10 Years Ago
Seniors suffer through a “nightmare graduation.” A torrential downpour occurred, which made usual parking on the grass at the Athletic Center impossible. Side streets were clogged with cars. It was decided that future graduations would be conducted at the Onondaga County War Memorial. It was noted that the War Memorial had been used for the College’s graduation ceremonies until 1962 when the Athletic Center was built. Other problems with use of the center included limited space, which meant limited tickets for guests; backless seats; and poor air conditioning.

Dick Rockwell retires as baseball coach, a position that he assumed at Le Moyne in 1968. Rockwell, who continued in his position as director of athletics, retired from the baseball program with a 757-309 (.710) record over 27 seasons and a legacy as architect of a powerhouse Division I-level baseball team.

On-Campus Housing Enforced. Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Yost explained that the school, along with most private institutions, was suffering from low enrollment, and therefore it was financially necessary to fill vacancies in the dormitories. President Robert Mitchell, S.J. felt that the only way out of the economic deficit was increasing students while not increasing faculty.

Loyola Hall gets a “face lift.” The former Jesuit residence underwent renovations. The work made room for the relocation of several offices, including the president, vice president for campus services and financial services.

New PAC unveiled. Plans for a new performing arts center were announced in October and shared with the campus community through sketches, diagrams and commentary.

The College adopts “code cards.” The Dolphin reporter quoted Joseph Behan from Student Life as saying that the swipe cards would make the campus more secure and efficient. But the Dolphin editor wondered whether the Dolphin Card might hurt Le Moyne as some activities were held in the dorms after 7 p.m., and access would be denied to some students.

Odds and Ends:
The Senior Show was “Guys and Dolls”… Senior Alan Stockwell was the Male Athlete of the Week three times in a row … Basketball star Randi Desiderio, Class of ’96, joined the 1000 Club in February of 1996 … A new Physician Assistant Program was begun in the fall semester.

–William Bosch, S.J., Le Moyne College archivist