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NOVEMBER 1957 ALUMNI ISSUE Freshman Relatives of Alumni (See Page 5) The Community Tensions Center HANS B. C. SPIEGEL, Director In the last issue of the Alumni Bulletin the new Community Tensions Center - an integral part of the College devoted to the study and instruction in racial, ethnic, and religious reJa tions - was briefly described. Because Springfield College alumni are unique and because so many of them are involved in intergroup relations in their jobs, a close relationship between alumni and the Center should be fostered. In establishing the Community Tensions Furthermore, we may develop certain edu HANS SPIEGEL Center it was hoped that it would not only cational material in the Community Tensions be a graduate teaching and research enter Center which we would like to tryout with prise, but that it would attempt to work with youth and adult groups. Here is another way the following questions ring true to you, but undergraduates, faculty, alumni, and com in which the cooperation of alumni would be here are some of the problems that others have munity groups as well. As for alumni, it was of great help. And finally, if we are able to f aced in the field: felt that most Springfield men and women, establish one of the nation's first graduate who are now engaged in various occupations programs in intergroup relations, we hope that -When a Negro comes into a dealing with people, would be concerned with our alumni can help and guide us in placing formerly all-white youth group, and experienced in the area of intergroup graduat~ students on field work assignments. should he be briefed by the youth relations and that, therefore, both the Com These are some of the ways in which the worker? Should the rest of the munity Tensions Center and alumni might alumni can help support our young, and still group be "coached"? How? Would benefit from getting together periodically. groping Center. it spoil spontaneity? The Center needs the kind of information We hope that there may be some ways in -At an interfaith meeting should: a alumni have gathered. We want to know how which the Center can be of assistance to Protestant invoke the gathering "in you have handled racial incidents and with alumni. For one thing, we intend to gather the name of our Saviour, Jesus what results; how inter-religious tensions were in our office a good bit of information con Christ"? Would anything less be created and resolved; or what resources in cerning agencies in intergroup relations, inter insincere for a Christian? intergroup education were most helpful. There group education materials, lists of books and is a wealth of experience that Springfield audio-visual resources in the field, and mono We don't claim definitive answers for these alumni have had in this area and we would graphs of recent · studies and research. We queries. but considering questions such as like to pull it together, systematize it and hope that any member of the Springfield these together may give us more perspective learn from it. For example, w~ would like and insight. I hope very much that when family will feel free to get in touch with us students to be able to read detailed reports you come on campus we can have mutually concerning any of these resources. For another and case studies - hiding the identity of the stimulating discussions which will help you thing, we expect that there will be oppor writer, of course - so that these students may and us serve our communities better. be ready to recognize, understand and effec tunities for individual or group meetings at tively deal with similar situations in their own such occasions as Homecomings. What might Dr. Hans Spiegel joined the Springfield College experiences. we discuss? I don't know whether some of faculty in September following two years at the University of Pennsylvania where he was assist ant professor of human relations and staff asso ciate at the Greenfield Center for Human Rela tions. His undergraduate work was done at Antioch College, and his MA and Ed.D. degrees were secured at Teachers College, Columbia Uni Biddle '49 Versity. Massachusetts Governor Foster Fur colo, shown opposite, addressed the open ing Convocation of students and faculty on Pratt Field on Sept. 24. Atop the grand· stand may he seen the new press box, which replaces an older one destroyed by fire in August. The ~onflagration which at one time threatened the entire stand was set either by vandals or a "de termined" alumnus. Policy For Advance WESLEY F. RENNIE Interim President The call to serve Springfield College as interim president came out of a clear sky just as my wife ana I were getting well settled in our newly-built Cape Cod "retirement home". It was so persuasive in its challenge and its presentation of opportunity that we felt we could not turn away. We have enjoyed a most cordial welcome on the part of all elements in the college family and we appreciate deeply the reception accorded us. My first impressions after a few short weeks and corporator participation, completion of are highly favorable. I am happy to report the initial phase of the development campaign to the alumni that there are many evidences and projection of further plans, faculty rela here of healthy growth and progress. The tionships, educational policy, student affairs, WESLEY F. RENNIE student body of 1170 (900 men, 270 women) community and agency relationships, strength is characterized by competency, purpose ening of international emphasis. Very special fulness, and commit~ent to service. Academic attention needs to be given to a public rela in all efforts the cooperative approach. Team life is under the guidance of a strong faculty tions program which will be integral with and work is required on the campus, in off-campus led by Dean Merriam. Student activities nre supportive of true Springfield interests. relationships, and in all projects of research well diversified and reflect a philosophy of This is not the time or place to discuss the and experimentation. Imaginative undertak reliance upon student initiative and control. details of any of these matters. I will risk ings, undergirded by widespread participation Many trustees are showing a vital interest in only a generalized statement concerning one and involvement, will, I believe, attract the the College and are rallying to the support of guide line of policy during this interim period, kind and amount of support needed for the the development program. The full achieve namely, that I am endeavoring to emphasize Greater Springfield College of our dreams. ment of the initial alumni goal has had an inspirational effect. Added to that impetus has been the recent overwhelmingiy favorable vote by students on an assessment plan de A Job Well Done .... signed to assure the balance of the funds The $300,000 Alumni Development Campaign is now history - the goal was exceeded needed for the College Center. by $15465, and Springfield men and women helped "spark" and set the pace for the These items, and others which could be entire Development effort. Springfield Alumni demonstrated what united effort can cited, bear out what Ed Bond and other accomplish. trustees told me during our conversations in To Chairman Bob Wright goes the "lion's share" of the credit for this success. I August, namely, that Springfield College is a have worked with many chairmen during my career, but never with a finer, more dedi going concern, that it has momentum, that it cated or a more effective person. has a sense of direction in keeping with its Also, the College is tremendously grateful to the :1,300 workers, Lou Serene unique mission. To me the indications for regional and state chairmen, captains and colonels who did the leg work so efficiently. future administrative policy - even on an Now to the work ahead as this is only the beginning. Springfield's needs are great interim basis - are quite clear: keep up the - faculty salaries, new buildings, curriculum improvement and expansion, renovation momentum, sharpen and clarify objectives of existing buildings - to name only a few. There is a continuing obligation on the part of Springfield Alumni, as there is for even more fully, rally all forces in support of Alumni of all Colleges, to further the cause of higher education, thus making educa the development program, let there be no tional opportunities available for succeeding generations. slow-down. At any rate this is the way I am This obligation may be discharged in part by: attempting to define and discharge my own Completion of pledge payments on time. responsibility. Continuous annual contributions proportionate to one's ability to Implementation of such a policy will require give. detailed examination of major areas of ad The interpretation of Springfield College in communities through ministrative concern in such fields as trustee out the world. The recruitment of topnotch students for all fields for which Springfield trains. Assistance in placement of graduates. The willingness to serve on College· and Alumni committees and SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE BULLETIN to channel suggestions and experience through appropriate com Vol. XXXII November, 1957 No.2 mittees. Springfield Alumni can be proud of a job well done, but in these days of mounting Member. American Alumni Council enrollments and spiraling costs, the job is a never ending one, and its fulfillment Calvin J. Martin '34 Editor requires undying devotion and untiring efforts. Published six times a year, in September, No Calvin Martin '34 vember, February, March, April and May by Spring r. field College, Springfield, Mass. Entered as Second Alumni Secretary Class Matter at Springfield, Mass., under the Act 'If August 24, 1912.