A 1974 Graduate's Memories

Where to begin? I entered Livingston College in the fall of 1970 and graduated in the spring of 1974--my B.A. was in Urban Teacher Education (Secondary) and English. As Rutgers approved a double major--instead of a major and minor--one came out with a "double B.A", for all intents and purposes. To give you an idea of how serious this requirement was, there were 22 required courses for the Education major and 18 for the English major! And, even though there were no prerequisite courses, I took them anyway and am glad to have been rounded out as a liberal arts student.

My extra-curricula activities included eight consecutive terms as a student government representative, a formidable group composed of both faculty and students, which was imperative on the most memorable committee that I served on "Scholastic Evaluation and Scholastic Standing Committee. In this committee, the fate of undergraduates literally was in the hands of we faculty and students saddled with the task of determining who could stay and who had to leave Livingston. [At our 10-year Reunion, several classmates came up to me to thank me for the compassion that I and some faculty members showed in allowing them to stay to go on to do good things, professionall and personally. Another of my activities was a wonderful memory of my participation in the glee club, as well as being a reporter/editor for the Third World Report (a paper put out by the Third World Coalition).

Because of Livingston's existence a direct result of the Newark summer rebellions (not riots), the time was thick with heavy issues, including but not limited to the lack of equal rights for African Americans (among others), Open Admissions/Enrollment was struggling to become a reality--I participated in demonstrations and rallies even though I could not qualify for the kind of financial aid that was so desperately needed by so many--, then there was the Vietnam War (or as the Vietnamese termed it "the American War"). There were mind-opening Teach-Ins about virtually every political theme one can imagine. Women's Studies got off the ground, as did Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Puerto Rican Studies, and such.

The dormitory Quads were unique and were named by the students for their compositions: Quad 1 was called "Woodstock"; Quad 2, "Suburbia"; and Quad 3 "The Ghetto". In the last Quad were three "Black Houses" and one "Puerto Rican House". The dorms of the Black Houses were both all female/male and co-ed! Being virtually bi-lingual, I found another "home" in the Puerto Rican House. The nights were magical with Congo drumming in which women as well as men were allowed to play to their heart's content.

This was a multi-racial, multi-generational, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic campus. For the most part, we all lived in harmony and there was a solidarity that was remarkable achieve in any times, let alone the turbulent '60s and '70s. This was a time when anti-war demonstrations/protest rallies around the country were taking place. And, sadly, the National Guard was called in to "restore order" on some campuses, namely Jackson State and Ohio State were senseless student deaths occurred. What many people do not realize is the Guard is armed with the same munitions that is being used by the military during war time. Consequently, we had M-16s trained on us at some of the education-related as well as political rallies! I have never been prouder of Livingston's president, Mason Gross, who boldly and loudly refused the Govenor's call to have the National Guard come onto the Livingston campus! [I believe he paid the price in the coming years when he was ultimately removed from his post.] That was a sad day, indeed. Then there were the takeovers of the President's quarter--I was among those who sat-in until demands were met. And, after I graduated I heard of some students took over the Registrar's offices and destroyed academic records. I cannot understand how that senseless act was going to advance their cause! But, I guess, in any movement it takes all kinds!

On the political front, there were moderates, conservatives and revolutionaries. Discussions between the differinig groups were lively to say the least. But what was terrific was that we listened to one another and much was learned by all--if one was open to hear sentiments different from one's own.

Academically, it was ground-breaking to have access to all classes that the different colleges offered, Livingston, Douglass and Rutgers New Brunswick, as well as the other campuses. Getting around was made easy by the three bus lines (A, B, and C) which made the commute a breeze. Being able to attend classes at the different institutions made for meaningful and lasting friendships and relationships, not to mention the broadenig of one's horizons.

It was at Livingston that some innovative teachers used dormitory lounges to conduct class when space was tight, e.g., Verta Mae Grossinger's cooking class (she went on to have her own cooking show on PBS)! On one occasion, my Spanish Translation class was held in my apartment! It was taught by Miguel Algarin, who is the founder of the Poet's Cafe in Loisaida (The Lower East Side, in New York City). In this vein, some of my English professors would go on to international acclaim or had already established themselves, e.g., Toni Cade Bambara, Nikki Giovanni, Hattie Gossett, A.B. Spellman, Sonia Sanchez, and Marc Crawford,just to name a few. Toni Cade Bambara (who made her transition in '95) made such an indelible impression on me that I have dedicated my book to her! [I will most likely self-publish; and a renowned poet, historian and scholar, Louis Reyes Rivera, who is a good friend of mine, is doing the editing of the book.] In Women's Studies I was introduced to the remarkable Chilean singer/songwriter, Suni Paz. This association included attending her concerts in the summers, in midtown Manhattan.

Let us not forget how many couples came out of liasions at the College--including some that would end in marriage and long-term commitments. (I was one of those fortunates.)

Livingston was ground-breaking in the artists of all hues, activists, revolutionaries, educators, international political figures (some who would find themselves known as political prisoners for the stuggles for independence in their homelands. One such person who I had the honor of meeting on campus was the Puerto Rican independentista Juan Maribras (sp.) who recently made his transition. What I truly loved about, and appreciated, was the ethnic and generational diversity in my classesand throughout the campus.

It made for stimulating discussions and true education at its best! I had a wonderful time at the 10th year Reunion of Livingston College; as well as the 20th, which I attended with a long-time friend who I met in my freshman year. I must say that the 20th was particularly memorable because of the "young ones" who gave their perspective of what the Livingston Mission was.

It was heartbreaking to learn of the College's demise, it was truly unbelievable and inconceivable to me that such a drastic decision was made!

Marian Murray LC'74

Our condolences to the family and friends of Riki Jacobs, who received the Livingston Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000 and did amazing work as the executive director of the Hyacinth Aids Foundation. Read more

Congratulations to Jason Goldstein LC '02, who was recently selected to serve on the first Rutgers University Alumni Association board. The RUAA is the new governing body for the university's alumni activities and Jason's selection is a true salute to the abilities and energies that Livingston Alumni have brought to the planning and implementation of programs for all Rutgers alumni.

1987 Livingston College Yearbook

Debra Holston O'Neal, LC'87 attended Reunion Weekend and participated in a short discussion with LAA annual meeting participants about her undergraduate experiences at Livingston.

She sent a follow-up email:

I have a LC yearbook from 1987 and Martin Dickerson indicated he has a yearbook from his class. I pulled mine out and there is a photo of the Livingston Medium folks and one person is holding up what appears to be a yearbook for the class of 1978 (I scanned a copy of my cover and the picture of an student holding the '78 book).

There may have been a gap in time, but it appears that LC has a history of caputuing student life and the graduating class via the year book. I suggestion for next years reunion...ask alumni to bring their year book or some photos to the luncheon event. Pictures speak volumes to the memories we all have.

2008 Pride Award Winner, Livingston Campus Upgrades

Congratulations to Livingston senior Jacqui Whitfield, who has been selected to receive the Livingston Alumni Association's Pride Award. The Livingston Pride Award is given annually by The Livingston Alumni Association to the graduating senior who most embodies the spirit of Livingston College. The Livingston Pride Award is presented each May at graduation commencement.

Dean of Student Life Lea Stewart presented an update on the Livingston Campus at yesterday's LAA annual meeting. It was great to hear that 7,000 solar panels will be placed at Livingston, with the goal of providing at least 10% of the power needed for the buildings at Livingston and making Livingston the first green campus. Lucy Stone Hall is undergoing renovation, with new furniture to be in place in time for the incoming student population. All of the quads and both towers have received upgrades and a "waterfall" structure will be placed in the plaza by Lucy Stone and Tillett Halls. Renovations to the Livingston Student Center are scheduled to take place in coming months, with recent delays due to recalculating the needs for Internet access and study areas. Once the Student Center upgrades are completed, renovations to the dining area in Tillett will begin. Tillett currently using all-electric equipment for food preparation and that will be upgraded to include hookups for natural gas.

First Livingston Student Tapped For Rutgers Cap & Skull Society

Congratulations to Nick Martucci, LC '09, the first Livingston student ever to be tapped to join the Cap & Skull Society of Rutgers University. Cap & Skull was established in 1900 and recognizes dedication, leadership and academic excellence. Congratulation, Nic!

Early Livingston College Newsletters

Courtesy of Louis Economopoulos, LC '73, here are some early version of Livingston College newsletters, which were named the Mudslide (all of you early Livingston grads know the reason for that name!) and Fango, before becoming the Livingston Medium. View the newsletters. Louis is a journalist in Greece - thanks, Louis, for sharing these great reminders of Livingston's past!

History and Preservation of Livngston College

The Livingston Campus Council's University Affairs Committee recently held a program on the History and Preservation of Livingston College that celebrated the advances that Livingston brought to Rutgers University. More information in a Daily Targum article. No matter how you feel about the creation, history and transformation of Livingston College, the article and findings are important reading.

LAA Board Member Mike Beachem LC '73 Profiled in Star-Ledger

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Beachem, a 1973 graduate of Livingston College and chair of the LAA's Elections and Nominations Committee, on a recent profile in the Star-Ledger. Read the article.

The Reward of Helping Rutgers Students

In February and November 2007, members of the LAA had the opportunity to meet with students through networking night programs and help provide guidance on job searches and using the alumni network to gain contacts for their first job. These programs are among the most rewarding that I have ever participated in as a Rutgers alumnus. Another program is taking place on February 20, 2008, this time in conjunction with the Rutgers Student Activities Committee and with the support of our friends at the Rutgers Alumni Association's undergraduate committee and Rutgers Career Services staff.

If you are an alumnus interested in giving back to your alma mater but don't have the ability to give a financial donation or devote major hours to being a volunteer, this program is a great opportunity to spend just two hours in one evening and give students the value of what you have learned through the years about the job market and life after college.

Rutgers Reunon Weekend

Keep May 16-18, 2008 free for a great Rutgers reunion weekend! We will be holding the first-ever Family Day where alumni can bring their families for a picnic at Johnson Park in Piscataway and catch up with classmates from the past. We'll have great food and great times for all! This program is sponsored by the Livingston Alumni Association and is open to all Rutgers University alumni! Also in the plans: A Knights On Broadway cabaret night featuring Livingston Theatre Company members and a chance to participate in the traditional parade down College Avenue, and the LAA's Annual Meeting. Contact laaemail@alumni.rutgers.edu for more details!