1958: The Way It Was in Lobo Land
Golden Graduates, the class of 1958, are honored at commencement because of their lifelong connection to UNM. This special recognition began as a salute to alumni unable to participate in their own commencement ceremonies because of military service in WWII and the Korean Conflict.
Fifty years ago, the campus was small, and students all seemed to know one another. Girls wore short-sleeved sweaters, penny-loafers and anklets, and an occasional poodle skirt. Bow ties for the guys were de rigueur for dress-up.
Basketball shorts were short and cheerleader skirts were long. The Lobo basketball team had a tough year, breaking the school record for the most losses. Dick Clausen was head football coach, assisted by Marv Levy .
Students registered for classes at Carlisle Gym, where they would later swim in the adjacent pool. The Waterlous popularized synchronized swimming. The Pikes maintained a secret chapter room in the Estufa.
For formal dances, the girls' dresses fanned out over petticoats. On less formal occasions, the gang sauntered over to Okie Joe's. RallyCom (not .com!) was in charge of freshmen beanie sales and the homecoming bonfire and rally. Thunderbirds gained a back seat. Vincent Price, Ogden Nash, Raymond Massey, and Agnes Moorehead all came to campus. On the TV with rabbit ears, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz show was a hit.
The graduates of 1958 today recall taking classes with now legendary professors: Martin Fleck, Florence Schroeder, Ernest Baughman, and Dorothy Woodward. Also, George Alms, Archie Bahm, Edith Buchanean, Dorothy Cline, Ruben Cobos, Keen Rafferty, Katherine Simons. Chester Travelstead was Dean of Education. Dean Clauve kept the "girls" in line. Tom Popejoy was president.