Summary of "Quips and Cranks: 50th Reunion Edition - Davidson College Class of 1969"

Overview

"Quips and Cranks: 50th Reunion Edition" commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Davidson College Class of 1969. It reflects on the changes at Davidson College and the lives of its alumni since graduation. Davidson, known for its academic excellence and nurturing community, has evolved significantly, becoming co-educational, diversifying its student body, and expanding its campus and programs. Despite these changes, the college has maintained its commitment to developing disciplined, creative minds for leadership and service​【oaicite:4】​.

Freshman Year Highlights (1965-1966)

• Arrival: The class of 1969, consisting of 279 freshmen, began their journey at Davidson with orientation and the Freshman Camp.
• Campus Life: The freshmen quickly integrated into campus life, marked by new faculty appointments, competitive sports teams, and a vibrant social scene, including the introduction of computer-matched "cupid mixers" with nearby female colleges.
• Academics and Culture: The students navigated Davidson's rigorous academic standards, including the newly introduced "Humanities" program, and participated in various campus traditions and events​【oaicite:3】​.

Senior Year Highlights (1968-1969)

• Class Size: The class size reduced to 251 students by their senior year.
• Notable Events: The year featured significant events like the visit of former Secretary of State Dean Rusk and the overwhelming support for co-education in a student-faculty poll.
• Academic and Sports Achievements: The football team won the Southern Conference Championship, and the basketball team achieved national ranking. The year also saw recommendations for curriculum-driven changes, including foreign study and non-Western studies programs​【oaicite:2】​.

Alumni Engagement

• Survey: A survey was conducted, gathering updates from 165 classmates (66% of the graduating class), which included personal anecdotes, career highlights, and reflections on their Davidson experience.
• Compilation: The edition compiles these submissions, along with photos from the alumni and the original 1969 "Quips and Cranks," offering a rich tapestry of the class's journey and its members' lives post-graduation​【oaicite:1】​.

Personal Reflections

• Alumni Stories: The edition includes detailed personal stories from alumni, reflecting on their most vivid memories, favorite professors, career paths, and the impact of their Davidson experience. These narratives provide a personal touch, showcasing the diverse paths taken by the graduates​【oaicite:0】​.