Collections : [James Madison University]

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 the reminiscences of Marylou Musser Brown, a graduate of the Madison College class of 1952. Recalls her decision to attend Madison College and her early days on campus. Describes the series of events which led to her becoming a music major. Briefly mentions the teaching style of Dr. Raymond C. Dingledine, Jr. Discusses being present for the rehearsals and presentation of the inaugural performance of the Robert Shaw Chorale, held at Madison College in 1948. Recalls joining the Methodist Student Movement and its involvement in the nascent Civil Rights Movement. Mentions summer employment at the Western State Hospital in Staunton, Va., and at the Philadelphia State Hospital. Recalls attending classes with Martin Luther King, Jr., while in graduate school. Speaks of teaching in segregated schools at the time of the U.S Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Bd. of Education in 1954. Describes her views on gender roles as exemplified by sorority life, pageants, and celebrations such as May Day and the May Court. Remarks on the freedoms and opportunities afforded girls in the present day, particularly the effect of Title IX on women's athletics programs, that were not available to female students of her generation. Closes with comments on the paternal role played by college administrators in the 1950s.