Western New England has always wanted to let the voices of their students be heard, and one popular way used to be the newspaper feature in The Westerner, the WNEC Inquisition. The feature asked students around campus the same question, then reported their answers, along with a headshot, on the last page of The Westerner for much of the 1980s. Questions ranged from social and political issues, to dating, to campus-specific concerns.

Thirty years ago, in November of 1987, students were asked “If there was one thing you could change about this college, what would it be?”

The Westerner, November 12, 1987

(You can click on the image above for a larger, more legible version.)

The students interviewed all reported pretty legitimate concerns. Some have been changed, others not, and some we’re just not sure! Technology has helped to solve many of the issues, including registration, and the slow “Data General computer system.” And we know for certain that the concern about food is fixed –

The food, please change the food! The way it is now is either under/over cooked, the watery salad and soup. It’s all disgusting. It has to change.

Not only is the food great now, but will be improved even further with the new Dining Commons!

In the decades spanning the mid 20th century at Western New England, the late fall weather meant it was time to take a dunk in a chilly mud puddle! The Rope Pull, the annual event that pitted the new freshmen class against the sophomores class in an epic tug of war over a mud pit, happened in October or November, and not only gave bragging rights to the victorious class, but also determined if freshmen could retire their beanies immediately, or have to continue wearing them until Thanksgiving break.

Already having one Rope Pull under their belts, the sophomore class was typically victorious. A few years, however, did see a victorious freshmen class, including the class of 1964, as chronicled below.

According to the article from The Westerner, the loss of the sophomore class was due to less man power – 33 sophomores versus 39 freshmen. Take note of the end of the article, which indicates “the one and only female coed” served cider and doughnuts to the male students who participated. Fortunately this omission of female students from the Rope Pull did not last, and many women participated in later years.

The tradition is described in more detail on the Archive’s online exhibition, The Freshmen Experience. Check it out, and learn more about the Rope Pull, and other traditions freshmen used to partake in!

Every year on Veterans Day, the WNE community gathers at the gazebo outside the St. Germain Campus Center to honor all those who served our country. But we didn’t always. In 1988, the community honored Veteran with this ceremony for the first time since the end of the Vietnam War. The year 1988 held further significance, and perhaps was the reason to reintroduce the practice, because it marked the 70th anniversary (to the minute!) of the Armistice ending World War I.

Check out the article from The Westerner below to learn all about the historic occasion.

From The Westerner, December 9th, 1988

From The Westerner, December 9th, 1988

The tradition continues, and will be happening this Friday, November 10th from 12:00 – 12:20pm. All are welcome to attend!