Profile of Class of 1944
Laura Kortebein
Issue date: 5/14/09 Section: News
In a time of war, when professors were doing scientific research for the defense program, students were buying war bonds in the library and local servicemen were dancing at canteens held on Smith campus, Smith students continued to explore, learn and excel. Today, the alumnae whose final academic year was 1943 to 1944 are proof of the success one can begin to achieve while at Smith. To find out more about this reunion class's experience at Smith, our staff took to the College Archives.
Certain facets of the class of 1944's final year on campus have not changed much today. In 1943 and '44, lectures from professors, authors and national leaders filled students' schedules. Students vehemently expressed their opinions on everything from a lack of proper gym suits to an experiment in hypnosis performed on two seniors. A newspaper-sponsored snowman contest was discontinued when unpredictable New England saw 70 degree weather in March.
However, as recorded in the Sophian's precursor, The Smith College Associated News, some aspects of daily life at Smith were very different. In 1943 and 1944, procedures were in place should there be an air raid; Virginia Kelly '44 was the chief student air warden. Community members took issue with Smith students' casual manner of dress, concerned that rolled-up overalls, fur coats and slacks were quite atrocious combinations. Betty Jean Warner '44 was the victor in the annual hoop rolling contest, winning the bridal bouquet that, according to tradition, meant she would be the first to marry after graduation.
These women, who experienced Smith College at such a different time in history, provide incentive for the students and graduates of today to challenge themselves to do great things - by letting them know that it can be done.
Lois Harkrider Stair '44 was the first woman to be elected as moderator, the highest position of authority, of the three-million-member United Presbyterian Church. Yoshiko Uchida, who completed her graduate studies at Smith in 1944, published more than thirty books, winning major awards along the way. Cornelia Hahn Oberlander '44 was a pioneer in the field of socially conscious and sustainable landscape design. Jane White '44, who was the first black student to become President of the House of Representatives at Smith, made her Broadway debut in "Strange Fruit" in 1945 and continued acting in theater, television and movies since then.
These are but a few of the amazing accomplishments the class of 1944 can claim. Some may wonder how a graduating class of 208 could do so much, but as these women sang at their Sophomore Push in 1942, their choice to attend Smith was one of the most important contributions to their success: "Anyone with vision comes to this decision/Don't laugh at a Brain."
Certain facets of the class of 1944's final year on campus have not changed much today. In 1943 and '44, lectures from professors, authors and national leaders filled students' schedules. Students vehemently expressed their opinions on everything from a lack of proper gym suits to an experiment in hypnosis performed on two seniors. A newspaper-sponsored snowman contest was discontinued when unpredictable New England saw 70 degree weather in March.
However, as recorded in the Sophian's precursor, The Smith College Associated News, some aspects of daily life at Smith were very different. In 1943 and 1944, procedures were in place should there be an air raid; Virginia Kelly '44 was the chief student air warden. Community members took issue with Smith students' casual manner of dress, concerned that rolled-up overalls, fur coats and slacks were quite atrocious combinations. Betty Jean Warner '44 was the victor in the annual hoop rolling contest, winning the bridal bouquet that, according to tradition, meant she would be the first to marry after graduation.
These women, who experienced Smith College at such a different time in history, provide incentive for the students and graduates of today to challenge themselves to do great things - by letting them know that it can be done.
Lois Harkrider Stair '44 was the first woman to be elected as moderator, the highest position of authority, of the three-million-member United Presbyterian Church. Yoshiko Uchida, who completed her graduate studies at Smith in 1944, published more than thirty books, winning major awards along the way. Cornelia Hahn Oberlander '44 was a pioneer in the field of socially conscious and sustainable landscape design. Jane White '44, who was the first black student to become President of the House of Representatives at Smith, made her Broadway debut in "Strange Fruit" in 1945 and continued acting in theater, television and movies since then.
These are but a few of the amazing accomplishments the class of 1944 can claim. Some may wonder how a graduating class of 208 could do so much, but as these women sang at their Sophomore Push in 1942, their choice to attend Smith was one of the most important contributions to their success: "Anyone with vision comes to this decision/Don't laugh at a Brain."
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