David June Carter becomes temporary professor in the Department of Philosophy, Psychology and Education. J. Q. Wood speaks on experiences as Consul to Abyssinia. Phi Kappa Sigma holds annual Founders' Day ride to Pine Grove. Sophomore Senate committee hazes freshmen. Contemporary Club takes ride to Pine Grove Furnace.
Senior Isabel Super dies of complications following appendicitis operation. Professional acts and favors to freshman are eliminated from rushing program. Microcosm awards contracts. Gerald Barnes becomes associate professor of sociology. Janet Sinclair becomes assistant librarian. List of freshman class members is notable for number of female students (permitted to make up 25% rather than 20% of class). Radio station adds voice transmission system and reaches Russia and England. Schedule for sorority rushing. YMCA and YWCA plan religious events. Garbage Scrap tradition (hazing) is ceased.
Willard F. Libby receives Priestley Memorial Award. Planetarium completed in Tome Scientific Building. Italian classes are reinstated. Education and Psychology department plans move from Church House to new Reed Hall. Seven memorial plaques dedicated in Durbin Oratory. Fraternities and Sororities announce 1959 pledge class. Phi Epsilon Pi adopts dog, Thumper. Dickinson joins National Defense Student Loan Program, receiving loans to give to students who plan to become science or mathematics teachers.