The diary entries presented in last week’s blog provided some glimpses of Davidson in 1847. This week we’ll look at some July’s in the 20th century –1978 and 1988 to be exact – and see some ongoing patterns.
July Experience students in 1978, the 3rd year of the program
The Archives has a collection of News Releases from College Communications. The July 1978 press releases highlighted:
-the arrival of high school juniors participating in the 3 year of July Experience,
July Experience students in class with Professor Malcolm Partin in 1988
-a production of Major Barbara by the Davidson Community Players,
– the selection of economics professor Randy Kincaid to spend a year with the Environmental Protection Agency,
-and a meeting about a proposed new retirement community in Davidson.
A decade later (and 25 years ago), the press releases covered:
– Muadi Mukenge receiving the newly established Leona M. Goodell Scholarship and spending her summer with the Davidson in Washington program,
Program for summer pops concerts on campus
-a summer pops series on campus,
-and a Dean Rusk Program for Charlotte business leaders.
While there was no publicity for July Experience, the students were on campus — just as they are again this year. Summer entertainment also continues with the Davidson Community Players. Both the 1978 and 2013 productions have Davidsonians in the cast; the biggest change is in the venue. Plays are now presented in the Duke Family Performance Hall instead of Hodson Hall.
Program for Major Barbara, 1978
Directed by Davidson professor Tony Abbott, the cast included faculty and staff
Davidson faculty still have strong ties to governmental agencies and students still eagerly apply for the Washington in Davidson Program. The Dean Rusk program isn’t hosting the breakfasts any more but does still actively encourages international awareness for students, faculty, staff, and area residents through a variety of programs.
Flyer for retirement center meeting
And that retirement center — it’s celebrating a 25th anniversary. Although the first meeting was 35 years ago, changes in the national economy delayed the idea a bit. By the summer of 1988, the Pines was becoming a reality and now it is an integral part of the town — and a great supporter of college programs – entertainment, international, and beyond.
