Literary Societies
College literary societies, a kind of social organization typically found in American higher education, were often the precursors of college fraternities and sororities. In 1916, the one existing co-ed college literary society split into the Alpha Kappa Chi society for women and the Mondamin society for men. From there, the numbers grew. Although the focus was officially academic, they were very important to student “fun” as well. Societies put on special dinners and performances, made floats for the Homecoming parade, and held picnics during the school year. One sorority, Lambda Delta Sigma, especially understood the importance of social time as well as academics: “Believing that those who have been initiated into their sisterhood shall be better fitted to face their problems in life, the LDS does not underestimate social activities. It strives to instill into its membership a unity of spirit through the realization of a common aim in their work and pleasure.” Then and Now: Alpha Psi Omega
In 1926, Miss Borghild Bue was made a member of the Alpha Psi Omega, a “national honorary dramatic fraternity.” It was through her efforts that an Alpha Psi Omega chapter was started at Concordia--a chapter that continues to this day! Nearly 90 years old, the Concordia chapter of APO strives to “provide experiences to bond in our “family” that is the theatre”. Events such as dances, karaoke nights, and the annual Drag Show (planned alongside Concordia’s Straight and Gay Alliance) fill the calendar of APO’s members each year. |
The Mondamin Society
The Mondamin society, a name which literally means “corn,” existed from 1916 to 1996. Its members originally included men “particularly interested in forensics” who participated in “inter-collegiate and inter-society debating.” Many were also involved in music at Concordia. Their goal was to create and perpetuate school spirit, and work together to carry out “the Christian ideals and principles of the college in all their activities”-- in an effort to fulfill their motto: “Vincit omnia veritas” (Truth conquers all things). |
Curfew
Concordia College’s curfew was meant to help students create a healthy study schedule for themselves and to sustain the “Concordia image.” “In loco parentis,” the concept that the educational institution can act in place of a parent, is not as prevalent as it once was. There was once a time when students were not allowed to leave campus past 10 p.m. without special permission. Even until 1973, women were instructed to sign into their dorm, and the doors were locked at 10 o’clock at night. Men, however, did not need to follow these curfew regulations. Dorothy Olsen, Dean of Women at Concordia College from 1953 to 1972, was an advocate for gender equality on campus. She changed women’s curfew hours from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. during her time at the college. The change of hours was viewed as “general wrack and ruin of the academic community” by some. Curfew hours were eliminated on a trial basis in 1973, and were permanently abandoned thereafter. |
Dancing
In 1969, the Board of Regents approved a proposal for on-campus dancing, before which no dances were permitted. Dancing policies according to the 1970 student handbook: -The sponsoring organization shall justify the need for the dancing event in regards to the total program of student activities. -The Programmed Activities Commission shall determine what is appropriate dress and whether there are to be restrictions on types of dances. -All dances both on and off campus are to have faculty chaperones. -There shall be no on-campus dancing during Homecoming. |