Lawrence University Lux Alumni Magazines Communications 7-1-2007 Lawrence Today, Volume 87, Number 4, Summer 2007 Lawrence University Follow this and additional works at: http://lux.lawrence.edu/alumni_magazines Part of the Liberal Studies Commons © Copyright is owned by the author of this document. Recommended Citation Lawrence University, "Lawrence Today, Volume 87, Number 4, Summer 2007" (2007). Alumni Magazines. Book 7. http://lux.lawrence.edu/alumni_magazines/7 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Communications at Lux. It has been accepted for inclusion in Alumni Magazines by an authorized administrator of Lux. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. A Hat Girl’s Legacy When Marlene Crupi found Jason Downer’s top hat hidden under tree roots during the traditional “hat hunt” for Milwaukee Downer freshmen, she earned more than the distinction of being “First Hat Girl” for the Green Class of 1955. She was propelled into a leadership role that would last a lifetime. Milwaukee-Downer tradition calls for hat girls (each class had four) to exemplify the attributes of leadership in their academic and personal lives and to serve as class leaders. Marlene embraced this leadership role socially and academically. Professors such as Gladys Calbrick mentored her, while bolstering her self-confidence — providing momentum for her academic success at Downer and in graduate school. Marlene was delighted to be welcomed warmly into a supportive alumnae group who encouraged her service as an alumna. She responded by assuming a variety of volunteer roles, eventually serving as president of the Alumnae Association at the time of the consolidation in 1964.