on campus, was held on March 9th, 1988 at 7 p.m. There were students from both Greek and non-Greek organizations present. Most of the debate centered around the dominance of Greek life in the Dickinson community. Some students argued that Greek life was inclusive to all students while others argued that students should explore different options such as DARE or the creation of a co-ed fraternity. There was also a mention of the idea, voiced by freshman women, of colonizing a new sorority on campus.
Founder's Day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the college. The festivities included breakfast in the gymnasium, an address by Judge W.A. Powell at chapel exercises, decoration of graves by the Sophomore committee, an Inter-Class Track and Field Meet, Supper in Metzger Hall, and an All-College sing on Metzger lawn.
The Sophomore class was the winner in the annual Tug-O-War competition against the Freshman. As a result the freshman had to wear their 'dinks' during the remainder of the year.
Oxfam, an organization that promotes peace and the development of areas around the world, hosted their Fast for a World Harvest Day, where Dickinson students were asked to fast for the entire day of November 19th. Proceeds went to the Oxfam fund to help those in need of food and other resources. The organization and their potential political ties created some questioning from Dickinson's community.
BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students) hosted an alcohol awareness week entitled "Truth About Spirits", in cooperation with Alcohol Education, starting Thursday, November 3rd, 1983. Although attendance was weak for several of the week's events, the organization felt the programs were a success. The group, which advocates responsible drinking on college campuses, opened the week's activities with a general information table in the HUB. Following events included film showings, lectures and workshops with Dr.
April 22, 1982, marked Dickinson's participation in Ground Zero Day, a nationwide event wherein 450 colleges and universities sponsored awareness of the potential threats and results of nuclear war. Ground Zero Week, which started Sunday, April 18th and led up to Ground Zero Day, was organized by Roger Molander, a former analyst for the National Security Council.
Former President Gerald R. Ford spoke at the Army War College in Carlisle. Ford discussed the United States' strengths in regards to economics and national security. In addition, Ford explained his negative opinion of President Jimmy Carter.
Democratic candidate John Brojous and Republican candidate Monte Shomaker visited the Dickinson College campus to discuss their campaigns for the 199th district representative to the Pennsylvania State Legislature. This event, which was sponsored by political science Professor Bruce Andrews, allowed students to participate in local politics.
The Cox-Roosevelt Club, a democratic club, is formed on campus. The main topics of debate were the League of Nations and the Treaty of Versailles. The members endorsed the candidacy of Governor James M. Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt for the presidential election of 1920.
A fire at nighttime destroyed the Carlisle Foundry and "two or three" private dwellings, according to Dickinson student Horatio C. King (Class of 1858). The loss was estimated at $25,000 or $30,000.
The Department of Music presented the eleventh annual Messiah sing-along in Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium at 7:30pm. The event was open to the public and led by the College-Community Orchestra and College Choir.
PEER, the Program for Enrichment, Education, and Recreation, brought the Olympics to Carlisle when they held a two-day version of their own Summer Olympic Games. The event emphasized the spirit of the summer program for local community children by helping them to better relate to their peers.
After extensive flooding in the Carlisle area caused many to become homeless, the College made the decision to offer lodging and food to those in need. Fifty-five students and former graduates worked tirelessly to register flood victims and offer information. Overall, 158 people were housed and over 550 meals were served. The Red Cross and Civil Defense personnel also aided in the relief efforts.
Four Dickinson students performed a skit entitled "Only 10%" at a war bond rally held at the Carlisle Courthouse on April 12, 1943. Mr. John C. Hepler and Winfield Peterson directed the skit, in which Jo Ann Wilson, Estelle Mumford, Christine Myers, and Edith Ann Lingle performed. The rally was held to inform the residents of Carlisle about the Second War Fund Drive.
Dr. Frank M. Bristol spoke at the Carlisle Opera House on December 6. This lecture, deemed one of the best ever heard in Carlisle, was presented by the Cumberland County Teachers' Institute. Dr. Bristol's lecture was entitled "Brains" and his expertise captivated the audience, holding their attention as if by magic.
The annual Community Chest Drive ended on Monday, October 19, 1942 with an unprecedented total donation from the College of $950. The standard quota in years past had been slightly over $500. The success of the drive was attributed to the new policy of donating on an individual rather than a fraternity basis.
On April 28, 1942, the stewards of the Dickinson fraternities registered their organizations for sugar rations at Carlisle High School.
Carlisle and the College underwent an air raid drill on December 18, 1941. The College fire protection service sent members to protect campus buildings.
The Dickinson College Religious Association began a drive to raise funds for food for war-weary residents of England and unoccupied France. The Association asked every student to donate one penny per meal eaten for the extent of the drive. The money was to be given to the Friends Service Fund for use in procuring and transporting food.
Phi Mu hosted a Christmas party for twelve impoverished children of Carlisle. The party featured games such as "pin the beard on Santa Claus" and "going to Jerusalem", dinner, singing, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Sergeant Sheaffer of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania addressed a large crown while relating tales of his time serving in the French air service and subsequent capture by the Germans.
Grace L. Jarvis, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, announced her intention to run for office in the Pennsylvania state legislature. Martha Slotten, College Archivist from 1974-1987, managed Professor Jarvis's campaign.
President Howard Rubendall hosted the first of a series of luncheons with representatives of the Carlisle community in his house on February 3, 1971. The luncheon series was designed to provide a forum for informal discussions between representatives of Carlisle and Dickinson College.