Fifty years ago, the members of the Class of 1976 crossed the stage at Commencement, marking the end of their time on Union’s campus and the beginning of a lasting legacy with the institution.
Arriving on campus in the early 1970s, Union was in a pivotal time in its history, the early days of coeducation, redefining campus life and continuing to expand opportunities for women in the classroom, athletics and beyond.
Some milestones of their time include:
- In Sept. 1972, scenes from “The Way We Were” starring Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand were filmed on campus.
- In Jan. 1973, Perspective, a four-page insert in the Concordiensis launched. The insert was a monthly supplement to the student newspaper and to present “Black student perspectives and relevant issues concerning the Black community.”
- The dedication of Schaffer Library in Oct. 1974
- Bruce Springsteen performed on campus in the spring of 1974; other notable performers from that era included Jackson Brown, Kool and the Gang and B.B. King.
- The opening of Achilles Rink in late 1975
- Jimmy Carter made a campaign stop at the College in April 1976
- The establishment of the seven-year medical program with Albany Medical College
- The Parker-Rice House, now known as Abbe Hall, was donated to Union. The house, built in 1900, was built for Edwin W. Rice, the second president of the General Electric Co. and college trustee.
- The expansion of women’s athletics, adding tennis, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball and basketball
- A presidential transition from Harold Clark Martin to Thomas Neville Bonner, the 15th president of Union College. Bonner introduced the weekly Campus Chronicle to increase communications and focused on making Union a “better place to live, study and work” through increased employee compensation and more attention to campus recreation.
Class of 1976, we want your memories! Share memories and musings from your time at Union that could be used on Union’s social media channels. Submit them by emailing ucco@union.edu. See ReUnion Weekend details here.
