627 strong we entered Mount Holyoke as the largest class ever! Sixty of us were stuffed into temp doubles. We discovered Chanticleer cookies, pitchers at the C.I., road tripping, and Amherst taps. We wore clogs, bandannas and peasant shirts. We showed up at midnight fire drills in our flannel nightgowns with our coats, towels and a few slightly red-faced male guests. A load of laundry and a hot fudge sundae at Wilbur each cost 25 cents.
Watergate. Agnew resigned. Nixon resigned. We streaked. The Vietnam War ended. Amherst went coed. We didn’t!!!
We typed papers in smokers while Bill Gates founded Microsoft in a garage. Comps were abolished. Grades went from E-G-P to a five point system. We had waitressed dinners and dressed for tea. Billie Jean King whipped Bobby Riggs in three straight sets.
Almost 30% of us took academic leave for experiences off campus during junior year. The first MHC Crew Team was formed. Choragos published a letter from the Astronomer through which gay women on campus found their voice. The World Trade Center opened. Wilits replaced Wilbur and the Rathskeller.
We faced an energy crisis and waited in long lines to fill gas tanks. President Truman announced his retirement. Like Mary Lyon, many of us became pioneers as some of the first women in our chosen fields. Known for our enthusiasm and spirit, the Class of ‘77 is thrilled to celebrate our 30th Reunion.
Karen Jungherr Manning
Class Vice President