News
Amid Boston Overdose Crisis, a Pair of Harvard Students Are Bringing Narcan to the Red Line
News
At First Cambridge City Council Election Forum, Candidates Clash Over Building Emissions
News
Harvard’s Updated Sustainability Plan Garners Optimistic Responses from Student Climate Activists
News
‘Sunroof’ Singer Nicky Youre Lights Up Harvard Yard at Crimson Jam
News
‘The Architect of the Whole Plan’: Harvard Law Graduate Ken Chesebro’s Path to Jan. 6
No where is the Whole Man more eagerly welcomed than at Colgate. There, both students and administration join in lauding the man who is a leader is many fields: he is cited in official speeches and elected to many offices. Famed and feted, he becomes, upon graduation, an example for incoming classes, a sort of successful big brother to be emulated by novice leaders among the freshmen.
The quickest route to recognition as a campus leader at Colgate, recognition that brings the title Big Man On Campus, is participation in extra-curricular activities. And the marke of having arrived in activities circles is election to the Senior honor society, Konosioni.
Konosioni Points
The freshman, at first seeing the Colgate handbook, discovers that Konosioni taps its members on the basis of a point total. In the back of the handbook is a listing of the points awarded each particular activity. It is interesting to note that captains of the major sports share the top point award (10) with editors-in-chief of the weekly paper and the yearbook, plus the manager of football. Managers of the other major sports are on the next point rung down along with the editor-in-chief of the humor magazine, The Banter.
The points drop through the list of possible positions until such activities as drum major, "letter men of undefeated varsity teams," and "any class officer" receive two points.
Before he ever arrives at school, the freshman has filled out a form sent by the college known as an Interest Sheet. On this sheet he indicates his favorite pastimes, giving a brief resume and analysis of his experience and aptitude.
Upon receiving the completed forms, the Director of Student Activities, Lloyd L. Huntley, breaks down the information into categories covered by the 56 clubs, publications, and service organizations that new want talent. Early in the year competitions begin for many of the organizations. The candidates are called scrubs, and the process of joining for instance, WRCU -- Radio Colgate -- is known as scrubbing WRCU.
Each Man Should Scrub
After the initial push by the college in providing the organizations with prospects' names, both parties are on their own. "We wish that we could look up each man and urge him to join an organization," explains Huntley, "but there just isn't enough time. Besides, the housing unit the boys live in generally takes care to see that he scrubs."
The fraternities insist that every pledge be on at least one organization. "We don't care what they do," says one brother, "but they must show initiative and do something."
While only pledges are actually expected to scrub, public opinion would consider anyone who stood noticeably aloof from participation as something of an odd bird, and one to be watched for further anti-social tendencies. Frederick R. Alvord, Secretary of the University and Colgate alumnus summed up the general attitude, "The student body might look askance at any student not in the extra-curricular life of the school."
Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.