Kent State Stark included among its student body two celebrities in 1968. Ronnie Harris won the gold medal in boxing at the XIX Olympic Games in Mexico City. He was awarded a scholarship and planned a career in medicine. Leslyn Hiple, a biology student, became Miss Ohio 1968. With the passage of State Issue One, Governor Rhodes pledged $1 million for capital improvements for the Stark Campus. After a contest to name the campus' mascot, student government announced the name "Cobras" submitted by John Hartsock was selected. Notable names not selected included "Cougars" and "Golden Impalas."
Browse the 1968 Collections
Montage Oct. 4, 196810/04/1968Freshman Ted Byers is nicknamed "Father Time" for his nighttime vigil of the burning K. Student government announces a contest for a campus mascot. Armed policemen on campus and new student senate legislation prohibiting guns on campus cause controversy. |
Montage Oct. 11, 196810/11/1968Stark branch students can now call the student government president directly via a new hotline. Father Time's 32 night vigil ends soon. UNITY youth group recruits students to volunteer in a tutoring program for community members. |
Montage Oct. 18, 196810/18/1968The paper's first presidential preference poll favors Nixon. A group of non-students causes trouble on campus, calling the attention of faculty, student government, and Canton police. |
Montage Oct. 25, 196810/25/1968In response to some previous incidents, student government passes legislation regarding visitors on campus. Intramural football moves toward semi-finals and the basketball team moves to a new league. |
Montage Nov. 1, 196811/01/1968Kentview Inc. plans to develop more land for the campus. Student Ronnie Harris wins boxing gold at the XIX Olympic Games. A guest columnist addresses "proper appearance and conduct" of students. |
Montage Nov. 8, 196811/08/1968Olympic champion and student Ronnie Harris receives recognition and a scholarship back home. The casts for two University Theatre plays are announced. The majorette line gets two new members. |
Montage Nov. 15, 196811/15/1968The branch kicks off basketball season with a pep rally. State Issue One is passed, allowing the branch to receive funding for expansion. A Shakespearean actress speaks at the branch and encourages students to love their work. |
Montage Nov. 22, 196811/22/1968The branch student senate passed a resolution to allow 3.2 beer on campus. Theater productions include No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre and The Wings of the Soul by Nicholas Evreinov. Branch basketball team defeats Wadsworth and Tuscarawas. |
Montage Dec. 6, 196812/06/1968Homecoming Queen nominees are announced. Julian Bond, a controversial Democrat, planned to lecture on campus. The branch decides on a new nickname and mascot, "the Cobras". |