Throwback Thursday: April 1975 by: Delani Bauer

Spring semester is always a busy time for Hardin-Simmons University students, and April of 1975 was no exception.

In 1975, HSU’s Student Congress hosted a picnic on Logsdon’s lawn.  The dinner was followed by campaign speeches from candidates running for class office.  Afterward, students enjoyed a “Pirates Cove” themed carnival.

Campus organizations hosted themed activities, booths and games.  This gave students a fun way of discovering the wide array of involvement opportunities at HSU.  The night concluded with cash prizes being awarded to the top three best decorated activity booths.

The second annual campus-wide “Fifties Day brought with it much student excitement. The popular event was sponsored by the Moody Center program committee. Cash prizes were also awarded to the best-dressed male, female, faculty member, couple and “gang” on campus.  Special decade-themed honors included the “Gold Tennis Shoe” award, the “Clearasil” award, the “OJ’s Beauty Lotion” award and the “Gold Chain” award.

The celebration continued with an energizing performance by Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88’s, a rock ‘n’ roll group from Austin.  The group performed at a special assembly for HSU students.  For the occasion, the cafe was transformed into a drive-in food environment, featuring car hops and rollerskates. “Hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, sundaes and all the trimmings [made] up the menu.”

On Thursday, April 17, 1975, the traditional Founders Day program was held.  Medallions were presented honoring HSU’s class of 1925.  At the time, “A total of 54 members of the class of ’25 [were] still on the alumni rolls and a majority of them [were] planning to be on campus Founders Day.”

In April 1975, The Southwestern Association of Student Geological Societies (SASGS), held their annual field trip.  Sponsored by University of Texas at Austin Geological Society, the trip was completely student-led and directed.  HSU students had also attended the event in 1963 and 1969. 

Fifteen HSU students joined more than 200 others from across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.  The trip included, “a raft trip down the Rio Grande through Mariscal Canyon, a hike to the top of Mariscal Mountain, and an alternate trip around Big Bend National Park.”