A Different Look

A Different Look
by Helmuth O. Froeschle

Arriving at the campus of Montgomery College in 1969 was an experience. After almost thirty years in Army uniform, where almost everything was uniform, I suddenly found myself—after a weekend gap—in a most “ununiform” atmosphere. Perhaps for the old hands at a college the free spirit climate of the ’60s had already passed, but to the newcomer it looked revolutionary.

Long and unkempt hair, bare feet, ragged “uniforms,” and blue-jeans everywhere seemed to be the norm. Actually, at second glance, it wasn’t everyone; there were conventional looking students and conventionally dressed faculty members, but there were enough of the “others” to produce a shock. However, experience also proved that many appeared as they did for shock effect; their effort to appear unconventional was often a role they were playing.

It was interesting to get to know some of the students. One soon found that many of their values were no different from those of the students of the ’30s and ’40s, but they felt a need to show rebellion—in appearance more than any other way. Academically, most were more knowledgeable, but when it came to applying themselves, they appeared to “care less.” They were a generation of affluence with little concern as to what the future might bring; they seemed to think it would be taken care of for them.

Faculty members were equally interesting. Many still retained the traditional distance between the teacher and the student, but many others broke the barriers, not only in dress but in attitude. Some were on a first name basis with their students, and social intercourse seemed as common between faculty and students as it once was only among students.

The need for self-expression seemed to be everywhere. A climax was reached at Board of Trustee meetings that were regularly attended by faculty and students—meetings that frequently lasted long past midnight. There appeared to be a need to dissent to everything proposed by the president and most things considered by the board. Amazingly, a very patient board would sit and listen. For the board it was a very critical time; the College was still relatively new and expanding rapidly, and many policies and procedures had to be formulated. But they listened and listened and listened.

It was an unusual climate to be thrust into, but it was enjoyable. Even though very trying at times, it was stimulating for an “old” man. My ten years spent with the College were years that brought many changes: a new campus, a rebuilt campus, many new programs, and even a new look in students.

By the end of the ’70s conformity in appearance was again in mode. Studies had again become important. Policies and procedures had been reestablished and refined. Peace seemed to have come to the College. The revolution had run its course. The College had reestablished its role as an institution of higher education.

Central Administration: Director of Public Relations, 1969–1979; Director of Public Relations Emeritus.