Student Life (1930s,1940s)

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Student Life: 1930s

The Student Council President for 1933-1934 was William Helvestine. There was the Hour Glass Honor Society for women. The All-University Carnival was an annual affair. It was sponsored by the Student Council, and was one of the most colorful and gala events of the school year. All organizations took part and vied for honors in booths, rackets, and the big vaudeville show. 1933-1934 Student Handbook

"The Student Council was the chief student political body, giving the student a voice in the government of the University. Its purpose was to develop student spirit through an understanding and appreciation of the University, to aid in the development of student activities, and to promote cooperation among them." 1938-1939 Student Handbook

Customs and traditions of the era included the Student Club, which was a daily rendezvous at 5:00 o'clock for a hand or two of bridge or a coke before class. The student club was the center of activity. It was the scene of frequent Friday night Buff and Blue Room feasts. All of the sororities and fraternities and many other organizations had their representative banners in the Student Club. The annual Freshmen Mixer, held in the fall, was a traditional event. Other events of note included Homecoming, football and parades, Student Council elections, convocation exercise, Washington's Birthday, and Tin Tabernacle. 1933-34 Student Handbook

Student Life: 1946-47 "Probably the most outstanding organization on campus excluding the Student Council is Cue and Curtain, the drama organization on campus." 1946-1947 Student Handbook

"The student government on the George Washington campus was under the direction of the Student Council whose members are elected in the spring of each school year for the next year by the students themselves." 1946-47 Student Handbook

"The purpose of the Student Government Association was to promote increased cooperation among extra-curricular organizations and among departmental groups. The purpose of the Student Council was to facilitate a rich and well rounded college life for each student at the University." 1946-1947 Student Handbook

Serving as the Judicial Branch of the University's student government, the Student Life Committee was active in determining policy for the eligibility of candidates for Student Council. 1946-1947 Student Handbook

Publications from the 1940s included The Cherry Tree, The University Hatchet, G.W.U. Handbook, The Summer School Record, University Gazette, The Law Review and Mecheleciv. 1946-1947 Student Handbook

Clubs and organizations included Cue and Curtain, Glee Clubs, Student Veterans Club of GW, Fencers club, General Alumni Association, Hellenic Society, Faculty Committees, Columbian Women and the Martha Washington Club. 1946-1947 Student Handbook

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Document Location: University Archives
Date Added to Encyclopedia: December 21, 2006
Prepared by: G. David Anderson, University Archivist and Historian

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