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Records the reminiscences of Margaret Brooks Burruss, a graduate of the Madison College class of 1945. Describes her decision to enroll at Madison and her first days on campus. Discusses her involvment in the Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma) sorority and briefly mentions other Greek letter societies on campus at that time. Mentions her various roommates and the living conditions in a number of dormitories at the college. Compares the dress codes and rules of conduct for students in her class with those of current JMU undergraduates. Speaks briefly of Madison College President Samuel Duke and Professor John McIlwraith. Relates local reaction to the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Discusses the impact of wartime rationing, as well as the absence of young men, on campus life. Describes various social activities at Madison College, such as May Day, the election of Miss Madison, New Girl/Old Girl Weddings, cotillions and other themed dances. Relates her entry into the field of commercial art upon graduation and her engagement and marriage to Robert Burruss. Discusses briefly her ancestors' experiences during the Civil War, mentioning the battles at Chancellorsville and Port Republic specifically, as well as Union general Phil Sheridan. Briefly mentions former and current Carrier Library Deans Dennis Robison and Ralph Alberico.

Records reminiscences from a group of approximately thirty Madison College alumni in attendance at a discussion program entitled "A Discussion Session on Breaking the Rules." Respondents represented graduating classes from the mid-1940s through the mid-1970s, with a majority representing the classes of 1951 and 1956. Due to the format of the discussion, individual respondents are not identified by name in the transcript, only by gender, and whenever possible, by graduating class year. Opens with a brief discussion of student protest events in 1941 and 1970, including the dismissal of three professors for their parts in the latter protest. Describes the college Standards Committee's influence on student conduct and dating regulations over the years. Recalls anecdotes regarding campus police officer Frank Roberts. Discusses various violations of student conduct codes, including unauthorized driving/riding, drinking, curfew and lights out violations, as well as the honor and dress codes. Describes the various penalties for such violations, including mark downs, revocation of privileges, restriction to campus, and expulsion. Refers to the possession of contraband items in the dormitories, such as alcohol, electrical appliances, and pets. Mentions college Presidents Samuel P. Duke, G. Tyler Miller, Ronald E. Carrier, Deans of Women Ruth Wilkins and Hope Vandever Miller, as well as House Mother Agnes S. Dingledine, who was known on campus as "Mama Ding." Gives a brief account of the stigma and consequences of unplanned pregnancy on campus. Describes various social activities at Madison College, such as May Day, the election of Miss Madison, New Girl/Old Girl Weddings, cotillions and other themed dances. Briefly mentions the advent of coeducation in the late 1960s, and the impact of male undergraduates on the 1970 student protest.