Harpur Remembers the Gold at University Fest
Offering something for everyone, University Fest drew record crowds to the BU campus this weekend. Featuring a free book giveaway, the Fest gave returning (and brand-new) students as well as members of the local community an opportunity to pick up some free 'stuff', listen to some great music and do some shopping. And Harpur College was there, offering students, both past and present, a glimpse into the past...along with a free pencil and pen.

Sponsored by BU, the Student Association and the Division of Student Affairs, the annual University Fest featured crafts and vendors, music and kid's games and of course, the biggest draw card, the free books. Distributed through Operation Outreach, an organization that distributes books along the Appalachian Mountain Range to nonprofit organization, over 40,000 books, with titles ranging from 'The Titanic' to 'The Cookie Book' were up for grabs. But before the book hunters could reach the freebies, they had to get by the Harpur College table. With a table display reflecting Harpur's 50th Anniversary and tons of brochures from each of the College's departments and programs, Harpur proved to be a bit of a bottle-neck. Book fans, heading to the giveaway tent, stopped by to peruse some of the display's archive photos, picked up a free pen and pencil or paused to chat with College representatives, causing quite a jam in the proceedings. Don Wood '54 pointed out the photo of Lincoln House, one of Harpur College's early dormitories, to his wife, Barbara. "I remember going to visit friends in that house," he said. Freshman, Lauren Tully discussed undergraduate opportunities with Dean Mileur, while other passers-by marveled at three aerial shots of the campus taken during the 50's, 60's and early 70's, remarking predictably enough, 'how things have changed.'

Winners of the Harpur drawing at University Fest: Anne Convertino, Shiju Varkey and Ruth Peterdorf. TOP

Harpur College Goes Dancing!


Harpur College will be kicking up its heels in celebration of its 50th Anniversary at a student dance party to be held on September 10, 2000.

The event, titled 'What About Bob?', will honor Robert Harpur, after whom the College was named. In fact, the 'Bob' party will be held almost exactly 50 years to the day that the College's name was changed from 'Triple Cities College' to 'Harpur College.' Back then, Triple Cities College had only months earlier, been adopted into the newly formed State University System. And with its new status, came the need for a new name. Suggestions poured in from the community, both on and off campus. 'Johnson College', 'Watson College', 'Chenango College' and even 'The College of the Valley of Opportunity.'. But on September 11, 1950 SUNY trustees pared down the list and selected a name that gave a 'nod' to both education in New York State and to local history. They decided to name the college after Robert Harpur, an 18th century educator and Broome County landowner. On September 10, Harpur College will join with all BU students to reflect on the Trustees' choice...and dance the night away! The 'What About Bob?' celebration will start at 9:30 p.m. in the Mandela Room and will feature good food, tons of prizes and lots of fun! There are even plans for a team trivia challenge to test students' knowledge of Harpur history.

Harpur College kicked off its 50th Anniversary celebrations earlier this year with a spectacular performance by Artists-in-Residence, THE SECOND HAND. Harpur then took the celebration to the streets, participating in the Town of Union's annual July 4 parade. Founding faculty Professors Bernardo and Pellegrini greeted the crowds from alum, Robin Alpaugh's 1964 Lincoln Continental. Across campus, the Anniversary celebration is also well represented in the Library and the campus bookstore via displays of Harpur memorabilia and photos. For more information on Harpur's history and Robert Harpur, visit http://harpur.binghamton.edu/history.htm TOP

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