Eisenhower, Elvis and Existentialism
Furman sponsors "Return to the '50s" winter term

After a two-year sabbatical, the "theme winter term" returned to campus last month.

And it was wearing cuffed blue jeans, a white T-shirt and belting out the lyrics of "Heartbreak Hotel."

During the two-month term the university has immersed itself in the politics, culture and economy of the 1950s. There have been lectures on McCarthyism, the Cold War and the "Hot Continent" (Africa). Classic movies such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Some Like It Hot" have been featured in Burgiss Theater. And, of course, there has been music. After all, rock-and-roll took root in the fifties.

The theme winter term debuted in 1998 with "Carnaval," which focused on Latin America. That year, students, faculty and staff listened to salsa bands, read Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, and dined on spicy Latin American dishes. A llama even visited campus. In 1999, "Hellenika" was the theme, featuring all things Greek. The university was treated to a Greek fashion show, the Greek Games and a production of "Antigone."

This year, after a two-year break, Furman revived the concept with its "Return to the '50s." Winter theme terms have been well received. Attendance at the events has, for the most part, been high, and the university seems to welcome the diversion during January and February - the dreariest months of the year.

"It's been a great way to spice up the winter term and learn about another culture or time period," says Judy Bainbridge, Director of Educational Services. "In their own way each winter term has been successful. To make it work you need a lot of interest and participation among the faculty, and we've had that."

But sponsoring a theme term can be expensive. Activities and promotional material associated with "Return to the '50s" cost about $5,000, says Bainbridge, who helps coordinate the activities.

"We enjoy them, but they are an expensive proposition and something that can be easily dropped when funds are low," she says.

A.V. Huff, Vice President for Academic Affairs, says that there are no plans to make thematic winter terms a permanent academic fixture. But they could be held some years when connected to a university event or milestone.

For example, the "Return to the '50s" theme was tied to Furman's 175th anniversary celebration, which officially ends this May.

As part of the winter theme concentration, alumni John Plyler and Nancy Dew Taylor returned to alma mater and joined Ernest Harrill, Professor of Political Science Emeritus, for a talk titled "'On the Hill and at the Zoo:' Furman Life in the 1950s."

The 1950s were a time of tumultuous change for Furman. An influx of new students after World War II crowded Furman's campus, then located in downtown Greenville. Ground for the new campus was broken in 1953 and by the end of the decade most students had been relocated. It was also a decade that witnessed Furman basketball player Frank Selvy accomplish the unthinkable. He scored 100 points against Newberry on February 13, 1954.

If you have not taken part in a "Return to the Fifties" activity, there's still some time. Remaining events include:

o February 11, 7 p.m., Burgiss Theater. "Myth America: The Feminine Icons of the 1950s," illustrated lecture and fashion show. Professor Kathleen Gossman.

o February 12, 3 p.m., McEachern Auditorium, Furman Hall. "Paris in the Age of Sartre: The Birth of Existentialism." A lecture by Professor David Parsell.

o February 18, 8 p.m., Burgiss Theater. Film, "Sweet Smell of Success." Introduced by Professor Vincent Hausmann.

o February 20, 8 p.m., Burgiss Theater. Film, "The Front" (1976). Introduced by Professor Paul Kooistra. Although it was made long after the '50s, this Woody Allen film reflects the struggles of writers "blacklisted" during the McCarthy period.